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I want to repeat a wireless signal. Do I use the universal repeater/extender option or WDS option and which is better?

Repeater, Universal Repeater or Extender Mode

Advantage:

This mode is used to conveniently and quickly repeat a remote weak wireless signal in a couple of steps for internet access. You will only need to know the security encryption used in the remote router. On the ERB series, you can perform repeating by pressing on the WPS button with a corresponding router with the WPS function too.

It can repeat a wireless signal of any other brand and no prior configuration is required on the remote router.




Disadvantage:

There is no network transparency and some other network elements such as servers, NAS, printers may not appear properly. Repeater mode is only good for internet browsing, email, online gaming, FTP,etc.

In some Wi-Fi hotspots where user authentication is required, the login or splash page may not appear correctly for you to log in as most authentication requires to capture the MAC address of your computer which may not successfully pass through the repeater.

WDS AP Mode

Advantage:

This mode is used to create a transparent wireless repeating network where the connecting devices's MAC Address can successfully pass through the network and access to other network elements such as printers, NAS, server.


Disadvantage:

The MAC addresses of corresponding access points must be added to each other before the WDS can work. For example, you must add first AP's MAC into the second AP and also the second AP's mac address into the first AP.

WDS works within the same brand and preferably within the same models. Though some people have claimed success with different models or brands, only the same model is guaranteed by EnGenius.


Product Note: All EAP, ECB, ERA and ERB series have universal repeater & WDS mode. ESR & EVR series have only WDS mode.


Note: In both repeater or WDS mode, the total capable bandwidth of the access point is halved. The same wireless channel & security encryption must be used in all repeating and WDS mode.

Applies To
EVR100, ESR750H, ESR6670, ESR6650, ESR600H, ESR300H, ESR150H, ERB9260, ERB9250, ECB600, ECB350, ERA150, ECB150, ECB300, EAP150, EAP300, EAP350, EAP600, ECB3500, EAP3660, ECB9500, EAP9550, ECB3220, M36, M35, ESR9855G, ESR9850, ECB7510

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