Add or Replace a WDS WiFi system / routers.
We have a motel with WRT54GL routers for wireless access running WDS. The "hub" site router seems a bit flaky and is being rebooted fairly frequently - so it needs replacement. Additionally, the owner wants to add another WDS spoke to cover a corner area with poor signal.
I figure there are a couple of options:
1) Buy a couple of old WRT54GL units to replace the hub and to add the spoke. I've already tried a WRT54 v4 and it doesn't work with the others. So, I suppose matching the models is pretty important. Inexpensive to try....
2) Replace the existing 2 routers and add a 3rd with a newer router model. I've done a bit of looking and I'm not much impressed by the lack of WDS information that I found. I've had good luck with ASUS routers for WiFi but getting them to differentiate their routers re: WDS has proven to be difficult.
Any comments would be appreciated. If #2, then which (newer) router would you bring into service? These must have detachable antennas so we can connect to the existing antenna system.
(Yes, I know that Ethernet is best - but thanks for the thought!)
I figure there are a couple of options:
1) Buy a couple of old WRT54GL units to replace the hub and to add the spoke. I've already tried a WRT54 v4 and it doesn't work with the others. So, I suppose matching the models is pretty important. Inexpensive to try....
2) Replace the existing 2 routers and add a 3rd with a newer router model. I've done a bit of looking and I'm not much impressed by the lack of WDS information that I found. I've had good luck with ASUS routers for WiFi but getting them to differentiate their routers re: WDS has proven to be difficult.
Any comments would be appreciated. If #2, then which (newer) router would you bring into service? These must have detachable antennas so we can connect to the existing antenna system.
(Yes, I know that Ethernet is best - but thanks for the thought!)
ASKER
CompProbSolv: I took a look. I don't think they really support WDS. I tried to say that Ethernet cable wasn't within the realm of possibility. I don't see any mention of antennas, much less detachable antennas... I want to plug into existing antenna systems because they are well-designed and adequate for the site and because they would be a lot of work to replace. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that.
I see that the ASUS RT-N66U will only support WDS with NO security or only with WEP security. Yet, the old system (WRT54GL / Tomato) is at least using WPA. I'd really like to have WPA2 if I'm going to get more recent equipment. The WRT54GL is just a bit too old to want to fix as in option #1.
I see that the ASUS RT-N66U will only support WDS with NO security or only with WEP security. Yet, the old system (WRT54GL / Tomato) is at least using WPA. I'd really like to have WPA2 if I'm going to get more recent equipment. The WRT54GL is just a bit too old to want to fix as in option #1.
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I've never had cause to use WDS (yet), but I do seem to recall a setting for in in the Ubiquiti devices. There's a discussion about it here: https://community.ui.com/questions/What-do-WDS-Transparent-Bridge-Mode-on-both-end-AP-and-Station-does/6cfc1171-f712-459d-bd4d-36b8d8f6e917 .
As far as antennas go, the Unifi-Mesh does have removable ones: https://unifi-mesh.ui.com/ . You may be able to remove them and attach your existing ones.
As far as antennas go, the Unifi-Mesh does have removable ones: https://unifi-mesh.ui.com/ . You may be able to remove them and attach your existing ones.
ASKER
Thanks!
I did notice somewhere that DD-WRT supports WDS. That may be a good alternative if you find a WAP you like but want more robust software.
ASKER
Yes. I've used DD-WRT and, more recently, Tomato. There's not much margin (if any) in messing with these things though.... One finds they are in a hobbyist world reliant on forums for information.
I finally found some WRT54GL v1.1 units and will be trying to eke out a few more years of existence with this system.
The current commercial market seems not too robust where WDS is concerned.
I finally found some WRT54GL v1.1 units and will be trying to eke out a few more years of existence with this system.
The current commercial market seems not too robust where WDS is concerned.
This might fit your needs: https://unifi-mesh.ui.com/