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Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
Empty_Nest__Soo
Explorer
Dec 01, 2015

Wifi repeater using DD-WRT

I’m looking at options for getting internet inside the (aluminum-skinned) motorhome at campgrounds. This off-the-shelf option http://www.jefatech.com/product/RV-KIT-REPEATER/Long-Range-WiFi-Repeater-Kit-for-RVs.html from Jefa Technology seems to be a workable choice, if perhaps a bit overpriced. But it gets me to wondering:

It appears that the Jefa Tech system is a Linksys WRT54G router, presumable reprogrammed to function as a repeater, probably using DD-WRT firmware in place of the Linksys firmware, paired with a cable and external antenna attached to one antenna port, with the remaining OEM antenna for repeating the signal inside the RV.

I’ve done a little research on this, and I see no good reason why I could not buy a Linksys WRT54G, flash it with the DD-WRT firmware, buy an antenna cable and a good exterior antenna, and put together a good working system for much less. Actually, a lot of Linksys WRT54G’s already converted to repeaters using DD-WRT are available on Ebay for far less money than what Jefa Tech wants. Ditto antenna cables and antennas.

Has anyone done this? I’m no electronics expert, but it seems feasible to me. Can anyone tell me if I’m right or wrong on this?

Thanks!

Wayne
Class A
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Dec 01, 2015
    Yes, I have a Linksys WRT54G router, with DD-WRT firmware, that I have used as a repeater. I used it to repeat the signal from my Verizon hot spot. The set up procedure is available from DD-WTR.com data base. It's not intuitive but doable. Some of the later vers. of the router do NOT have removable antenna. Look closely. I know ver. 1-5 do have removable antenna.

    Richard
  • rwbradley's avatar
    rwbradley
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    If you want some more detailed instructions on it, I did a write up on it (it is a 4 part post).
    My post
  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    One problem with a WiFi Repeater is that every repeat, the bandwidth is halved. I prefer the outside radio and an inside Router/access point.
  • Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
    Empty_Nest__Soo
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    Richard,

    Yes, I’ve read that the later versions do not have removable antennas. I think they are up to at least Ver. 8. My understanding is that the earlier versions were also simply better routers, and presumable would make better repeaters.

    Rob,

    I appreciate that link.

    ChooChoo,

    I don’t follow what you mean by “outside radio.” Please explain, or give an example. I understand routers and access points, as I recently set up an old (more powerful) router in the house as an access point for use in my detached shop. (Gotta be able to stream music on Pandora while I’m working, eh?)

    Actually, I’m less concerned with bandwidth in the motorhome, as we don’t plan on streaming in campgrounds. We mostly want to be able to check email, etc., without needing to go to a common area to get a usable signal. Still, I’m open to alternatives.

    Thanks, everyone.

    Wayne
  • rekoj71's avatar
    rekoj71
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    The Jefa-tech version is very similar to what you are saying. It's biggest selling point is that it is pre-setup with the correct hardware and even firmware that uses a very dumbed down, web browser based setup page that is easy to understand by people like me with little computer smarts. It also has great tech support.
    I'm currently using Ubiquiti products that use a separate outside receiver/transmitter (radio), and a normal router inside, but I have no clue how to set them up without following along on a youtube video and hoping I don't mess up. Thankfully there are plenty of those out there.
    If you are even considering this you are better than me though.

    See this thread
    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28667300/gotomsg/28667560.cfm#28667560
  • rwbradley's avatar
    rwbradley
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2015
    From a campground perspective, the bandwidth being halved is not that big a thing to me, the benefits far outweigh it.
    1) you would never get 802.11N speeds on the internet side of any campground and likely will never see 802.11G speeds either so only getting 27mbps is probably going to be far more than you need anyway
    2) from a security perspective, using a repeater/router setup is the single most important thing you can do in a campground as it isolates you from most types of attacks and security breaches that could take place on the "public" campground network (although some radio solutions also use a router, but not all)
    3) the Linksys WRT54G is also a tank, it is well overpowered for what it is doing and you can also run it off DC as it will tolerate 5-24DCV, so just cut the wall wart off the cable and put a cigarette lighter plug on it and it runs off your house batteries
    I have also noticed that most of the campgrounds that we were in this summer are starting to realize that they need to build their WIFI network properly and are using directional long range antennas to get back to the office as opposed to repeating the signal, so you get the full strength in the back of the park. This means you only need to repeat once (on your router).
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Dec 01, 2015
    For less than $100 and with very little computer knowledge you can amp up a weak wifi signal and then repeat it wirelessly to all your devices. Check this out. I use it and it's awesome. David mentions an option for a more powerful antenna and I would suggest you buy that one as it costs only a few dollars more for double the power. It's the only mistake I made when I set my system up.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i8SmOf5ZTw

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