Wireless bridge recommendation?

AustinJerry · September 19, 2019

I have been using a device called a wireless bridge (a Linksys WET610N) in my Home theater equipment rack to provide network connectivity to various pieces of equipment. Just to make sure everyone understands what I mean by a wireless bridge, it is a device that connects wirelessly to my main router, and has four wired ports that provide wired connections to my equipment (not all of my equipment has wireless connectivity).

I am looking to replace the Linksys device because I cannot get it to connect to my router over the 5GHz network (don’t know why, but I have tried many times), and the 2.4GHz connection is slower than I would like. When I do a search for “wireless bridges”, I don’t see any devices that provide the functionality I am looking for. It is hard for me to believe that there isn’t a need for wireless bridge solutions, but I can’t seem to find any. Anyone have any suggestions for a device that can meet my requirements?

kltaylor · September 19, 2019

AustinJerry said:

I have been using a device called a wireless bridge (a Linksys WET610N) in my Home theater equipment rack to provide network connectivity to various pieces of equipment. Just to make sure everyone understands what I mean by a wireless bridge, it is a device that connects wirelessly to my main router, and has four wired ports that provide wired connections to my equipment (not all of my equipment has wireless connectivity).

I am looking to replace the Linksys device because I cannot get it to connect to my router over the 5GHz network (don’t know why, but I have tried many times), and the 2.4GHz connection is slower than I would like. When I do a search for “wireless bridges”, I don’t see any devices that provide the functionality I am looking for. It is hard for me to believe that there isn’t a need for wireless bridge solutions, but I can’t seem to find any. Anyone have any suggestions for a device that can meet my requirements?

I used to use the same device until it died on me, of course, I had to figure out the same thing you are doing right now.

In lieu of a Wireless Bridge, you may want to consider with adding a second router configured as an access point or take the dive to do Mesh networking.

As an example, I use two ASUS routers that are capable of AI Mesh networking. The main router is on the ground floor, basically a finished basement if-you-will. The 'node' is literally two floors above the router. When they are connected the node acts not only as an access point, but also has the ports in the back for ethernet connections. You can even designate which connection takes priority, ethernet or wireless.

With a second router connected as an AP, you 'may' have access to the ethernet ports, but it's unlikely. AI Mesh is a means that I believe you're looking for. Check it out and if you have any questions, please let me know.

AustinJerry · September 19, 2019

Yes, I am aware that a second router may provide the functionality I need, but I am hoping for a device with a smaller form factor. Thanks for sharing your solution.

kltaylor · September 20, 2019

AustinJerry said:

Yes, I am aware that a second router may provide the functionality I need, but I am hoping for a device with a smaller form factor. Thanks for sharing your solution.

My pleasure, although I'm not sure if you'll find a wireless bridge these days. Let me know how can help.

Hronos · September 20, 2019

Hi @AustinJerry!
Maybe you will do better with powerline adapters, not to use their antenas but to use their LAN port included. Never tried my self, but with it and the smallest factor switch you can use, maybe you are in the road...
Also, I am pretty sure there are some AP with that functionality, small enough to replace your actual bridge.

AustinJerry · September 20, 2019

I have tried powerline adapters, but was never able to get the throughput I want. I get close to 200Mbps with 5G wireless, and powerline was not able to get half that.

kltaylor · September 21, 2019

AustinJerry said:

I have tried powerline adapters, but was never able to get the throughput I want. I get close to 200Mbps with 5G wireless, and powerline was not able to get half that.

I didn't have much success with Powerline things, either.

Mirekmal · September 21, 2019

I think since mesh networking become more popular (and more efficient, as does not consume wireless bandwith as repeater do), the demand for repeaters deminished and now these are hardly available. Personally I took a bollet and some time ago I spend some effort on upgrading my home network and putting additional cat6 wireing across house. Only then I connected additional Access Points in strategic locations to have good WiFi coverage too. So my whole home theater equipment is now hardwired... much better and stable experience.
Talking about powerline adapters; from your message it seems you were able to achieve ~100mbps, which should be more than enough for home theater applications? Even 4K HDR should be fine - Netflix recommends 25mbps. Did you run into any QoS problems with these adapters?

AustinJerry · September 21, 2019

Well, I am still using the Linksys WET610N, which achieves acceptable throughput using 2.4G wireless connectivity. However, I became frustrated that the Linksys would not connect using 5G, which it is supposed to support. My original inquiry was simply to see if alternative products were available that might allow me to connect using 5G, not that the Linksys 2.4G solution was not adequate for my equipment. And after my experiments with powerline adapters, I am unlikely ever to try that solution again.

kltaylor · September 22, 2019

AustinJerry said:

Well, I am still using the Linksys WET610N, which achieves acceptable throughput using 2.4G wireless connectivity. However, I became frustrated that the Linksys would not connect using 5G, which it is supposed to support. My original inquiry was simply to see if alternative products were available that might allow me to connect using 5G, not that the Linksys 2.4G solution was not adequate for my equipment. And after my experiments with powerline adapters, I am unlikely ever to try that solution again.

The wireless connection in the WET will only connect through 2.4 and not through 5. This would be another reason to suggest Mesh networking, where you can achieve a connection to both bands.

AustinJerry · September 22, 2019

Will a mesh network device have ports to provide wired network connections to equipment in my rack that doesn’t support wireless? If yes, can you suggest a specific device make/model?

kltaylor · September 22, 2019

AustinJerry said:

Will a mesh network device have ports to provide wired network connections to equipment in my rack that doesn’t support wireless? If yes, can you suggest a specific device make/model?

Yes, it even allows you, in the model that I use at home, to define which connection takes 'priority', Ethernet, Wifi, or Auto.

I use the ASUS Ai Mesh devices at home, two (will add a third soon, because why not?) nearly covers my entire home inside and out. You can learn more about it here, and if you run into any issues I can assist you with that.

bhakta · September 24, 2019

Good network

Wireless bridge recommendation?

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