Most of us use WiFi wireless technology to connect to the internet at home, at the office or in a hotel room using our laptops, tablets and smart-phones.
While wireless access is certainly very convenient, it can also be very frustrating when it is difficult or even impossible to connect to the internet because of a poor wireless signal.
The reason for a poor wireless signal is usually a combination of distance from the broadband wireless router, thick walls or possibly walls or ceilings that incorporate materials such as metals that block radio waves.
In such cases it would be necessary to boost wireless coverage by deploying one or more additional wireless access points.
Each additional wireless access point has to be connected to the internet router either directly or via an intermediate network switch. There are three different methods of doing this each of which requires a different type of device. The different methods are:
- an ethernet cable connection;
- a Wireless Repeater device; and
- a Homeplug device.
Here we consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of using an ethernet cable connection to one or more stand-alone wireless access points.
Click on the appropriate link above for more information on the other methods.
Ethernet cable connection
An ethernet cable is in fact the best method of connecting additional wireless access points to the router due to the reliability and speed of the connection.
However, it is often not the most cost-effective or practical solution.
This would typically be the case in homes where the installation of cabling from the router to a wireless access point may be too expensive or impractical, or not compatible with domestic decorative policies!
In larger premises such as a multi-floor office block or factory site it is usually necessary to install multiple wireless access points in strategic locations to provide the required coverage. In such situations it would also be beneficial to install a wireless controller which would manage the overall wireless network.
A wireless controller simplifies configuration of the network and enables common security settings to be applied. More advanced wireless controller based networks would have advanced features such as meshing, load balancing and fallback routing.
A wireless controller would be essential for public WiFi hotspots where it is necessary to charge for access and keep a record of the internet browsing history of each user.
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Get in touch with us if you have a specific requirement or if you wish to discuss how your business could make better and more cost-effective use of its existing telecommunications and internet infrastructure and services.