I need to resolve a WiFI coverage problem in a very large house. So far the Apple Airport Extreme with two AP Express are not able to cover the property.
The client tried 3 Eero’s and did not get good results with that either.
Unfortunately we can’t run ethernet cable to the various locations in this house and have to rely on WDS.
I could install a AP One Rugged or AP One Enterprise in the hallway located in the middle of the house. And some AP AC One Mini’s to cover blindsports.
What kind of signal strenght do I need for a reliable WDS connection between the units?
Is the Pepwave WDS system stable enough to handle power outages without the need of manual intervention to get them connected again?
I wish I could help you. I have never set up a WDS based infrastructure.
The AP One Mini AC are POE enabled. You would only need a small network wire at the remote location to provide power and connectivity. Just throwing that out there. Someone wiser than me should respond before too long.
Feeding the power isn’t the problem. Will have to determine if I can install the AP One rugged in a spot where it’s invisible to the owner.
I have the AP One rugged installed in the attic of my own 1500sqft single story house and am not very impressed with the range. There are no concrete or brick walls in my house and is just covers it plus an other +/- 100ft outside the home.
Take a look at this device (https://www.peplink.com/products/industrial-layer-2-wireless-bridge/device-connector-comparison/1) The PEPLINK indoor rugged has better WIFI spec’s in DBI. is should have a better range then an AP one Rugged and it wont need an ethernet cable. If this wont be a sollution you could look at aftermarket WIFI antenna’s and see if that increases the range you are comfortable with.
Hello @ScooterIT,
I’ve not seen here anyone recommend using the Pepwave Device Connector as an option
With these models all you need to do is get power to the device (via its plug pack or a PoE injector). We would recommend if you do go down this path that you configure the device before installing into place, then it can be managed from InControl2 or from a Balance Router like your other Peplink WAPs.
@Tim_S mentioned that you want to make sure you have good signal level and this applies too for where you place the Pepwave Device Connector.
@Wouter is also correct in that every location will be different due to building materials and also other RF background noise, look at moving both the source WAP and secondary WAP around a little, even moving from a lower to a higher position can make a positive diference.
@jmjones point on on PoE is not that you need to run out a network cable from the switch, it is about that you have multiple powering options, running PoE across a isolated piece of network cable to a device is really a very wise and cleaver install technique. Here is a link to a great product we use with many manufactures products when we need more length than the supplied lead on the plug pack. https://www.jaycar.com.au/power-over-ethernet-poe-passive-kit-2-1mm-dc-rj45/p/YN8410,
This is from a supplier in Australia called Jaycar Electronics, I’m sure you can find something similar in your own area.
Happy to Help,
Marcus
I have a device connector available but never checked if it can repeat the wifi network it is connected to.
Yes I know usually all my installations are hard wired as I really don’t like to use WDS but in this situation I am forced to do so.
I case I cannot convice the client to run at least a ethernet cable to the foyer for the main WiFi AP (Pepwave Rugged). What are your thoughts (nightmare…) about using a Pepwave SoHo in the room next to the foyer where the modem is located ad connect the main WiFi AP in the Foyer wirelessly.
Hello @ScooterIT,
Before you run out your cable or use a SOHO, give the Device Connector a go so that you can avoid the cables.
We know some people like to use Ethernet extender over Mains power adaptors, though our experience is these can be hit and miss and not advisable for a business environment. If it is residential and they are not running a streaming video server across it then that maybe an OK option. Three brands we know make consumer models of these are NetComm Wireless, Netgear and TP-Link, just put “ethernet extender over power line” into your favourite search engine to see the variety out there, again I’m not a fan of any of them though it may get you out of the situation you are in.
Remember if you use another internet connection though a SOHO, then your client may be up for considerable expense with data if you go through mobile broadband, also you will strugle to have smooth transition between the WAPs as they will be on completely separate networks.
Let us know how you go, if this does not work then we suggest you reach out (via Peplink) for your local specialist, everyone here on the Forum can help with advice and guidance though an expert in both RF & Peplink & networking may solve this for you very quickly.
Happy to Help,
Marcus
PS I’m based in Australia if that is of local help for you.
