Multiple access points

[rukkian]

I have a wireless connection for my laptop which is not very stable. I have a 4 level house and unfortunately, my main pc, cable modem and smc wireless router are in the basement. Is it possible to get a second wireless access point to use basically as a repeater and configure it to still connect through the other, or will they just conflict. I just found this site and will be trying some of the other tips, just was wondering.

TIA

[multiplexed]

Actually, you're lucky all that equipment is grouped together. You're on the right track with your questions too.

You can have another access point, but you'll need to connect the two. Power line networking is an easy way to connect the two, but it's not cheap yet. The other alternative is running Cat5 cable up the house levels for a connection.

It also sounds like you're picking up some signal upstairs, so make sure that your upstairs access point is on a different channel than the downstairs. If the two are on the same channel, then there would be interference as you mentioned.

My wireless network is all ad hoc, so I'm not sure if access points have DHCP servers, but if they do, make sure only your downstairs router DHCP is enabled. You should only have one DHCP server per network for home use.