Recently I performed some wireless network troubleshooting for a client who owned a popular restaurant in a busy downtown district where wireless congestion was common. We tried switching wireless channels on their Wireless-G network using tools such as nSSIDer for assistance with analyzing the spectrum, but we didn't have any luck in improving the signal. The problem was that in the front area of the restaurant, guests could easily connect and use the internet without any trouble. But near the back of the establishment, thanks to distance of greater than 75 feet or so and a couple of large brick walls, the signal quality and strength was terrible. Worst of all, the offices were in the back of the building, roughly 100 feet away, and three or more walls separated them from the router.
Eventually we settled on this product. Once it arrived, setup was a breeze. I plugged it into a wall socket, gave it a moment to initialize, and then logged into its web server backend using a web browser pointed to the specified IP Address (don't worry; it's easy). From there, a wizard actually walks you through the available options: repeating or actually setting up a parallel (separate) network which shares the same internet/network connectivity.
It's pretty simple how it works in case you aren't familiar. The device connects as a client to the existing wireless network, then emits its own signal separately using, by default, the same network settings (SSID, encryption, and security settings) to either enhance the existing signal or add another network connectivity option with a separate SSID and even different encryption if you choose. This allows you to easily correct problems with poor signal quality, coverage, or range.
In our experimenting with setting it up, we found that placing it probably 75% of the way from the existing router toward the fringe of its signal coverage was the best option. The device still held a solid signal (it packs a pretty good antenna design) and emitted a very powerful second signal to enhance the network. Clients connecting to the wireless network interface transparently with the device after it's added to the equation, so no reconfiguration is necessary.
Bottom line, if you're having signal quality issues, it's a great buy. Nothing will make wireless as reliable as wired, of course, but this device will go a long way toward correcting any problems you have (within reason).
Eventually we settled on this product. Once it arrived, setup was a breeze. I plugged it into a wall socket, gave it a moment to initialize, and then logged into its web server backend using a web browser pointed to the specified IP Address (don't worry; it's easy). From there, a wizard actually walks you through the available options: repeating or actually setting up a parallel (separate) network which shares the same internet/network connectivity.
It's pretty simple how it works in case you aren't familiar. The device connects as a client to the existing wireless network, then emits its own signal separately using, by default, the same network settings (SSID, encryption, and security settings) to either enhance the existing signal or add another network connectivity option with a separate SSID and even different encryption if you choose. This allows you to easily correct problems with poor signal quality, coverage, or range.
In our experimenting with setting it up, we found that placing it probably 75% of the way from the existing router toward the fringe of its signal coverage was the best option. The device still held a solid signal (it packs a pretty good antenna design) and emitted a very powerful second signal to enhance the network. Clients connecting to the wireless network interface transparently with the device after it's added to the equation, so no reconfiguration is necessary.
Bottom line, if you're having signal quality issues, it's a great buy. Nothing will make wireless as reliable as wired, of course, but this device will go a long way toward correcting any problems you have (within reason).
Product Description
The WR300N device can take an existing 802.11n wireless signal, repeat and send it to a longer range where it is too far away for the router or access point to reach. It eliminates the cable wires while providing the same reliable network connection. It can repeat and extend the wireless signal from virtually any 802.11n wireless router or access point that is launched on the market. It is backwards compatible with the 802.11b/g router or access point.
Features
- Receives weak wireless signals and extends the signal range to greater distances eliminating wireless dead spots
- Create a wireless network by connecting the device to a wired router/cable modem or DSL modem
- Receives wireless signal from your home wireless network and convert to wired Ethernet connections for non wireless devices such as internet ready
- Supports wireless 802.11b/g/n standards with one 10/100Base-T Ethernet port, 1 year limited warranty
- HDTV's, gaming consoles (PS3) and internet ready blue ray players
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