Wireless Repeating/Extending options help needed

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Jan 31, 2016

• #1

I have a Netgear WAC120 AP that generally works well. However, after installing a security camera on the outside I found a deadspot. I have played with the AP placement, channels,.. and decided that I need some kind of repeater/extender solution.

I would like a solution that "learns" or applies my current MAC filtering on the WAC120. Also, I want to keep the same (un-broadcasted) SSID if possible. Is this even possible? Also, on same channel?

Therefore, I started to look at the Netgear EX6150. However, I also read the SMB article about the limitations of such devices.

I do have a network connection with a mini-switch nearby the deadspot. Does this open better possibilities? Simply adding another AP?

 

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netwrks

Senior Member

• Jan 31, 2016

• #2

Adding an AP off your switch is the best solution, than any extender. Your ACL will still work, as the MAC address doesn't get changed / appended, like extenders and virtual MAC's..

 

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Jan 31, 2016

• #3

Is this the bridge mode of the AP?

How will experience such a network when walking around with a mobile device? Will it automatically hop from one to the other radio?

 

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netwrks

Senior Member

• Jan 31, 2016

• #4

Stay away from the NG Extender stuff. Purchase a router that supports Access Point mode. Once configured, Ethernet Cable the new AP to your switch. Clients either roam well or not. Some stick to current connection until the signal is so poor it actually looses connection. You may be able to use same SSID for your environment, or not.. Testing required.

 

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Jan 31, 2016

• #5

Ok. I am thinking getting the same AP that I have already makes sense.
Here is the manual:
http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/WAC120/WAC120_RM_19Aug14.pdf

Do I configure bridge client mode (page 47)?

 

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Feb 2, 2016

• #6

Still a bit unsure on how to tackle the two AP setup.
This article shows a setup where there is a powerline com. instead of a wire to the wire. But how do I need to configure the master and slave AP to work as desired?

 

pete y testing

Very Senior Member

• Feb 2, 2016

• #7

nikleb said:

But how do I need to configure the master and slave AP to work as desired?

Click to expand...

no just run ethernet to where its needed and run the second access point up with the same ssid and password just use different channel to that of the primary APeg one on ch 1 and the other on say ch 6 or 11

 

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Feb 2, 2016

• #8

OK. that is easy enough. But how will AP2 "learn" the MAC filters form AP1?

 

pete y testing

Very Senior Member

• Feb 3, 2016

• #9

nikleb said:

But how will AP2 "learn" the MAC filters form AP1?

Click to expand...

now are you talking access control type filters or just wlan mac address filtering ?

as wlan mac address filtering is about as useful as tits on a bull lol

suggest you have a read of this

The six dumbest ways to secure a wireless LAN
http://www.zdnet.com/article/the-six-dumbest-ways-to-secure-a-wireless-lan/

will give you a guess what the number one dumbest way is

suggest if its just to secure your wlan just use wpa2 wireless security with AES encryption

 

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Feb 3, 2016

• #10

No disagreement. But I do like the double-door idea. One other usage I have is to manage who gets to use my 5Ghz radio.

 

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nikleb

Regular Contributor

• Feb 13, 2016

• #11

So, I ended up with a second WAC120 AP. My problem spot is solved.
However, I am surprised about the difference how devices behave in switching between my two AP's. It seems that it takes a lot for a device to switch to the better AP, hanging on to the old radio. In particular, Apple devices seem to really stick.

 

sfx2000

Part of the Furniture

• Feb 13, 2016

• #12

nikleb said:

Apple devices seem to really stick

Click to expand...

Apple devices tend to start looking once RSSI drops below -70dBM - otherwise they don't have a reason to do the jump to hyperspace...