I am after a WiFi Range extender which supports:

- PWA/PSK-TKIP

- connect to a hidden network

- extended wifi signal remain hidden

and ideally replicates the existing SSID, so it appears as a true range extender and doesn't add to the SSID, such as SSID_EXT, which is what it appears the netgear range of extenders do. I have tried using a Draytek AP-700, but failed to get it to play :-(

One-touch setup isn't required as the main WIfi unit is a cisco unit, this is just to extend coverage into an office. Run a cable, etc isn't an option. Ideally I want a seamless wifi connection with no need to reconfigure any devices (Cisco or laptops/phones/etc).

Before anyone tells me that hiding an SSID is pretty much pointless, I know what, but that is what is here, and it isn't going to change, plus access is well out of a range of the general public.

Cheaper is better, but I don't want something which is likely to burn down the building, although my might solve the wifi issues :-)

Thanks,

Matt

The ideal solution is always to boost the radio signal coverage, eg bigger aerial

uk.wifi-link.com

more aerial from fleabay

In order to get WDS to work correctly, you normally need manufacture matched kit.

If you primary wifi router wasn't Draytek then your AP-700 may not have liked it.

The WDS protocal isn't an industry standard protocol, so some kit won't work together.

I've successfully got 4 router WDS systems working using TPLink kit, covering farm yards and the like.

ps

Boosted signal coverage will enable higher wifi speeds

WDS effectively throttles your wifi to 24Mbps

I just put in a TL-WA901N which i believe will support what you want to do, this is the choice of available modes from within the device if it helps:

Operation Mode - Several Operation Modes are supported, including: (1)Access Point (2)Multi-SSID (3)Client (4)Repeater (5)Universal Repeater (6)Bridge with AP. The available setting options are different in various operation modes, and they are explained below.

Access Point - This operation mode allows wireless stations to access.

• Enable WDS/Bridge - You can select this to enable WDS/Bridge, with this function, the device can bridge two or more Wlans. NOTE: If this checkbox is selected, you had better make sure the following settings are correct.
  
• SSID(to be bridged) - The ssid of the AP your device is going to connect to as a client. You can also use the survey function to select the ssid to join.
  
• BSSID(to be bridged) - The bssid of the AP your device is going to connect to as a client. You can also use the survey function to select the bssid to join.
  
• Survey - Click this button, you can search the AP which runs in the current channel.
  
• Key type - This option should be chosen according to the AP's security configuration.It is recommended that the security type is the same as your AP's security type
  
• WEP Index - This option should be chosen if the key type is WEP(ASCII) or WEP(HEX).It indicates the index of the WEP key.
  
• Auth Type - This option should be chosen if the key type is WEP(ASCII) or WEP(HEX).It indicates the authorization type of the Root AP.
  
• Password - If the AP your device is going to connect needs password, you need to fill the password in this blank.
  

Multi-SSID - AP can support up to 4 SSID.

• Enable VLAN - Check this box to enable the VLAN function. The AP supports up to 4 VLANs. All wireless PCs in the VLANs are able to access this AP. The AP can also work with an IEEE 802.1Q Tag VLAN supporting Switch. If this Switch enables the Tag VLAN function, besides all wireless PCs, only the PCs in the VLAN same with SSID1 are able to access the AP. If a PC is directly connected to the LAN port of the AP, please make sure that its adapter supports Tag function, or this PC will not be able to access the AP.
  
• SSID - Enter a value of up to 32 characters. The same Name (SSID) must be assigned to all wireless devices in your network. In Multi-SSID operation mode, enter SSID for each BSS in the field "SSID1" ~ "SSID4".
  
• VLANID - The ID of a VLAN. Only in the same VLAN, can a Wireless PC and a wired PC communicate with each other. The value can be between 1 and 4095. If the VLAN function is enabled, when AP forwards packets, the packets out from the LAN port will be added with an IEEE 802.1Q VLAN Tag, whose VLAN ID is just the ID of the VLAN where the sender belongs.
  
• Region - Select your region from the pull-down list. This field specifies the region where the wireless function of the AP can be used. It may be illegal to use the wireless function of the AP in a region other than one of those specified in this filed. If your country or region is not listed, please contact your local government agency for assistance.
  
• Channel - This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It is not necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another nearby access point.
  
• Mode -This field determines the wireless mode which the AP works on.
  
• Channel Width - The bandwidth of the wireless channel.
  
• Max Tx Rate - You can limit the maximum tx rate of the AP through this field.
  
• Enable Wireless Radio - The wireless radio of the AP can be enabled or disabled to allow or deny wireless stations to access. If enabled, the wireless stations will be able to access the AP, otherwise, wireless stations will not be able to access the AP.
  
• Enable SSID Broadcast - If you select theEnable SSID Broadcast checkbox, the AP will broadcast its name (SSID) on the air.
  

Client - This device will act as a wireless station to enable wired host(s) to access AP.

• Enable WDS - The AP client can connect to AP with WDS enabled or disabled. If WDS is enabled, all traffic from wired networks will be forwarded in the format of WDS frames consisting of four address fields. If WDS is disabled, three address frames are used. If your AP supports WDS well, please enable this option.
  
• SSID - Enter the SSID of AP that you want to access. If you select the radio button before SSID, the AP client will connect to AP according SSID.
  
• MAC of AP - Enter the MAC address of AP that you want to access. If you select the radio button before MAC of AP, the AP client will connect to AP according MAC address.
  

Repeater - In Repeater mode, the AP with WDS enabled will relays data to an associated root AP. AP function is enabled meanwhile. The wireless repeater relays signal between its stations and the root AP for greater wireless range. Please input the MAC address of root AP in the field "MAC of AP".

Universal Repeater - In Universal Repeater mode, the AP with WDS disabled will relays data to an associated root AP. AP function is enabled meanwhile. The wireless repeater relays signal between its stations and the root AP for greater wireless range. Please input the MAC address of root AP in the field "MAC of AP".

Bridge with AP - This operation mode bridges the AP and up to 4 APs also in bridge mode to connect two or more wired LANs. Please input the MAC address of other APs in the field "MAC of AP1" to"MAC of AP4". AP function will also startup.

I was looking at this TP-Link - TL-WA830RE

ebay link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TP-Link-TL-WA830RE-300Mbps-Wireless-N-Simple-WiFi-Range-Extender-3-Year-Warranty-/300697192578

Which I think should cover my requirements...

looks like it should do the job, I'm very impressed with the TPLINK stuff to be honest

If you couldn't get a Draytek to link to your Cisco router, than I don't rate your changes of getting a TP unit to link will be any better TBH

Have you tried Draytek support ?

Draytek support is excellent, TP link support is patchy

I tried Draytek support they were unable to help - just pointed me at the FAQs, which I had already tried. Maybe I'll have another go before shelling out on the TPLink.

I'll also check to see if there is any new firmware for the AP700 as well. [Edit: no new firmware]

Edited 14 June, 201214 yr by mbames

Have used these with Draytek and Dlink with good results

http://www.4gon.co.uk/ubiquiti-bullet5-p-4814.html?gclid=CIOwxJXGzrACFcUmtAodaC8OVg

Cheaper to buy a TPL router AND extender, they are cheap enough, and I have had NO problems with any of the TPL stuff I have bought in all the years I have been buying it, unlike Zoom (overheated), Netgear (melted), Belkin (crap signal), etc, etc.

The Cisco unit is just an Airnet unit not a router, so I can't just swap it out.

fwiw. I tried again with the AP-700 and it was still having none of it, plus I think the Draytek still forces me to have a different SSID to that of the signal I am trying to boost. However the AP-700 is more of a AP than an extender in my mind.

Had a little look at the Draytek info, and the AP-700 looks like a standard AP to me.

How are you going about linking the the two units together ?

ps

Are you trying to use the "universal repeater" mode vs the "AP Bridge-WDS" ?

I was using the AP-700 in universal repeater mode, I suspect it gets a bit upset as the "source" ssid is hidden.

+1 for using TP-Link stuff I use them all the time as most companies are cheapskates and wont pay for Cisco, Zyxel etc. That said the TP stuff is rather good for the price and the newer models come with a stronger antenna than previously.

The "universal repeater" mode is a Draytek only thing.

I think that's why you're getting no luck.

Try it on "AP Bridge-WDS"

+1 for using TP-Link stuff I use them all the time as most companies are cheapskates and wont pay for Cisco, Zyxel etc. That said the TP stuff is rather good for the price and the newer models come with a stronger antenna than previously.

The only problem with the newer kit is the switch away from the "BroadCom" chipset; this means slightly lower ADSL speeds sometimes.

My "G" spec TPLink router used to give me about 6Mb on an "up to 8Mb" connection; my old non "BroadCom" chipset Netgear only gave me 5Mb. (and now my exchange has been upgraded with BTs 21st Century and FTTC capability I get 7.5Mb on the same package).

Probably not a viable option but have you considered the powerline wifi extenders (powerline ethernet on one side and powerline ethernet+Wifi AP on the other)? If you configured the Powerline AP to the same SSID and key but different channel it should work nicely.

I've set a few up in small offices / homes and they are pretty good in the right application.

<edit>

As an example (never used this kit - just first that came up on ebuyer)

http://www.ebuyer.com/254253-d-link-200mbps-powerline-wireless-n-kit-dhp-w307av

Probably not a viable option but have you considered the powerline wifi extenders (powerline ethernet on one side and powerline ethernet+Wifi AP on the other)? If you configured the Powerline AP to the same SSID and key but different channel it should work nicely.

Definately a non-starter in this environment, but worth offering up for consideration. I use the ethernet over mains extenders at home to get internet in my garage

The "universal repeater" mode is a Draytek only thing.

I think that's why you're getting no luck.

Try it on "AP Bridge-WDS"

Arh, cool. I'll have a look on Monday in that case.

The Cisco unit is just an Airnet unit not a router,

Have you checked this unit supports WDS and if Cisco say it does then they must list some compatible kit for it.

Cisco WDS config page

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4570/products_configuration_example09186a00801c951f.shtml

Edited 18 June, 201214 yr by hertsnminds