Searching for a gigabit router that supports WISP repeater functionality.
Searching for a gigabit router that supports WISP repeater functionality.
I need to switch to a WiFi connection through a captive portal to access my internet. My TP-Link AC750 works fine for sharing with devices, but I want to organize my setup more neatly—especially for my desktop and NAS. I’m looking for a router that can capture the WiFi signal and create a new personal network, plus provide at least four Ethernet ports so other devices can communicate and connect to the internet. I’d like it to support a captive portal setup. If that’s not possible, I’m considering adding a switch to my current router instead of using two outlets. I understand I can connect via Ethernet for internet access, but I hope this arrangement will function smoothly. My budget is around $150, though it’s flexible.
Check if it's the range extender or the dual band router. Does your WISP offer its own CPE? Or are you employing the TP-Link gadget to amplify signals across a wide area?
It's a dual band router, your run-off-the-mill travel router type. The thing is that I don't even know if typical routers have this sort of functionality that I'm looking for, but as I'd like to just have one device instead of two I'm trying to find if such exist. There are AP's on each floor of the building, and you just connect to one, get a captive portal where you log in with username and password and then get internet access. I'm using the TP-Link to share the WiFi signal I get to create my own WiFi network(s) for my own devices because there's a limit of one device per user account.
I’m confident you’re looking for something unique here. While I grasp your goal, it seems unlikely manufacturers would prioritize such a product. If they did, it would need to handle more than just dual-band WiFi. There doesn’t appear to be a single device that matches everything you need. Perhaps another perspective could help. The solution would likely involve two components: one to capture the wireless signal from the building and another to connect via Ethernet to a separate router that manages its own network. The GL-AR750S can act as a travel router with a built-in browser for captive portals, and it can extend your existing Wi-Fi using one antenna while you set up your LAN separately. Of course, dual-band functionality would be lost, but if that’s acceptable, you could wire your own router into the GL-AR750S to create your network independently.
Yeah, I thought that too. I was hoping such features would be standard in routers now, but I get why it might not be. Since I plan to upgrade later, I’d prefer purchasing a single device I can use later rather than buying a switch I probably won’t need then. Still, it’s good to have more blinking lights now. Thanks for your thoughts.
OpenWRT allows assigning one WiFi adapter as a client and another as an access point, which seems possible on your router. However, broadcasting on the same frequency would likely interfere with your wISP service. Wiring connections directly to the router is generally better, though some devices only support wireless. Captive portals can be automated through scripts, but ensure compliance with your wISP policies. Running multiple devices simultaneously probably won’t cause issues if they’re all connected via the same router.