I have a Belkin N1 Vision router. I need to increase coverage. Can I run a cable from the router to an ethernet switch and then connect a wireless access point to the switch. I know the switch should connect to the router without a problem, my question really is about the access point.

Dani AI

Generated

Short practical guide for wiring an AP off a switch (and for long building-to-building links).

The topology Router -> Ethernet -> Switch -> Access Point is fine; the key points are how you wire and configure the AP so it behaves as part of the same LAN and stays reliable over time. was right to raise distance and placement; noted IP conflicts; later solved this with an outdoor AP. The checklist below fills gaps not covered in the thread.

Quick checklist before installing

  • Confirm the copper run is under 100 m end-to-end. If not, use fiber, a pair of media converters, or a powered Ethernet extender/repeater.
  • Use an outdoor-rated Cat5e/6 cable and inline surge/lightning protection for runs between buildings. Bond/ground any mast-mounted equipment.
  • Pick an AP that supports PoE (and check whether it uses 802.3af/at or passive PoE) so you can power it without a nearby outlet.
  • Configure the AP in Access Point/Bridge mode (not as a router). Give it a static IP outside the router DHCP pool, and disable the AP’s DHCP server. If it’s a router, plug into a LAN port (not the WAN) when you want a single LAN.
  • Choose SSID/security: same SSID + WPA2(AES) across APs for seamless roaming, or distinct SSIDs if you want manual selection. Manually set channels (2.4 GHz: use 1/6/11) and reduce TX power if coverage overlaps too much.

Long-range P2P notes (for )

  • 9 km requires clear line-of-sight and dedicated point-to-point radios with directional antennas; consumer APs with omnidirectional antennas will not work reliably. Expect to use CPEs designed for long links, careful alignment, and possibly licensing/permit checks depending on local regulations.

Troubleshooting hits

  • Verify LEDs and link speed on the switch port, ping the router from a client, confirm IP/gateway/DNS, and check for multiple DHCP servers. Update firmware on APs and the router.

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All 7 Replies

i need more info ..can you tell me how fdar apaert all the devices are
and if you can see all the devices in the same room
measure the distance of where the acess point needs to go and from the connection point ...cool beans

@ gorducci - generally, yes. as zxor2 implied, you don't want your wireless access points too close together. respond to his request.

i need more info ..can you tell me how fdar apaert all the devices are
and if you can see all the devices in the same room
measure the distance of where the acess point needs to go and from the connection point ...cool beans

The router is in a main house and a cable connects a guesthouse too far from the router for a good signal. So I don't think the access points will overlap much. I want to extend wireless coverage to another guesthouse even further away. Right now there is only one laptop using the wireless network.

Main house wireless router --cable-- guest house with switch - PC & AP


I'm almost certain that the access point can connect to the switch, but because I live in Costa Rica and have to order equipment from the US, I want to be sure that this will work.

yes, that will work.

you must turn off dhcp on one of the wireless access points (wap).
otherwise, both will be offering addresses and, what a mess you will have.

should you find problems, try turning down the power on both wap. (that is a setting from within your wap's software.)

Dear Sir,
I want to setup Building to Building P2P network between my factory and my office building. On air distance approx 9 KM.
So i want to know that which hardware I require for this type of network and what is the basic arrangement of the hardware
(i.e. Router->Access Point -> Antenna)
I also interested to know how to setup This type of network setp by step
Thanks in Advance
HChovatia

I want to setup Building to Building P2P network between my factory and my office building. On air distance approx 9 KM.
So i want to know that which hardware I require for this type of network and what is the basic arrangement of the hardware
(i.e. Router->Access Point -> Antenna)
I also interested to know how to setup This type of network setp by step
Thanks in Advance
HChovatia

Check out this company.

http://www.engeniustech.com/datacom/products/Category.aspx?id=17

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