Need a few clarifications -- Extending a WLAN

[saldorus]

I've been pouring over technical doumentation for the past three days and I've managed to learn a great deal about my newly set up wireless network, but I have a few simple questions that I can't seem to find answers to.

First off, I'm running a NetGear MR314 to a couple computers one floor above me (one ip). The signal pick up is decent, but it could be better, so I have been looking into ways of extending the range. Now here's where I have been getting lost.

I understand the idea of using Bridges to connect two wireless networks, and that's what I would like to do. My first question is, does a Wireless Access point have to be connected to the MR314 via a Cat5 cable, or can it connect wirelessly to the wireless router which seems to make logical sense(?). If it is possible to connect the AP to the MR314 wirelessly, will the AP extend the signal. Meaning, if I put the AP at the outer edge of the MR314's range, will the AP add on another area of coverage? Will multiple computers be able to connect through the AP?

Now, if all of this is possible, which somehow I doubt, how is this different than using a Wireless Repeater?

Also, can all AP's act as bridges?

I hope this all made at least partial sense. Any information that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.

 

[InnoTech]

your question is a very good one and it seems that you have a good idea of how it all works already.

there are a number of different bridges and access points availible, i'm sure you know that. they all have capabilities to do everything you have mentioned. so, depending on what you want to do is where you would want to start. if you're wanting to use it as a "repeater" to extend the range of wireless signal, use it without being "hard wired" meaning without a cable running to it. most access points can be used as both, as a "hard wired" AP unit or a "repeater" which isn't connected to anything but just "repeats" the signal. a few searches on the internet will provide you with a number of options that you could use as a repeater (no cable connection) and AP unit (with cable). as far as I have seen, there are better wireless routers than the one you have and that might be what to look at. buying a better wireless router may be in your better interest. a customer of mine has hooked a wirless linksys router to his connection and can surf while drinking coffee on the dock at his lake (quite a ways). i hope I helped.

 

[saldorus]

That helps a great deal. Thank you

Yah, the MR314 isn't the best wireless router out there -- looking into getting a different one, but I think I'm going to try adding an AP to act as a repeater first.

Now if I could get all the port settings working correctly I'd be truly happy