WiFi Extender Review from David Pogue
This guy is an easy-to-read/understand tech guy with a review of wi-fi extending. http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/07/wi-fi-for-every-room-in-the-apartment/?nl=technology&emc=edit_ct_20130307
Forum Discussion
The Secure Almond apparently started out as a Kickstart project, and looks impressive in that it appears very user friendly to setup as a WiFi repeater using the touchscreen. Solves the setup complexity issue with most other repeaters. Here is one YouTube video as an example. It's also priced in line with other similar WiFi repeaters in its class, though I would have preferred if they included 4-built in LAN ports standard.
What looks even more impressive is their new Almond+, though not yet available. It appears to offer additional features such as home automation controls, has mobile app capability, and can use a 3G/4G mobile data connection through USB. Note that some mobile hotspot devices allow you to also tether via USB. Not just wireless. Nonetheless, interesting for $99.?
I personally use recycled WiFi-N/G routers I picked up from $4.-6. at local thrift stores, and upgrade the firmware for use as WiFi range extenders(repeaters), and also as bridged clients(WiFi adapters) for my desktops. This allows using devices such as MagicJack+ or Network HD drives that require an Ethernet net connection, which is not available with my 4G Mobile hotspot device. The disadvantage is that they need to be manually configured, which can be intimidating to some.
What looks even more impressive is their new Almond+, though not yet available. It appears to offer additional features such as home automation controls, has mobile app capability, and can use a 3G/4G mobile data connection through USB. Note that some mobile hotspot devices allow you to also tether via USB. Not just wireless. Nonetheless, interesting for $99.?
I personally use recycled WiFi-N/G routers I picked up from $4.-6. at local thrift stores, and upgrade the firmware for use as WiFi range extenders(repeaters), and also as bridged clients(WiFi adapters) for my desktops. This allows using devices such as MagicJack+ or Network HD drives that require an Ethernet net connection, which is not available with my 4G Mobile hotspot device. The disadvantage is that they need to be manually configured, which can be intimidating to some.
