FAQ
TL;DR: Extending Sky Wi‑Fi and wiring one LAN device? Repeaters can cut throughput by 50%, and "use one radio for reception and transmission." Prefer an AP Client bridge or Powerline (PLC) for stability and streaming audio. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
Why it matters: You’ll avoid unstable repeaters and get reliable Ethernet over Wi‑Fi or mains wiring without drilling.
Quick Facts
- Target approx. −70 dBm at the receiver; weaker links cause drops or throttling. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
- Single‑radio repeaters halve throughput by design; AP Client preserves LAN performance. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
- PLC/Powerline kits (e.g., AV500) can add Wi‑Fi and Ethernet over wall sockets. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17270915]
- USB‑powered nano routers (5 V), like Nexx WT3020 or TL‑WR702N, can bridge Wi‑Fi to LAN. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17272118]
- Sky SR101 lacks alternative firmware; don’t rely on it as a wireless client bridge. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17274771]
How do I connect a LAN‑only device to my Sky Wi‑Fi without running a cable?
Use a tiny router in AP Client (client/bridge) mode. A TL‑WR702N can bridge your Sky Wi‑Fi to the amplifier’s Ethernet. Power it from the amp’s USB port if available. Connect the amp to the nano‑router with a short LAN cable. This gives the amp internet without pulling new wires. It’s a cheap, compact solution designed for single‑device wiring. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17272160]
Which is better for stability: Wi‑Fi repeater, AP Client bridge, or Powerline (PLC)?
Avoid single‑radio repeaters for primary links. "The repeater uses one radio... and cuts the speed by at least half." AP Client bridges keep a clean Wi‑Fi link and hand off to Ethernet. PLC uses your electrical wiring and avoids the repeater penalty. For steady streaming, choose AP Client or PLC over a repeater. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
Will a TL‑WA850RE work with a Sky router to give Ethernet to an amp?
Yes. Configure the TL‑WA850RE to join your Sky Wi‑Fi, then connect the amp to its Ethernet port. One user notes it "works very well" with SKY and serves two wired devices via a small hub. Remember, as a single‑radio repeater, total Wi‑Fi throughput will be reduced compared to a wired backhaul. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17274997]
How do I set up a TL‑WR702N as a Wi‑Fi‑to‑LAN bridge (AP Client)?
- Switch the WR702N to Client/AP Client mode in its web UI.
- Scan for your Sky SSID, select it, and enter the Wi‑Fi password.
- Save and reboot, then plug the amp into the WR702N’s LAN port.
This bridges Wi‑Fi to Ethernet for one device cleanly. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17270864]
Can I power the Wi‑Fi bridge from my amplifier’s USB port?
Yes, many nano routers accept 5 V USB power. The TL‑WR702N is commonly powered this way, even directly from an AV receiver. This keeps the setup tidy near your amp. As one recommendation put it: "USB power supply from the receiver." Confirm your USB port provides enough current. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17272160]
Can I use a second Sky SR101 as a wireless bridge via WPS?
No. The SR101 lacks alternative firmware and client‑bridge capability. It’s an ADSL router and not suitable for acting as a wireless client bridge. Use a client‑capable nano router or a PLC kit instead. As one expert summarized, it’s "almost certainly not" supported. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17274771]
What signal strength do I need at the device location?
Aim for about −70 dBm or better at the amp’s spot. Below that, repeaters and client bridges become unstable and slow. "Both the AP Client and the repeater must have a signal level of approximately −70 dBm." Consider moving the Sky hub, or use PLC if Wi‑Fi is too weak. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
Is streaming internet radio heavy on bandwidth?
No. Internet radio uses modest bandwidth. One user notes, "even good quality audio is a small data stream (320kbps with a 20Mbps connection...)." AP Client or PLC easily handles this. Ensure your link is stable rather than chasing maximum Wi‑Fi speed for audio. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17275206]
What extras can an alternative‑firmware router provide?
On supported devices, alternative firmware can enable wireless bridging plus advanced features. You can run a VPN server or attach USB peripherals. A user cites models like Nexx WT3020 or TL‑WR740N. Quote: "it can take care of e.g. the VPN server." Check hardware revision support first. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17271127]
Will a TL‑MR3020 work as a transparent client on stock firmware?
Not on stock firmware. A member reports the TL‑MR3020 "will not be a transparent client on OFW." If you need a pure bridge without NAT or routing, choose the TL‑WR702N or consider alternative firmware on supported hardware. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17275122]
How do Powerline (PLC) adapters work for this?
Plug one PLC unit by the Sky router and connect it via Ethernet. Plug the second PLC unit where the amp sits and connect its LAN port to the amp. Some kits include built‑in Wi‑Fi to extend coverage as well. Example: a D‑Link AV500 starter kit with Wi‑Fi AP. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17270915]
Do repeaters need two radios to avoid speed loss?
Single‑radio repeaters repeat and forward on the same radio, which halves throughput. That is why they often feel slower. Client mode avoids this penalty for wired devices because it does not rebroadcast Wi‑Fi. Dual‑radio gear helps, but simple nano repeaters are single‑radio. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
Will a WR702N also extend Wi‑Fi coverage, or just bridge to Ethernet?
It can do both. In Client mode it bridges Wi‑Fi to Ethernet for one device. It also supports Repeater mode to extend coverage, but expect reduced throughput due to the single‑radio design. As noted, the WR‑702 "also has a Repeater mode." [Elektroda, matek451, post #17275054]
What should I search for if I want LAN over a power socket?
Search for PLC or Powerline networking adapters. These carry your network over existing electrical wiring and give you an Ethernet jack at another outlet. Many kits are marketed as AV500 or similar. Start with the keyword suggested: PLC. [Elektroda, jdubowski, post #17270899]
