Linking networks wirelessly

Can you tell me whether it’s possible to have two wireless routers communicate with each other via their wireless protocol? I’m hoping to add an Ethernet access point at a remote location in my house without having to run a copper cable. I have a functioning LAN with a wireless router and would like to hang some hardwired Ethernet computers off a second wireless router. Can I configure this second router to communicate with the primary router wirelessly? – Carl Witthoft

Can you tell me whether it’s possible to have two wireless routers communicate with each other via their wireless protocol? I’m hoping to add an Ethernet access point at a remote location in my house without having to run a copper cable. I have a functioning LAN with a wireless router and would like to hang some hardwired Ethernet computers off a second wireless router. Can I configure this second router to communicate with the primary router wirelessly?

– Carl Witthoft

What you’re talking about is extending the network you have to another area via a wireless “bridge.” Some access points have this functionality, but not all. When in bridge mode, the access point will only talk to other access points configured in a similar manner unless the vendor that made it has also made provisions so it can talk to clients as well. You will also need to look at how the building has been put together in terms of how much metal is in the walls; this serves to lessen the signal strength between the two bridging access points. This would be a good time to do a site survey so you can get an idea of how the signal strength will be between the access points. If you don’t have good signal strength, you will need to look at either getting an access point that can do bridging and has a stronger transmitter, use directional antennas to direct the signal where you need it, or possibly do both to get the best possible signal.

Another connectivity option to consider is a device that allows you to run network communications over the same wiring as your electricity. This may be cheaper, easier or both than using access points that will do the bridging. It can also keep things running when someone else near you turns up wireless networking and causes interference on your link, causing problems to the point that things appear not to work. Both of these options have their pluses and minuses, so look closely at both to see what will be easiest for you to implement and maintain.