Getting Wifi in Deadzone

[chappi]

I have a single ethernet cable that runs from my main router to my room which is a dead spot for wifi. I have a network switch that allows me to use my laptop as well as my pc in my room. 

 

I want to get increased reception to use wifi mainly for my phone.

Question Time

do I go for another router - if so - can I simply plug it into an ethernet chord in my room?

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/netgear-n300-wireless-router-wnr2000-ngwnr2000

 

or a range extender

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/netgear-wn2000rpt-universal-wifi-range-extender-inntg8613

 

thanks in advance!

[skywake]

 

You need to get one that works as an access point. I'd be surprised if the first one didn't support that but I'm sceptical of the second without doing a bit of searching. I also wouldn't bother with anything that wasn't dual-band, so don't get those. I actually brought one the other day to resolve this same issue. I even looked it up and found a decent price for it if you want to go that route.

 

Here's the link to officeworks:

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/d-link-ac1200-wireless-range-extender-dap-1650-dldap1650

(ignore the reviewer, I have it, he doesn't know what he's talking about)

 

I was going to have them price match this:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200_634&products_id=26260

 

.... but I ended up getting it at JBHiFi and they did a better price again when I asked. I believe it was $115. Works like a charm.

[chappi]

how does installation work? is it just an ethernet connection into the extender and then software setup? thanks btw

[skywake]

how does installation work? is it just an ethernet connection into the extender and then software setup? thanks btw

Yeah, usually you just plug the thing in and go to its IP address to set it up. Same way you do a router usually. Just make sure you set it up as an access point and copy over your SSID and passwords and it should be pretty painless. When you move between the two devices will generally just connect to the one with a better signal.

 

The only thing I'll add is that if you get one other than the model I linked to make sure it has an "access point mode". Because a lot of range extenders don't... which will effectively make them useless for what you're trying to do here.