Best way to use an ASUS RT-AC87 to extend range of existing RT-AC87?

[erea77]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here to SNB but glad this community exists. I have a problem right now that I can't find a good answer to.

I have two ASUS RT-AC87U routers.

One(alpha) is connected to my Google Fiber modem.

The other(bravo) is in another building across the street (110 feet away).

I would like to use bravo to extend the range of the wifi into that office (there is a clear path between the two routers). I have tried Media Bridge mode on ASUSWRT, but that doesn't seem to allow for wireless connection, only hardwired.

What would be the most effective way to accomplish this?

Should I flash merlin onto the router?

 

[pege63]

Use the Bravo Router as a repeter

 

[exducados]

Use the Bravo Router as a repeter

I think the rt-ac87u has not repeater mode option.

 

[erea77]

You are right. It does not. Should I flash DD-WRT or Merlin onto it?

I think the rt-ac87u has not repeater mode option.

 

[exducados]

People say that this router has two areas for firmware (one the tipical firm update and other for radio device, this one looks the responsable for that issue) and they are waiting an update from asus to make this option available.

 

[kossiewossie]

I think you limited to media bridge(good performance) to extend the the wifi to Bravo, I use 2x AC87u one as AP and the other as Media bridge, But I have a AC68U wired to the media bridge, so I get pretty good performance between the AP and media bridge, and the AC68U covers all the dead zones in my building . just a thought!

 

[funkahdafi]

You actually do have a repeater mode in the AC87. It's called "WDS", to be found in Wireless config tab.

 

[jegesq]

You actually do have a repeater mode in the AC87. It's called "WDS", to be found in Wireless config tab.

WDS only works with no encryption (no WPA-2 or WEP). You have to run the router, whose signal you're acquiring with the bridge, completely open and unsecured for WDS to work. WDS is really unsuitable for most of us who are even minimally concerned about the security of our network.

I don't own an 87U, but I believe Merlin's FW implements repeater mode (it does on the AC66U and AC3200) in "Administration--> Operation Mode-->Repeater Mode". Give it a try.

 

[RMerlin]

WDS only works with no encryption (no WPA-2 or WEP). You have to run the router, whose signal you're acquiring with the bridge, completely open and unsecured for WDS to work. WDS is really unsuitable for most of us who are even minimally concerned about the security of our network.

I don't own an 87U, but I believe Merlin's FW implements repeater mode (it does on the AC66U and AC3200) in "Administration--> Operation Mode-->Repeater Mode". Give it a try.

Repeater mode is not supported by the RT-AC87U nor the RT-AC3200.

 

[jegesq]

Repeater mode is not supported by the RT-AC87U nor the RT-AC3200.

Too bad. I now own an RT-AC3200 (not using smart connect) and am still using repeater on one of my AC66U's, and media bridge on my other AC66U. Frankly, I would never spend $300 for a repeater, nor would I use a tri-band router as a repeater, so I never looked. I just kind of assumed that it would be one of the operating modes. Oh well. Live and learn. Thanks for the info.

 

[netwrks]

Here's something interesting.. Maybe other options out there also..
http://www.wlanparts.com/point-to-p...-bridge-pre-configured-long-range-5ghz-25dbi/

 

[dividebyzer0]

Repeater mode is not supported by the RT-AC87U nor the RT-AC3200.

Media bridge, which is a native function of this router (@ ac speeds!) is a *repeater* type mode, also, DDWRT have achieved repeater mode with their software.

Its not impossible. I am really missing this feature.