Comparing Repeater, Access Point, Router Functions: Enhancing WiFi in Rural Areas

Dear Forum Members,

I have already looked through our WiFiforum and unfortunately I have not come across a topic that would explain how "cow peasant in a ditch" the difference between:
1. Repeater,
2. Access Point,
3. Router (with two transmitting and receiving radios)

Unfortunately, I live in the countryside and unfortunately I cannot connect to Neostrada (although my neighbor across the street has Neostrada). Therefore, I am taking advantage of the courtesy of the neighbor who gives me a WiFi signal.
Unfortunately, the signal is so weak that I can use the Internet in only one place using a network card with a reinforced antenna. ( hihi).

1. I would also like to use this internet in all my rooms on two computers simultaneously.
2. I would like to receive a WIFi radio signal from a neighbor and at home and broadcast this WiFi radio signal to home users.
3. I would also like to be able to control what the other user is doing on the other computer (my child). e.g. disconnect the computer from the network through the device's administration panel.

I go from store to store, browse Allegro and everyone offers me something different. Some Repater, others Acces Point and others Router with dowma radios.

PLEASE help me make a good choice, so that I would not regret later that I bought a Repeater and the Acces Point pointer, and preferably I would buy a Router with dowma independent radios.

PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME (Like a cow in a ditch) WHAT THE THREE DEVICES ARE DIFFERENT. ????

1. Access Point with two OVISLINK AIRLIVE G.DUO radio modules
OVISLINK AirLive G.DUO Access Point TWO INDEPENDENT RADIOs at 801.11b / g PoE 4x LAN
2. AirLive G.DUO, 2 independent 802.11b / g radios
3. OVISLINK AirLive AP WiF G Dual-Band G.Duo ROUTER


... of course, in the shops everyone offered me something different and from other producers.

Regulations point 10.9, 10.11, 11.2, 15 - Please correct the post.
[DriverMSG]

Repeater - the device receives and sends the same signal, gently amplifying it. Why gently because it uses the same antenna to receive and send the signal.

In your case, an investment that does not pay off.

Access Point - a device that converts the signal from a network cable into a WiFi signal (like a router) or the other way round, i.e. receives the radio signal and transmits it to the network cable.

Router - a network device that is used to manage addressing, routing, network traffic, and other things that can also act as a wifi access point (network cable -> wifi)

Router with 2 radios - a device that can both work as an Access Point Client and Access Point Router, i.e. with one card, it receives a radio signal from, for example, one antenna located outside the address, which will be appropriately converted (routed) and forwarded as a wifi signal to another antenna (built-in to WiFi around the house) and via the network cable (PC, TV, etc.).


Your next question about the three devices:

They only differ in name. You are feeding the same OVISLINK AirLive G.DUO all the time.

Quote:

1. I would also like to use this internet in all my rooms on two computers simultaneously.

WIFI router located in a central place in the house to cover all (most) rooms.

Quote:

2. I would like to receive a WIFi radio signal from a neighbor and at home and broadcast this WiFi radio signal to home users.

Solution number 1:
Ovislink Duo (that is what you gave above) + external antenna that receives the signal from the neighbor, and the router is placed more or less in the center of the house (the length of the antenna cable affects the quality of the signal, you need to choose the right antenna and cable length max. 10 - 15m depending on the antenna )

Solution number 2:
Access Point Client (device to choose from) with an external antenna screwed on the device placed in a convenient place in the house (short antenna cable) and from it a LAN network cable to the device sending a radio signal around the house (AP Router also to choose from) network cable length up to 100m )

Quote:

3. I would also like to be able to control what the other user is doing on the other computer (my child). e.g. disconnect the computer from the network through the device's administration panel.

A good router, for example, a Linksys WRT54 series with TOMATO or DD-WRT software loaded, but there will be NO FULL insight into what the user is doing, only the IP of the computers with which he communicates or the traffic he generated. For full surveillance, there are routers from higher price ranges (thousands of zlotys) or some server router on linux, for example.

Hello "hicat", thank you very much for your comprehensive answer.

But from what I found on Allegro - Access Point: OVISLINK AirLive G.DUO Access Point TWO INDEPENDENT RADIOs in 801.11b / g PoE 4x LAN

has two independent radios that have one antenna to receive the WIFI signal and transmit the other antenna, i.e. their description shows that this model does not require cable Internet

.... hmmm am I reasoning well ???

Yes.

But in order for this router to cover the whole house, you need to place it somewhere in the center of the house. And in order for it to receive the signal from the neighbor well, you must also lead the cable from the external antenna to it, because I doubt that there will be a range from the neighbor in the central place.

mijo_ wrote:

has two independent radios that have one antenna to receive the WIFI signal and transmit the other antenna, i.e. their description shows that this model does not require cable Internet

.... hmmm am I reasoning well ???

You reason well. I will write more: G.DUO has been specially designed for cases similar to yours - that is, you receive a (weak) wifi signal and you need to "strengthen" it at home (I write in quotation marks, because it is not direct amplification, but using two independent radio modules ).
HERE you have my mini router review. I pay attention to the drawing with a radio mast and a house, which IMO illustrates well the basic application of G.DUO (the mast generally symbolizes the provider of the net over wifi, in your case it is the neighbor's AP). HERE you will find a description of the most common configuration used in "sharing" the internet (WISP + AP mode).
Also look for topics related to the separation of the radio Internet - they were (and are) quite often on the forum.

Greetings -

Stanley

I propose WRT54GL because I use the same situation as the author of the topic.
In my case, changing the software to DD-WRT allows me to use my laptop anywhere in the house. Additionally, we gain 4 + 1 free ports for connecting computers via cable.

Samuraj wrote:

I propose WRT54GL because I use the same situation as the author of the topic.
In my case, changing the software to DD-WRT allows me to use my laptop anywhere in the house.

I understand you are using repeater mode? Well, let's assume that for a stable reception of the signal coming from the outside, however, it will be advisable to screw a better antenna, for example a directional antenna (eg a panel), while an omnidirectional antenna will be indicated for the "distributed" signal in the house. How do you reconcile it? (without buying additional AP?)

Quote:

Additionally, we gain 4 + 1 free ports for connecting computers via cable.

G. DUO also has LAN ports, to connect computers via cable - as you can see in the review pictures, there are four of them. Well, one less ... ;-)

Greetings -

Stanley

PS In my opinion, if it is supposed to work properly, there is no better way than two independent radio modules (one receives, the other "broadcasts): either in the form of one box (but with two radios) in the G.DUO style, or two separate ones connected by a twisted pair ( he mentioned such a solution hicat )

From experience I will say that you can forget that in the central point of the house you will receive a signal from your neighbor and send it around the house.
I have AirLive G.DUO and unfortunately I had to connect an external antenna and I had the same situation as you.
Therefore, consider installing a panel of some kind

[mijo_] - One last time please - correct your post.

And I found something like this: WAR-54Gv2 WLAN broadband 802.11g AP Router Compact Size

So: "A set of 2 APs is an ideal solution when we want to receive and distribute the Internet wirelessly, the set is a cheaper alternative to the G-DUO Ovislink and a better solution, especially when we use more than 5m of coaxial cable with signal losses. Thanks to 2 devices, one of the devices can be placed in the attic, attic or in a hermetic box next to the antenna, and the other device can be connected via a twisted-pair cable anywhere in the building.
AP description:

WAR-54Gv2 WLAN broadband 802.11g AP Router Compact Size
WAR-54Gv2 TechnicLAN is an advanced, compact AP / Router based on the Realtek RTL-8186 chipset, designed for continuous operation and for the most demanding installations, even in companies providing wireless network / Internet access. WAR-54G is not only equipped with a RADIATOR cooling the main chipset, but also with very advanced functions. AP / Router also has a Watchdog and a high transmitting power reaching 20dBm. The standard function of the AP / Router is also the UNIVERSAL REPEATER MODE which allows you to use the device as an AP / Client (WISP) and a repeater at the same time (AP / Router in client mode can simultaneously receive a signal - split into lan ports and forward by radio to other WiFi receiver). To meet the expectations of the most demanding users, AP / Router has been prepared for PoE (so-called PoE ready). This means that the power supply and data transmission signal can be sent to WAR-54Gv2 using only one cable (LAN cable), which greatly facilitates the installation of wireless networks.
WDS
AP Client
WSIP
AP
Bridge
Universal Repeater Mode

In AP Client mode, all lan ports work as switches. The 4-port switch allows you to connect additional devices.

For the security of network connections, many encryption modes such as 64 / 128WEP Encryption, WPA2, WPA with TKIP, 802.1x, and VPN have been introduced. WAR-54G also has a built-in firewall to protect the network against hackers.

Summary
Compatible with IEEE 802.11b / g 2.4 GHz systems with maximum operating speed up to 54Mbps
To ensure high-quality network access, it supports QoS (Quality of Service)
Multiple working modes: bridge, WISP, WDS, gateway, AP, Bridge
Securing your network with a simple firewall and encryption, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x, VPN pass-though
Additional advantages
Simple to install and use
Eliminating the need for an additional switch or haba to share the link
Built-in 4-port swich
Simple to configure via a web browser "

And I found this equipment here: http://yagi.pl/zecja-1szt-odbir-rozsy-p-1604....sid=009201eb799c60875aeb1001af9f0569#recenzje

We have many professionals here, so please compare these products.

Psaraki wrote:

so please compare these products.

Comparison with what? With G.DUO? If so, in my opinion:
- if the place where the wifi signal is well received and the place where the signal will be sent are relatively far away from each other (a bit academic example: antenna on the roof of a ten-story building, AP broadcasting in an apartment on the ground floor) - then such a solution (i.e. two devices connected by twisted pair ) is the best, or even the only possible, and there is no point in discussing (it was *)

Otherwise:
- regarding costs: the set of these two routers is advertised as a cheaper alternative to G.DUO and costs PLN 192.20 gross in the promotion. I look at Ceneo - at the moment G.DUO can be bought the cheapest for 189.99-. So the above "promotion" is not a revelation. In addition, since about the cash register: in the case of G.DUO (1 box), I estimate the savings in power consumption at about PLN 35 / year compared to two separate boxes (I assume the consumption of about 10W / box, the energy price is about PLN 0.40 / kWh) (it was *)
- one box in the form of G.DUO is IMO easier to set up and manage (though I'm not saying it's cliche) than two. Especially for an inexperienced person who does not have certain basics about the network, does not have this "flair". I've already seen a few topics here, where he already bought two boxes, probably wanting to save a few zlotys, and then in endless posts he begged for help in the configuration (it was *)

To sum up a bit: judge for yourself what will be better in your situation. The choice is yours.

Greetings -

Stanley

(it was *) - it was on the electrode.

And is there any other alternative device for the AirLive G.DUO on the market? Is there no other and it only remains to buy AirLive G.DUO?
greetings

You can always install two separate access points, the cost may be a little cheaper.

I thought so too, but I wanted to have everything in one device. Does any of your colleagues know if there is anything other than AirLive G.DUO but working on the same principle?

zaborca wrote:

but I wanted everything in one device. Does any of your colleagues know if there is anything other than AirLive G.DUO but working on the same principle?

Operating in b / g standards, having two independent radios contained in a small housing, intended for home / SOHO, budget (~ 200 PLN) - not at the moment.

Greetings -

Stanley

I propose a different solution, consisting of 2 devices
1 is an antenna from Ap, for example:

It will provide you with a very strong and stable signal with fast roaming from the neighbor, the advantage is that the LAN cable enters the house.
This cable (of course, after configuring the ap which is in the antenna) is plugged into a switch with the possibility of wireless broadcasting, with the switch you can connect to stationers, and wifi to the inside of the house. ,,,
There are tons of cheap devices that will send it around your home by "taking" the signal from lan.
Some (the better ones) have advanced connection control capabilities
for example, it is possible to determine at what times the wifi signal is to be emitted to the interior of the house. Eg 8-21 and the child has no net.
It all depends on your creativity and your wallet.
The more inventiveness, the less money is needed.
But the antenna to receive the signal you just gotta have a good one
greetings

faraway.pl wrote:

I propose a different solution, consisting of 2 devices
1 is an antenna from Ap, for example:

Well, my friend @zaborca clearly asked about a single device, i.e. having 2 radios integrated in one housing ...

Greetings -

Stanley

There is no golden mean, and the device I propose, i.e. an antenna with AP and a router or switch with wifi, is undoubtedly a cheap and effective solution.
After all, most of us have a "cable" net, be it a lan or a local cable TV, and only one we distribute at home.
One device .... hmm ..... it is possible, but let's take into account the disadvantages of such a solution, i.e. in this case there must be an antenna "collecting" the net, and it is known that the longer the antenna cable, the greater the loss signal, which in this case is still weak, and with the AP antenna there is no problem because the received signal continues practically (taking into account the distance in the house) lossless.
Secondly, the processing device, "repeater" or "bridge", and retransmitting at the same time, this is quite expensive and at the same time damn complicated to configure (I know what I say), unless we order someone to set up ,,, (additional costs)
So taking into account the cost of installation and the complexity of operation, I think my proposal is worth your attention.

Hello and thank you very much for your answer and help.
This is exactly the answer I expected from my colleague Stanley_P.
It turns out that I will have to buy the mentioned AirLive G.DUO.
My colleague's idea, faraway.pl, is also very interesting and noteworthy, but unfortunately it will not work in my case. I already have two antennas. One is at home, from where I send myself a signal, and the other is in a different place where I receive this signal. All in all, I am now wondering if, instead of investing in AirLive, G.DUO can consider such an antenna with AP and connect it with a switch, as proposed by my colleague faraway.pl. A colleague knows how much such an event can cost and can he recommend a specific inexpensive model of antenna and switch?
Thank you very much and best regards to everyone

faraway.pl wrote:

There is no golden mean, and the device I propose, i.e. an antenna with AP and a router or switch with wifi, is undoubtedly a cheap and effective solution.
After all, most of us have a "cable" net, be it a lan or a local cable TV, and only one we distribute at home.
One device .... hmm ..... it is possible, but let's take into account the disadvantages of such a solution, i.e. in this case there must be an antenna "collecting" the net, and it is known that the longer the antenna cable, the greater the loss signal, which in this case is still weak, and with the AP antenna there is no problem because the received signal continues practically (taking into account the distance in the house) lossless.

There may be no golden mean, but fortunately you can choose the equipment depending on the specific case, applications, needs and, of course, finances. I try to choose the size of the hammer to the size of the nails, and the screwdriver to the size and shape of the screws.
Of course: if the cable connecting the classic passive antenna with the receiver would be too long (in practice, max. 10m; signal attenuation) then there is only a solution with two APs (a bit of jargon writing: the first receives, the second sends wifi) connected via twisted-pair cable. So what you propose and what has been on the forum many times. Even in this thread, read carefully post # 2, p.2 from @hicat, and what I briefly wrote in post # 11 ("a bit academic example").

But there are situations when the user can deal with the problem of "strengthening" or "separating" wifi (it is called variously on the forum) with one device - the mentioned Airlive G.DUO (as long as the issue concerns the network in the currently most popular b / g standards) . Of course: this solution has its drawbacks (not always it can be used optimally), but also advantages: at least one aesthetic box, one power supply, configuration and management of one device, no twisted pair connecting both APs.

Quote:

Secondly, a device that converts, "repeater" or "bridge", and retransmits at the same time, toto is quite expensive

Expensive? The thing is relative, but the price of G.DUO is around ~ 200 PLN. If you have a car, you currently pay more for one full refuel. For this price, you have a device with two independent radio paths (for example, you receive an unencrypted network on channel 1, you send an encrypted WPA2 on channel 13), almost immediately ready for work, a matter of configuration, or rather often reconfiguration. Additionally, if necessary, an additional antenna (e.g. panel) plus a cable, let's say around PLN 80-100.

Quote:

and at the same time damn complicated to configure (I know what I'm saying), unless we commission someone to set it up ,,, (additional costs)
So taking into account the cost of installation and the complexity of maintenance

Damn complicated? Probably the other way around: I find precisely setting up two separate devices more difficult. Maybe not for you and not for me, but not everyone is an IT specialist with a specialization in network devices (by the way, I'm just an amateur). A real-life example: even THIS thread . Another thing is that only after more than 30 posts of unsuccessful attempts to get to the router's configuration panel it turned out that the forum user has a damaged LAN card in a PC ...
And regarding the difficulty of configuring G.DUO: LINK he was already in this discussion, had you read it carefully. I am not saying that it is a piece of cake in every case and for everyone. But from the information that reached me, I suppose that the description helped many people, including (or maybe most of all?) Those not very advanced.
As a curiosity: at the link below you can "dry" (ie without buying the device ) watch and practice a little G.DUO configuration:
http://citymedia.pl/al/demo/G.DUO/home_wispap.htm
Firmware a bit outdated , obviously some options do not work as in the real device. Nevertheless, you can get a general idea of the available operating modes, functions, possibilities, etc.

Quote:

I think my suggestion is worth your attention.

Yes, but no offense: you haven't discovered America. Most importantly, I believe that the user has a choice of solutions and devices - and hopefully as much as possible.

Greetings -

Stanley

I support ... even a brewery on this account I will drink
The most important thing is that we helped ...