home network topology
Posted 02-15-2015 at 11:54 AM by WestCoastSunset
Tags network topology
Because of additions to the home network, I have been recently thinking of expanding the home network using a wifi extender of some sort. Of course before I do anything I want to consider what would accomplish my goals with the least amount of money invested. This is what we have:
* 3 laptops (2 linux debian (1 not used much) and 1 windows metro) 2 of which are ibm t410s and 1 toshiba satelite (the one not in much use)
* 1 older printer that connects via ethernet cable to the router (it's an hp with a wired jet direct card)
* 2 smartphones (1 android and 1 iphone)
* 2 desktops (1 linux debian and 1 xp) used for file storage only (these will be replaced by an external hard drive).
* 1 magic jack plus (connects via ethernet cable to the router)
goal: better network reception on the top floor & convert the printer to wireless
I was thinking for getting the vap 11 g to use my two hard wired devices wirelessly (the printer and magic jack) this will also require me to purchase 2 power supplies as the vap11g does not come with its own power supply
the phone connected to the magic jack is cordless, but I don't want to have to go to the router every time I want to put the phone back on the charger
So, I guess the only real question is do I get an old linksys off ebay and use it with ddrt, or purchase a new network device specifically to extend the wifi network?
Keep in mind, I don't really have any deadspots, but there are a couple of locations where network reception is less than optimal for both the smartphones and 1 of the laptops.
What do you think?
* 3 laptops (2 linux debian (1 not used much) and 1 windows metro) 2 of which are ibm t410s and 1 toshiba satelite (the one not in much use)
* 1 older printer that connects via ethernet cable to the router (it's an hp with a wired jet direct card)
* 2 smartphones (1 android and 1 iphone)
* 2 desktops (1 linux debian and 1 xp) used for file storage only (these will be replaced by an external hard drive).
* 1 magic jack plus (connects via ethernet cable to the router)
goal: better network reception on the top floor & convert the printer to wireless
I was thinking for getting the vap 11 g to use my two hard wired devices wirelessly (the printer and magic jack) this will also require me to purchase 2 power supplies as the vap11g does not come with its own power supply
the phone connected to the magic jack is cordless, but I don't want to have to go to the router every time I want to put the phone back on the charger
So, I guess the only real question is do I get an old linksys off ebay and use it with ddrt, or purchase a new network device specifically to extend the wifi network?
Keep in mind, I don't really have any deadspots, but there are a couple of locations where network reception is less than optimal for both the smartphones and 1 of the laptops.
What do you think?
Total Comments 1
Comments
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If you're looking for something to jfw immediately, and don't mind spending the money, then the off-the-shelf wifi extender seems like the obvious way to go.
You say it's not exactly a burningly urgent need, though, so if you want to save some money and perhaps learn some familiarity with the technology, getting ddrt working on a second-hand WAP has a lot of appeal.
I'd go with ddrt-on-cheap-WAP if I had the time and energy for the project. It's knowledge which will only grow more valuable in the years to come.Posted 02-21-2015 at 01:06 AM by ttk 
