Airport?

Branoic

I'm not sure I understand what this product is for? Its probably really obvious for most people, but well networking etc isn't a strong point of mine!

Is it just a wireless router, which would have no particular benefit if you already have a standard ISP-provided modem / router?

I've got broadband through Eircom, and use one of their standard Netopia modems. My iMac is connected via ethernet to the modem, and I have a wireless network set up for the rest of the devices in the house - an apple TV, wireless printer, iphones, ipad etc.

However, the range of the wireless network through the Netopia is pretty poor, mainly because the office room it's located in is a side garage-conversion style room with concrete walls etc to the side of the main house, which I'm sure probably interferes with the wireless signal, as it has difficulty reaching upstairs etc.

I had thought maybe placing the Airport device somewhere else in the house would boost the existing wireless network range, but from what I can see I guess the Airport router needs to be connected via ethernet to the netopia router I have already, meaning it would need to be located in the same room and therefore pointless?

Sorry for rambling. I guess basically what I'm asking is what do Apple's airport extreme / express devices do which my standard Eircom-provided router doesn't?

5uspect

It's just a router.

If you want to have fast networking across the house consider a set of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-XAVB101-100UKS-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B00193PPOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1312659949&sr=1-1

You could always use the above to connect a wireless router in a better location.

Branoic

5uspect wrote: »

It's just a router.

If you want to have fast networking across the house consider a set of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-XAVB101-100UKS-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B00193PPOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1312659949&sr=1-1

You could always use the above to connect a wireless router in a better location.

Thanks 5uspect.

If I were to connect a second wireless router to one of these netgear adapters somewhere else in the house - does that create a second wireless network or would it just extend the the existing network?

5uspect

Branoic wrote: »

5uspect wrote: »

It's just a router.

If you want to have fast networking across the house consider a set of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-XAVB101-100UKS-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B00193PPOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1312659949&sr=1-1

You could always use the above to connect a wireless router in a better location.

Thanks 5uspect.

If I were to connect a second wireless router to one of these netgear adapters somewhere else in the house - does that create a second wireless network or would it just extend the the existing network?

It just extends your Ethernet. I think there are different versions, one may have wireless functions. Of course any cheap WiFi router will also do with it.

nesf

Powerline "ethernet" is the best way of getting through an external wall in my experience. Especially with older houses with very thick, solid external walls.

If you need a wireless network in the second location I'd go with a cheap wireless bridge rather than another router. Generally cheaper that way if you don't need much in the way of configuration.