I’m moving into an apartment where internet is provided, which means there’s a single WiFi signal for the whole building. While this setup reduces signal competition, it creates challenges for my smart home since I believe there won’t be any ethernet ports in my apartment. I’m looking for a device that can connect to the WiFi and provide a LAN output. Ideally, this device would be a router, but if not, I could use it to connect to a router. I don’t want to create another WiFi signal and would prefer to connect my devices like a Raspberry Pi, NAS, and PC directly using ethernet cables. These devices need to stay connected to the internet for certain functionalities, which wouldn’t be possible with a disconnected router setup.
Sharing a network with other tenants without any control over it can really complicate your smart home setup. That would be a big concern for me.
Jose said:
Sharing a network with other tenants without any control over it can really complicate your smart home setup. That would be a big concern for me.
Definitely not planning on adding a smart door lock, that’s for sure.
Jose said:
Sharing a network with other tenants without any control over it can really complicate your smart home setup. That would be a big concern for me.
Providing a shared network might seem convenient, but it’s generally a bad idea for several reasons. Personal security is a big one, especially with more people working from home these days. Plus, handling internet issues can be a nightmare for property managers, who’d rather avoid the hassle of constant complaints and technical issues.
@Stanley
That’s a solid point about property management. Dealing with tech support for other people’s issues when your network is fine sounds very frustrating. Also, what if you want to set up something like a home server or need specific network configurations for privacy?
Buy a travel router, they’re cheap and effective. Look up GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2, also known as Mango, it’s a portable mini travel wireless pocket VPN WiFi router.
Sidney said:
Buy a travel router, they’re cheap and effective. Look up GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2, also known as Mango, it’s a portable mini travel wireless pocket VPN WiFi router.
Agreed, but keep in mind the Mango is very basic. If you need something more robust, consider the Slate or Opal from GL.iNet, or even the Beryl for better performance and more connections.
@NomadNerd
Exactly this!
Unless the building prohibits setting up your own network, it’s quite doable. Treat the building WiFi like your ISP. Get a router that can connect to WiFi for internet access and use it to manage your internal devices securely.
@Ezra
Good point about security. However, not all routers can use WiFi as a WAN input. You’ll need to check that before setting it up.
Lashun said:
@Ezra
Good point about security. However, not all routers can use WiFi as a WAN input. You’ll need to check that before setting it up.
I’d bet on the WRT models; they’re usually more flexible than typical consumer routers.
@Levi
You’re probably right. It’s like setting up a bridge, where the router doesn’t really care about the source of its connection as long as it’s configured correctly.
Lashun said:
@Levi
You’re probably right. It’s like setting up a bridge, where the router doesn’t really care about the source of its connection as long as it’s configured correctly.
Exactly. It’s all about configuring the default route properly. It’s basically turning your device into a bridge with minimal internal logic.
Look for a range extender that includes an ethernet port.
Any old router that supports dd-Wrt or OpenWrt can be configured to do this.
Joycehyden said:
I’ve set up a device like this before to connect a voip phone during lockdown since I couldn’t modify the WiFi settings on the phone. Check out this link: Amazon.com: TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Range Extender with Ethernet Port | Internet Signal Booster for Home | Dual-Band Wireless Repeater Amplifier | Access Point Mode | APP Setup | OneMesh Compatible (RE615X) : Electronics
Would that setup require me to access the building’s router settings?
Reggie said:
You can use a device like the NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender. Here’s a link: Amazon.com: NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX2700 - Coverage Up to 800 Sq Ft and 10 devices with N300 Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (Up to 300Mbps Speed), and Compact Wall Plug Design : Electronics
Do I need access to the main router for that?
Reggie said:
@Dario
Not with the one I used. Just set it to gateway mode, connect, scan for the building’s WiFi, and switch the operating mode. It’s pretty straightforward.
That sounds like a great solution, thanks for the info.
A router with OpenWRT is perfect for converting WiFi to LAN. I always use it as a bridge to extend my WiFi range.
This device connects to WiFi and outputs Ethernet. I use it to connect my LAN-only printer to my WiFi. Here’s a link: Vonets VAP11N-300 2,4 GHz Band Mini WLAN Bridge Ethernet WiFi Bridge Wireless zu LAN-Adapter 300 Mbps 802.11b/g/n für Netzwerkgeräte, die eine WLAN-Verbindung benötigen, mit Access Point Funktion: Amazon.de: Computer & Zubehör