Need to extend wireless range of DIR-655

[diggityDawg]

I just changed my router from an old Buffalo WRT-G54S router to the D-Link DIR-655. The reason I upgraded was to provide gigabit connections to all wired devices throughout the network. I do stream media, including high-def video, throughout the house, but only using the wired network. I used to have the Buffalo router in a server room (closet under the stairs), and two identical Buffalo routers acting as Access Points/Repeaters downstairs and upstairs. I've since replaced those bridges with D-Link gigabit switches, since all of my network devices are hard-wired to the network. The problem I'm having is that I have a couple devices like my wife's laptop and my iPhone that uses the wireless network occasionally (just for internet access) and without those access points the signal is kinda weak coming only from the router in the closet. So I'd like to replace one or two of the switches with something that would extend the wireless network signal throughout the house. What I was thinking I would get is the D-Link DAP1522. Just not entirely sure that's what I need. Right now I don't need it to act as a repeater, just an AP. Is there a cheaper way to achieve this, or would this be my best option?

FYI, the house is about 2300sf, upstairs and downstairs, and is fairly efficient in it's layout, so there's not a ton of distance between any one area and another. The walls are standard drywall, nothing fancy or old - the house is about 25 years old.

Thanks for the advice! -eddie

 

[thiggins]

The DAP1522 would work. But you can just convert one (or two) of the old Buffalo routers to an AP.
How To Convert a Wireless Router into an Access Point

 

[diggityDawg]

Thanks Tim, I'll read through that article you linked to.

Can I just confirm I understand what you're saying:

I would leave the current gigabit switches and have my non-wireless devices connected to those. Then set up one of the old Buffalo routers as an AP and plug it in wherever I need it and leave it. So the only reason I would want to use the 1522 instead would be to minimize my power consumption by only using one device as a gigabit switch and wireless AP at the same time?

Thanks again

 

[thiggins]

Basically, yes on both points.