"Value" router to extend network (UK-based)

Hi all!

I'm looking to improve wifi in part of the house. I've got an ethernet cable through there for my NAS so presumably just need a wifi router to use as a wired access point / extender (ethernet goes into new router, which provides wifi where I need, with a cable from there to my NAS)?

Can anyone recommend a solid, cheaper end router? Doesn't need to be great - we're getting by on 125mbps - just easy to configure - already wasted a day trying to repurpose an old TP-Link one.

Thanks!

Edited by Robroadband (Wed 20-Nov-24 17:16:27)

I have used Zyxel VMG3925 routers bought on ebay for doing this.

Thanks Michael - sounds interesting. Not a brand I've heard of - am I going to be able to unbox, plug this into my laptop or main router and press a button on its web GUI marked "use AP mode"?

Or is it going to take more config which I may not have the knowledge to do? I had a really good go at getting my old TP-Link router going but it proved frustratingly beyond me

Which tp link is it ?

To extend WiFi coverage to a place where you have a cabled connection, you don't "need" a router- just simply a wireless access point.

Though if you are simply recycling existing kit you have, then of course possible to use an all-in-one router with WiFi and just turn-off / not use the routing/NAT etc functionality. It will still work.

Some of the older tplink is weird for what the OP wants to do. I pulled my hair out with my older tplink unit in doing exactly the same as the OP

I see it as needs must, not really the ideal way of doing it. But if the old kit is there gathering dust then it can be used in a pinch.

From an ease of management perspective, performance, flexibility, roaming etc, etc - I much prefer to use proper access points ideally all belonging to same manufacturer / family etc. Though I take the point this isn't for everyone, and just for one AP may be a bit OTT.

Less all round hair loss issues from me though 😅

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

I see it as needs must, not really the ideal way of doing it. But if the old kit is there gathering dust then it can be used in a pinch.

From an ease of management perspective, performance, flexibility, roaming etc, etc - I much prefer to use proper access points ideally all belonging to same manufacturer / family etc. Though I take the point this isn't for everyone, and just for one AP may be a bit OTT.

Less all round hair loss issues from me though 😅

Oh i agree, I used the tplink as a test unit to see how wifi coverage would change..But boy did it not like being AP mode. Wireless mesh mode compared to that heap of junk(tplink) was night and day.. Sadly the OP has double posted here and ispreview ........

You would need to stop the DHCP server and set the LAN IP address to a value outside the range of the DHCP server in your current router. There used to be instructions about how to do this on this website but alas they have gone.

I believe what the OP actually wants is a “value” wireless access point.

The “router” request in the title is a bit of a red herring. They’ve already said they’ve lost a day trying to reconfigure and repurpose an existing TP-Link router for the task.