Which WiFi gadget please

flaneurs_lobster

QrizB said:

flaneurs_lobster said:

Yes it was TP-Link TL-WA850RE N300Mbps WiFi... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AHXXJVW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

As you deduced, Wi-Fi repeater only, won't work.

Are you sure?

Section 4.2.1 of the manual says you can use it as an access point:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/B14e54R2QsS.pdf

OP have you tried that?

Oh great, another manual for the same device, I found this one

https://static.tp-link.com/res/down/doc/TL-WA850RE_V1_UG.pdf

which has no mention of configuring for use as an AP. It's even got this Q&A in the Appendix

"Will the Range Extender work if I connect the ETHERNET port of it to the router via Ethernet cable?

Sorry, it won’t work. The Range Extender is designed to connect wirelessly to the router, while the ETHERNET port is designed to connect with a wired device, like Internet TV, Gaming console, DVR and so on." 

It's dated 2015, I wonder if a firmware update has given it the extra powers? 

Well worth a look @ButterCheese

debitcardmayhem

QrizB said:

flaneurs_lobster said:

Yes it was TP-Link TL-WA850RE N300Mbps WiFi... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AHXXJVW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

As you deduced, Wi-Fi repeater only, won't work.

Are you sure?

Section 4.2.1 of the manual says you can use it as an access point:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/B14e54R2QsS.pdf

OP have you tried that?

I would imagine the op has tried WPS which needs a signal, which they cant get. However they need to set it up using an ethernet connection and as an AP

Vitor

Using Linux Mint on a Raspberry Pi makes a perfectly serviceable home access point. The quickest way to set it up is simply to create a hotspot with NetworkManager. For MoneySavingExpert readers that undercuts even the cheapest consumer device and keeps firmware updates fully in your hands.

QrizB

Vitor said:

... that undercuts even the cheapest consumer device ...

OP already owns a potentially suitable AP, so unless you're offering to post them a RPi plus PSU for free and also give them some money, I can't see how this is meant to be cheaper?

ButterCheese

Sorry I've been out all day. I had heard about the VM hub being rubbish, and it is, but it's the only full fibre service we can get here. I did try switching it to modem only and using a dedicated router but it would not work. It then took me hours to get it working again.

Thanks for the other suggestions, but I don't have the time to do complicated stuff and I'm not that good at networking anyway. I just wanted something plug and play (and easy to set up) so have ordered a TPLink WA1201 access point. Hopefully this will work using an App. We always have trouble because my work laptop is NHS so I am locked out of all admin functions. And my partners doesn't have an ethernet port!

Grumpy_chap

Labtebricolist said:

We use an Orbi mesh network, 

I second the idea of a mesh WiFi network.

We use the Google Home WiFi Mesh system and it works really well.  
To cover the rear garden, we have one hub right near the back wall of the house and another hub in the shed.  The coverage in the garden is superb - good enough for streaming TV if we chose.

Frozen_up_north

I’m sure the TP-Link extender will be fine. I have remote access to 2 TP-Link routers at 2 locations, a handful of their remote mains switches and a camera. All are reasonably easy to configure and have been reliable.
Odd how reviews on Amazon range from brilliant to junk 😂

jshm2

ButterCheese said:

Sorry I've been out all day. I had heard about the VM hub being rubbish, and it is, but it's the only full fibre service we can get here. I did try switching it to modem only and using a dedicated router but it would not work. It then took me hours to get it working again.

Thanks for the other suggestions, but I don't have the time to do complicated stuff and I'm not that good at networking anyway. I just wanted something plug and play (and easy to set up) so have ordered a TPLink WA1201 access point. Hopefully this will work using an App. We always have trouble because my work laptop is NHS so I am locked out of all admin functions. And my partners doesn't have an ethernet port!

If you have an ethernet cable running into that shed then you don't need another router. Virgin hubs are terrible for this sort of thing as they expect customers to either use wifi or ethernet.... and pay for further extensions! 

But what you need is actually a network switch. Any cheap Amazon 2-port one will do. you plug your ethernet into one end, and your Tp-link into the other. Then install the tp-link tether app to switch it over to wifi mode. 

ButterCheese

Thanks for the advice. If anyone else is reading this, I got a TP Link WA1201 access point. Plugged in ethernet cable, powered on, put in password, instant WiFi in our garden room. We get 70mbs which is plenty good enough