Extending Wireless--a few questions
tntpointer
Enthusiast - Level 2

I posted a while back about needing to extend wireless coverage to an RV about 60 feet from the current router.  Well, I finally am getting around to it, but still have a few questions.

I have the Westell A90-9100EM 15-10 model.  

I've read the "Can I get an ethernet connection in a room with only coax" article.

So I understand I need a splitter, router and extra cable.

Since I have the Westell, does it matter if I buy another of the exact same model or would the Actiontec MI424-WR work just as well?

The part about reconfiguring it has me a bit confused.  Can I hook it up to a laptop to do it, even though I'm receiving wi-fi on that laptop from my present modem?  

It sounds like using another Westell involves a bit more configuring, is that correct?  If so, then the Actiontec would probably be a bit easier?

Thank you,

TJ

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Re: Extending Wireless--a few questions
jmw1950
Specialist - Level 2

Rather than adding a splitter, coax, and another westell or Actionec, you might want to consider using a powerline ethernet adapter to get from the current router the location where you want to put the wireless access point. These devices use your household wiring to transmit ethernet signals. So you would take a cat 5 cable, plug one end into an available port on the router, and the other into the powerline ethernet adapter (that plugs into the wall). At the other end, plug the cat 5 cable into the other powerline ethernet adapter, and connect that to the wireless access point.

That would allow you to use your own wireless access point (which would probably support the higher speeds of 802.11n), and is probably simpler than trying to configure the two MOCA capable routers.

I

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Re: Extending Wireless--a few questions
Anti-Phish1
Master - Level 1

@tntpointer wrote:

1) Since I have the Westell, does it matter if I buy another of the exact same model or would the Actiontec MI424-WR work just as well?

2)  The part about reconfiguring it has me a bit confused.  Can I hook it up to a laptop to do it, even though I'm receiving wi-fi on that laptop from my present modem?  

3)  It sounds like using another Westell involves a bit more configuring, is that correct?  If so, then the Actiontec would probably be a bit easier?


1)  It does not matter.  Either another Westell or an Actiontec will work.

2)  Connect the laptop to the second router.  Temporarily disable wireless on the laptop so it's only talking to the second router.

3)  Configuration is identical between a Westell and an Actiontec.

Note:  The configuration steps in the FAQ you referenced ONLY apply to the second router.  Never to the primary router.

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