Extending Network, same WiFi info

[jjk454ss]

I just setup a new Network to reach my backyard and wondered how to best set things up. I’ve got my Mesh Router in the house, I’ve got a Wavlink outdoor Router on the outside of my house and I’ve got a Wavlink Extender outdoor Router back. The Wavlink at the house and the Mesh Router are both plugged into the modem

Any downsides to using the same SSID and Password and letting everything connect to whatever it chooses? Will it always/typically choose the strongest signal? Am I best off with 1, 2, or even 3 SSIDs so I can choose which network I am connecting to? Most of its cameras but I do use my iPhone all over also

 

[Bigwaff]

I just setup a new Network to reach my backyard and wondered how to best set things up. I’ve got my Mesh Router in the house, I’ve got a Wavlink outdoor Router on the outside of my house and I’ve got a Wavlink Extender outdoor Router back. The Wavlink at the house and the Mesh Router are both plugged into the modem

Any downsides to using the same SSID and Password and letting everything connect to whatever it chooses? Will it always/typically choose the strongest signal? Am I best off with 1, 2, or even 3 SSIDs so I can choose which network I am connecting to? Most of its cameras but I do use my iPhone all over also

If both Wavlink router and mesh router are plugged into modem, I assume your ISP supports/supplies at least two IP addresses for connectivity to ISP network.

 

[jjk454ss]

If both Wavlink router and mesh router are plugged into modem, I assume your ISP supports/supplies at least two IP addresses for connectivity to ISP network.

I guess so, it’s working with this way now

 

[Bigwaff]

Do you want devices connected to Wavlink to be able to “talk” to devices connected to mesh router, I.e. be on the same home network ?

 

[jjk454ss]

Do you want devices connected to Wavlink to be able to “talk” to devices connected to mesh router, I.e. be on the same home network ?

They don’t need to. I guess I mostly just want my phone connected to the fastest network wherever I’m at

 

[Bigwaff]

They don’t need to. I guess I mostly just want my phone connected to the fastest network wherever I’m at

Well, unless WavLink can be used a mesh repeater with mesh router, the two will broadcast separate WiFi networks. Instead of plugging in the WavLink into the modem, can you plug it into the mesh router and use "extender" mode, if WavLink supports it?

 

[jjk454ss]

Well, unless WavLink can be used a mesh repeater with mesh router, the two will broadcast separate WiFi networks. Instead of plugging in the WavLink into the modem, can you plug it into the mesh router and use "extender" mode, if WavLink supports it?

I think it can be, but where both routers are located it’s so much easier to plug them both separately into the modem. I appreciate the help, but I think it sounds like the way I have it set up now is probably the best. And it’s been working very well, I can’t believe the range I get from the Wavlink. I’m saving $50 a month because I was able to cancel the Internet service at the back building.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Best practice would be only one router (unless the second router can be a repeater/extender, or one could manually disable all the routing features (DHCP, firewall, etc.). Ether way...it is no longer doing router work, so best to not think of it or treat it as a router, but an extender. One network, extended.

If you are happy now, fine. But be aware that there are a few gotchas with dual routers on a single network. Sounds like you got things setup OK, or, the router(s) support an extender feature. Here's a quick write-up of what used to be the common scenario when using 2 routers.