DD-WRT Wireless Repeater Question

I currently have a single Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 running DD-WRT. To extend the wireless coverage, I am considering getting a second buffalo router, flashing it with DD-WRT, and running it as a wireless repeater.

My question is, if a client connects to the wireless repeater, will the internet and transfer speeds be slower than if it were connected to the primary wireless router?

Thanks!

 

yes when acting as a repeater speeds are about 50%-75% but that is a drawback to most all repeaters

do a search on the dd-wrt forums for repeater mode and you will find numbers for different models and routers on the slowdown factor

 

hmm.. maybe I should get a better antenna?

 

Is there any way you could wire the two together, and use the second one as an access point instead of a repeater?

A better antenna may help, as well as positioning of it. Keep it away from masses of plumbing and electrical work.

 

Possibly... that might work.

Would a better antenna help at all or would I be better off with a second wireless access point?

 

A better antenna can help a lot. But it depends on what's causing the interference. A better antenna mostly helps with range (distance), not as much with reception through interfering architecture. Remember, it depends on two things, both your laptop and the router. A better antenna in the router won't change much how well the laptop sends and receives.

 

I have an Envy 14 on order right now... not sure how good the Intel Wireless card is.

I'll have to play around with the router placement.
It sounds like a second wireless access point connected to the primary router might be the solution here.

 

The Envy 14 should have a pretty decent antenna. My Envy 15 does at least.

You could also consider using some of those power-line ethernet adapters if you don't want to string ethernet cord across the house or wherever it's going. They are fairly decent, at least within the speeds that you'll get Internet service.

 

Well I currently have the router in my living room, but I'm going to relocate it to the basement along with the other network equipment. So I'm not sure how much the signal will be impacted

 

only suggestion i can say is give it a try, deal with it once you know for certain how signal is

 

Alright I'll see what happens. If the signal drops significantly, I will look into a second router connected to the primary router as suggested by pitabred.

Thanks everyone!

 

You can just flash both router with ddwrt and use them in WDS mode. It's like repeaters with little or no performance loss.

 

Really? Is this for wireless use?

 

WDS is the same as a wireless extender/repeater as you asked about in your first post

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Distribution_System

 

Would I be better off with a 802.11N router?

 

Sorry, ran off for a few days. 802.11n does give slightly better range from what I hear, and it will also give you less of an overall bandwidth hit because there's more bandwidth in general available.