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Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

JPN
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Registered: ‎19-12-2013

Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

I would like to use wired devices in an outbuilding with no current ethernet cable to it. My main internet connection is using a TPlink router. I have a spare Plusnet Hub2 still sealed in its box. Does the Hub2 have a WDS or similar bridge mode that will work with the TPlink to give me a wireless link between the two? (I'm assuming the Hub2 has at least a couple of LAN ports for me to then connect my wired devices?)

 

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MisterW
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

Does the Hub2 have a WDS or similar bridge mode that will work with the TPlink to give me a wireless link between the two?

I'm afraid not.

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spile
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

Even if it did offer a wireless backhaul I would definitely not recommend using it. Wired is the most appropriate way to connect an extender.

MisterW
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

@spile I don't think @JPN wants a wireless extender here. Whats wanted is to connect wired devices via a wireless link to the main router. In this case the device is acting purely as a normal wireless client to the main router and is not broadcasting its own wifi network or extending the main routers.

It needs a device that can operate in wireless client mode.

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Ian06
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

You obviously have a choice of wireless extenders and Client mode devices like this one (TP-link AC750) you could connect up if the Wi-Fi signal to the outbuilding is good enough and use an ethernet switch for more wired devices... as stated elsewhere the best result would be from a cabled connection to the outbuilding - but I assume that's a lot of work.!!

Dan_the_Van
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

I know the fashion is for everything to be wireless but using Powerline Adapters can be a cheap answer, although there are some caveats they can provide a simple method of extending a network either wired or with a wireless extender.

Make sure they are Gigabit Ethernet port, depending on use, in most cases the interconnection speed is enough for most day to day use, gaming however might be problematic.

 

JPN
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

Thanks all.  For clarity, as MisterW has noted, the intention is to create a small wired section of network linked to the main LAN by wireless. My preference would indeed be for  a wired link but that is impractical at present, involving an excavation for cable etc.  I have the Hub2 to hand, so hoped it might have the correct functionality.

The TPlink AC750 looks as though it would do the job if signal strength is ok, though for the same cost I could buy a second TPlink 450M as a twin for the main router; the WDS would work with that and it would also provide the additional ports without a separate switch. I'll also ponder the powerline option.

Thanks for the input gents, much appreciated.

 

 

Baldrick1
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

@JPN 

Have you checked whether your router is capable of delivering a suitable level of wireless reception at the remote location? Wireless extenders are designed to boost the signal when placed in an intermediate location, which is not a lot of use if there's no mains to power the extender at this position. A WiFi sniffer app on an Android phone is a useful tool to check this out.

Obviously, as you propose, if you have wireless reception at the remote location you can use the extender there as a wireless to Ethernet bridge .

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JPN
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Registered: ‎19-12-2013

Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

Thank you Baldrick1 for the reminder.  There is usually a good signal near the required location, but your prompt had me pop out and check inside the outbuilding with the doors closed, and yes, there is sufficient signal for what is proposed.

My thought is to go with the twin router as that is no more expensive than the other suggested options, and has the additional benefits of known compatability and the extra ports. 

Many thanks

paul_blitz
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Re: Using a hub 2 in a bridge link

What you are describing is EXACTLY what "meshes" are used for. I stayed at an AirBnB: they had a BT disk at the back of the house, and another in their "garden office".

 

(just to complete the reply: a remote BT "mesh" disc gets set up initially by plugging it into the main router with a cable. Once set up - takes a couple of minutes - the link between them can then be wireless or cable)