Extend Wi-fi Range Using WGR614 wi-fi router & WG602 access point??

Hi All,

I currently have a Netgear WGR614 wireless router that I have been very
pleased with. Unfortunately, the wireless range is not quite sufficient in
my home and I am trying to find a way to extend it.

I am considering purchasing a Netgear WG602 access point to place in between
my wireless router and the furthest wireless computer. Am I on the right
track?

I've done quite a bit of research about this subject by most articles seem
to only talk about using two access points connected to a wired router.

What I want to do is purchase a single access point and use it with my
existing wireless router... Is this possible?

Thanks in advance for any hints or suggestions.

James

On Mon, 4 Dec 2006 21:54:17 -0500, "James Nipper" <no@one.com> wrote:

>I currently have a Netgear WGR614 wireless router that I have been very
>pleased with. Unfortunately, the wireless range is not quite sufficient in
>my home and I am trying to find a way to extend it.
>
>I am considering purchasing a Netgear WG602 access point to place in between
>my wireless router and the furthest wireless computer. Am I on the right
>track?
>
>I've done quite a bit of research about this subject by most articles seem
>to only talk about using two access points connected to a wired router.
>
>What I want to do is purchase a single access point and use it with my
>existing wireless router... Is this possible?

Well, what you're describing is a wireless repeater. I'm not a big
fan of those, but they sometimes work. The problem is that
compatibility between a random repeater and your WGR614 is not
guaranteed. However, the WG602 v2 and v3 in repeater mode apparently
(not 100% sure) do work with the WGR614. (Stay away from the WG602
v1). You might ask Netgear support to be sure.
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101409.asp
Note that WPA-PSK encryption does NOT work with repeater mode, which
means you're stuck with the inferior WEP encryption.

If the repeater mode doesn't work, you can always run CAT5 cable from
your WGR614 to the WG602 and set it up as an access point instead of a
repeater. This way, WPA-PSK encryption should work.

Also, you might consider playing with antennas and reflectors before
adding hardware:
http://www.freeantennas.com

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