Q: what is the difference between join a network and extend a network
Hi.
What is the difference between join a network and extend a network?
Thanks.
also, WDS, roaming, and extension?
--Sam
Posted on May 14, 2012 6:57 AM
is there a difference between WDS and extended? I'm guessing not...
Huge difference. WDS is an older technology that operates only at "g" level wireless, so speeds are automatically reduced from "n" wireless speeds. On top of that, each "relay" or "remote" that is added to the setup will cut the bandwidth of the entire network in half.
So, with a "main" router and a single "remote" in a WDS setup, you will have a "g" wireless network running at half speed.....even if the routers are newer "n" devices.
You would always want to use the "extend a wireless network" setup if possible since it will allow "n" speed wireless on the network and also will not impose anywhere near the bandwidth penalty of WDS.
WDS....for most users....is also a very difficult configuration. Easy to make a mistake and practically impossible to recover without starting all over again.
The "best" way to extend any wireless network is connect each remote router back to the main router using a wired Ethernet connection. Commercial networks and better home networks are designed this way.
Btw, the documentation on the forum is quite extensive and says that in order to extend airport a must be half way away from airport b for best results.
That is good general advice...but depending on obstrucitions like walls, ceilings, etc in the signal path, the location of the extending device may need to move closer...or further...away from the main router.
If you are connecting routers using a wired Ethernet connection, you can locate an "extending" device exactly where more wireless coverage is needed....and avoid the compromises of a "half way" location.
Posted on May 14, 2012 12:43 PM