Hi all,
In my room I have a network switch that is connected to my router in another room through the wall. The Wi-Fi is very poor in my room so I'm wondering is there a way to make the switch into a Wi-Fi access point? Or is could I just plug a router in there instead?
Thanks :)
Edit: Would also appreciate any affordable routers that would get the job done well
Ok cool I wasn't sure if it would work like that thanks :)
Make sure you set it up correctly to avoid double NAT or flooding a channel.
Thanks, I will have to look these things up so I can avoid.
The specific solution you're after is a Wireless Access Point (WAP). These provide WiFi - nothing else.
Most consumer "routers" are multi function units in that they are Routers (route connections around and out of your network), Modems (convert connection technology i.e. DSL/Ethernet), Switches (facilitate multiple connections) and Wireless Access Points (facilitate wireless connections); and as Hybroid has said you can just get an old one or buy a new one and hook it up. As zeggie said but you need to make sure it's not trying to be a router as well (which you can fix via changing some settings).
Depending on what sort of performance you're after, an old (or new) router will generally be sufficient. You could just use an old router and if you feel performance is not up to your requirements, then look at purchasing some newer hardware.
Thanks for the help. So if I just plugged this into the switch in my room I'd be good to go? https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Wi-Fi-Access-Point-TL-WA80…
Yep.
Like I said, you may want a cheaper/more expensive one for your needs; and if you had an old "router" at home you could connect it and configure it to only do wireless. But the product one you linked will give you a wireless network, which is what you're after. You may also want to go the the access points configuration page and enter your own SSID and password, although if you didn't you'd be far from the first person to leave it set to the defaults.
One thing I did miss from your OP is that you already have an existing wireless network. Setting up a second network can cause issues (devices unsure which network to connect to, flipping from one to the other causing increased battery usage; etc). Whether that actually causes any issue or enough of an issue for you to need to fix it is a different question. If you are concerned, you may be better served by a product range that handles having multiple access points, or a mesh system. Mesh systems are basically the same as putting in multiple access points, it's just that the in a mesh system the secondary points connect wirelessly to the primary which is hardwired.
I'm sure I'm oversimplifying some stuff in there, but hopefully doing so helps get the point across :)
Thanks you are a big help. I don't have any other routers in the home so I have opted for the wap.
Cardi B said it best…
Just get yourself another router and plug it in your room.