What are the best suggestions for choosing a new router?
What are the best suggestions for choosing a new router?
The specific reason I needed a compatible router was because my parents aren’t familiar with setting up a hotspot on the mobile phone. Even though they know there are some areas in the house without connection, a hotspot could still be useful. However, it would definitely help if the hotspot was always active in a location where it wouldn’t work. Also, I’m not sure if there’s a router that connects directly to my Wi-Fi and just extends it, or if I need something like what I mentioned earlier.
The idea of a "compatible" router suggests turning off your Starlink router by switching it to bridge mode and swapping it with another external device—something we've been advised isn't needed.
A "hotspot" allows you to share the internet from a mobile phone by converting its cellular data into Wi-Fi, which consumes expensive cellular connections and is unrelated to your Starlink service.
An "access point" is a device that connects to Ethernet and can extend Wi-Fi coverage.
Since Ethernet works well up to 328 feet, it can be positioned far from your Starlink router, wherever the Wi-Fi signal is weakest.
A "wireless router" functions as a box capable of both routing traffic and broadcasting Wi-Fi signals. You can disable its routing features to turn it into just an access point; otherwise, you might need a dedicated access point if you prefer.
You cannot simply place two routers on the same network, as they would both attempt to assign DHCP addresses to all your devices, causing conflicts.
A "wireless extender" is a single radio unit that amplifies Wi-Fi signals wirelessly, though it introduces higher latency and reduced bandwidth. Since you’d likely place it in an area with strong existing Wi-Fi, it might be feasible but offers less performance than an access point.
Avoid purchasing an actual AP. Many current routers support AP functionality. This essentially turns off the router's capabilities, allowing the device to operate as fresh Wi-Fi transmitters connected through an Ethernet cable to the primary router.
Have you checked the manual for your outdated router to find a setting for switching it into access point mode? Even without that, you can often adjust it manually using the steps in post #7. If that doesn’t work, you might also search for any third-party firmware available for it.
If you decide to reuse the old router for this purpose, you won’t incur extra costs and it will resolve your issue without charge.
You can discard all your old ADSL Wi-Fi routers. They seem to be 802.11n models with a maximum speed of 54mbps and weak signal range—just ignore them. As recommended, any router that doesn’t connect the WAN port or has the WAN port turned off will function as an AP.
As mentioned any router can be used as a AP. This is a extremely old post that is on the wireless forum back from when DSL routers where more common. The method is the same. How do I convert my wireless router to a wireless AP (Access Point)? How do I convert my wireless router to a wireless AP (Access Point)? While connected to the main router go Start then Run in XP - (Windows key plus R in Vista and Windows 7), then type in the following, including all the spaces:- cmd /k ipconfig /all -- then press Enter and from the black form... forums.
It functioned, but I'm uncertain about the humor here. Should I suggest purchasing a TP-Link router or another similar budget model? I believe this router might work temporarily, though it has significant drawbacks based on what I know: Zyxel VMG5940-T20K.