Macworld 2014: BearExtender Shows Off iOS Compatible Edge Wi-Fi Extender [Updated]

[Parasprite]

Different usage from an Airport Express I think.
The existing usb adaptors that BearExtender sell are designed for pulling in long range Wifi signals - think wardriving. The antenna is replaceable so you attach a huge high gain one and pull in signals from 'a hundred metres' or more in ideal conditions. (Although they also make PC compatible models, people using Windows tend to choose other brands like Alfa). Since this new model is mains-powered then I assume it more for borrowing/stealing wifi from neighbours across the street or boosting the signal from a nearby public hotspot.

I remember my first year of uni several years back, just after I had gotten my first laptop (MacBook Air). The campus was built next to a big river on a hill and I liked to sit outside on a bench right at the top of it and appreciate the beautiful view, the tranquility, and (at least at the time it felt like it) brisk wifi. I was playing around with the settings and I had noticed there was an unsecured network with a router's default SSID (something like [Netbox]-294126) which, to my surprise, actually had a strong enough signal to connect and browse the web. I knew that the closest flat was about a mile away with lots of stuff in the way. Then I realized that I had managed to connect to a house across the river, which was at least 200m across. I realized I could also log into their router...which was password protected... google's default password for [Netbox] routers...it works.

TL;DR: Connected to unsecured router across a river and added a password and changed the SSID to something that informed them that they should probably change it.

 

[PerformaGuy]

Apple Airport Express is already doing exactly this...

I don't see a point for the company to create a "$20 less" device which undoubtedly will be far less advanced and efficient.

Their info page is up now
http://store.bearextender.com/pages/bearextender-edge-information

Main difference is that Edge is an amplified repeater with an external antenna while AirPort Express is a standard range device.

So yes it does cost $30 less than an express, but you also get the amplifier (700 mW) and the antenna for long range use.

"Safari will automatically open and redirect you to our simple one-screen setup" also looks cool

 

[MyMacTech]

This company really shouldn't call their products "extenders." That's a misnomer and misguiding to the customer. Their devices do not extend the network for the benefit of all of your wifi devices (as 99% of "Extenders" on the market do).

Instead, Bear's products provided "extendED" range for the one computer/tablet that you use with their device.

Bottom line: The benefit to the product being discussed here is that if you are frequently using your iPod touch or iPad with wifi on the fringes of your wifi network, you can use this device to get better range for that device.

Why buy it over a traditional "extender" (from the likes of Linksys and Netgear)? Well, first it appears to be easier to configure. Second, it claims a huge signal range. Third, typical extenders can decrease overall wi-fi throughput. Presumably this device would not.

 

[DayOfChaos]

The ASUS RP-N53 is much better in terms of a repeater. Dead simple setup. Connect to the devices network, enter username and password, done. Highly recommend it in terms of quality and astehtics compared to this.

Paired really well with my ASUS router (shocker! ).

 

[nsayer]

(The reason I did this to start with was to avoid running conduit and ethernet over 500 feet... since the effective distance for ethernet is what? 300 feet without some kind of amplifier?)

10baseT has a 100 meter distance limit. For 500 feet, I'd run fiber. Yes, I know it sounds like pricy overkill, but you can get direct-burial fiber cable, and it'll stand up to the elements. You can also get surplus 100 or 10 mbit transceivers rather than the new gigabit stuff. Lastly, since it's glass, there's no potential ground loop or ground differential problems. It's probably more expensive than this device, but it's going to work a whole lot better too.

 

[ashwin4]

Lol doesn't everyone need a new router I need two just to keep the range of my first and second floor

 

[GeekLawyer]

10baseT has a 100 meter distance limit. For 500 feet, I'd run fiber. Yes, I know it sounds like pricy overkill, but you can get direct-burial fiber cable, and it'll stand up to the elements. You can also get surplus 100 or 10 mbit transceivers rather than the new gigabit stuff. Lastly, since it's glass, there's no potential ground loop or ground differential problems. It's probably more expensive than this device, but it's going to work a whole lot better too.

That's good information that I never would have considered. Thanks for that.

 

[SeattleMoose]

I have used the Bear Extender (BE). It works.

I use it when I'm away from the house and my local/house ISP service.

For example when I'm in a hotel without WiFi, I always try to first use my built-in MPB Wifi transceiver and see what networks are available. I'll get a list of 4 or 5 networks to show up and hopefully at least one is unlocked (e.g. restaurant, other hotel, careless person, etc.). If there are none or the signals are too weak, I get out the BE.

When I use the BE I'll get 10 to 15 networks to show up. And the ones I got before will show a much stronger signal (more bars).

With the BE I can tap into networks based in hotels/restaurants that are MUCH farther away.

Comparing this to the Airport Express is Apples vs Oranges.

Highly recommended!!! (for WiFi parasites everywhere..)

 

[Giantscruz]

Can't get my Airport Express to do this, might Buy this thing.

My Parent's Wi-fi won't reach the 2nd story of their home. I grabbed the Airport express they have in the garage for streaming music from the office and tried to use it to boost the Wi-fi upstairs.

As far as i can tell, because the Airport Express is just a little too old, the only way to extend a signal is to run an Ethernet cable to it from the router, completely defeating the purpose.

Has anyone else experienced this and now looking for something new?

 

[Mugwumper]

This is what I tried as well

My Parent's Wi-fi won't reach the 2nd story of their home. I grabbed the Airport express they have in the garage for streaming music from the office and tried to use it to boost the Wi-fi upstairs.

As far as i can tell, because the Airport Express is just a little too old, the only way to extend a signal is to run an Ethernet cable to it from the router, completely defeating the purpose.

Has anyone else experienced this and now looking for something new?

From what I understand, an Airport Express will not work with a non-Apple router to extend the range. I don't know why, but would like to find out. I have an AE from a couple of years ago (n-capable), and it will not even connect to the Linksys ac router I have. I'm sure I'm not understanding things correctly, or doing something wrong. My hope was to use the AE to give connectivity to an upstairs guest bedroom which I will probably rent out later this year.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, or tell me how to set up the AE so it can be a repeater . . .

 

[2457282]

I was actually looking to extend my wifi in my house to wolf some dead areas wear my wife like to work. In the end I decided to go with the airport express. I made my decision for two reason. 1. The airport utility allows me to manage my network (I have the time capsule as the base station). By having all apple products I can use the single utility for all components. 2. Airplay. I like airplay, but have not invested in airplay speakers. However, the airport express allows me to plug in speaker that I can then send music to. Since the AE is now hiddend in the living room, I can add speakers to allow for music that does not have to go through the Apple TV and my TV.

In the end the bear extender is a good product, but the integration within the apple ecosystem won again for me. For some the price is a big deal and I get that. It's a big deal for me too. But, ease of use, convenience, and integration, is something that I am willing to pay extra for.

 

[ABCDEF-Hex]

Another alternative - AMP 802.11ac

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/amp...ing,26272.html

I have a new Apple Extreme 802.11ac. I was going to use my old Extreme to extend my network via a wired connection. This new AMP plug-in would be easier than running the wire but would it be as good coverage wise and as compatible as the 2 Extremes.

 

[zync]

The floating outlet that is way too large for that size baseboard is their marketing picture? The shadow doesn't even cover the wall. Apparently they don't even have a real device to take a picture of.