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This article explains 2 ways by which you can connect an access point to a router. This topology is typically followed when you need to extend your wifi network at your premises. Two options are explained for setting up this topology.

To connect an access point to a wireless router there are some common procedure you need to follow irrespective of the method you use.




The access point and wireless router should be on the same network. For example, if the IP address of the wireless router is 192.168.1.1, the IP address of the access point should be in the same range. For example , it can be 192.168.1.1, but not 192.168.2.1.

If the wireless router is configured to assign IP address to users on the network using DHCP, then the access point can either be configured to receive the IP address from the wireless router or a static IP address can be configured.

If DHCP on the wireless router is used, then the DHCP server on the access point has to be disabled.

The following are the two options used to connect access point to wireless router

How to connect access point to wireless router using cable

Step 1

Connect the access point to the wireless router using a straight through cable. The cable is connected on the network port of the access point to the port on the wireless router.

Step 2

Configure the IP address of the access point as static or as a DHCP client.

Step 3

Configure the SSID or wireless name of the access point as the same or different name. When the same name is configured, the client would not know to which device it is connecting. It is recommended to assign a different name for the wireless network for the access point for differentiation.

Step 4

To test the connectivity, connect to the access point from a laptop using the SSID name. The laptop should receive an IP address from the DHCP server on the wifi router and should be able to access internet.

How to connect access point to wireless router using wireless

Step 1

The access point point should have repeater mode. This feature has to be checked on the access point. If it is not supported, an access point with repeater mode should be purchased, without which it would not be possible to connect.

Step 2

On the web interface, where the repeater mode is configured, provide the SSID name and security key of the wifi router. This would ensure that the access point is connected to the wifi router with the proper credentials.

Step 3

To test the connectivity, connect to the access point from a laptop using the SSID name. The laptop should receive an IP address from the DHCP server on the wifi router and should be able to access internet.




Advantages & Disadvantages

Option 1 is always better than Option 2 since cables are used for connection between the access point and the wireless router. This would not have any loss in signal.

When the access point is configured as a repeater, it just amplifies the signal. This would mean signal loss which would lower the performance of the network. If laying cables are a problem ,the the repeater mode on the access point would be the only choice.

The use of different SSID name on an access point helps to identify the access point. For example, in a situation where the client device is in the vicinity of both the wireless router and access point it a different SSID name on both devices would help to connect to the nearest device.

If the SSID’s are same, you would not know to which device the client is connected.

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