WiFi functioning as a wide area network is confusing me... I'm not sure how to proceed...
WiFi functioning as a wide area network is confusing me... I'm not sure how to proceed...
Hello, here’s a concise summary: You’re looking for reliable equipment to extend your Wi-Fi signal using a router as the WAN point. This setup should keep all connected devices private and secure. Since you rely on unlimited data and live in an apartment with free public Wi-Fi, you need a solution that maintains privacy while allowing essential services like heating to stay online.
After researching, I found options from brands like Pepwave and Cradlepoint that offer similar functionality under different names. TP-Link’s WISP is another possibility, though it may not fully meet your needs. A travel router connected via Ethernet could work, but it might be more complex. If you’re aiming for something under $100, consider exploring budget-friendly routers with built-in WDS or mesh capabilities. Let me know if you’d like help comparing specific models!
The WiFi acting as a WAN is a strange fix. Simply connect a travel router and link its Ethernet to your existing router. A few adjustments are needed for it to function properly. 1. Choose a travel router with a LAN port (not all have these) 2. Connect the Ethernet cable from the travel router to the LAN port of the old router (or turn off WAN on the old one, which usually changes the WAN port to LAN) 3. Disable DHCP on the old router