Wireless Router Question

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

I have my WiFi Router in the living room where it comes into the house. I have just purchased a new Roku player for streaming Netflix which has an ethernet port input which will be in another room.

Is there any way to buy a second WiFi router and use the WiFi to connect to my Main Router and then connect my Roku to the ethernet ports on the second router? I want to avoid having to crawl around under the house, running cable, drilling holes, etc. Thanks. Oh, my current router is a Belkin G

stomachmonkey · 06-23-2009, 11:03 AM

The units need to be bridgeable which not all consumer units are.

You are really looking for something more like an Access Point.

You can buy a stand alone wifi adaptor for the Roku.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

my experience with wifi is such that, if you can use wire.. use wire.
wires don't disconnect by themselves at regular intervals, wifi's do.

Mr_Wizard · 06-23-2009, 11:24 AM

Don't have one but according to the Roku site it has built
in wifi capabilities

www.roku.com/technology.aspx

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Wizard

Don't have one but according to the Roku site it has built
in wifi capabilities

www.roku.com/technology.aspx

Yeah, I saw that but was worried about connection strength and speed since it will be for streaming video. I think I might take Stijn's advice and hardwire it.

masraum · 06-23-2009, 12:11 PM

Yes, it is possible with SOME wifi devices to have the two connect to allow devices to talk to each other.

It probably works best with the higher end devices than it does with the average home user's setup. You'd need to read about the capabilities of your existing device. If it'll do it, then you'd probably just want a twin router. If it doesn't do it then you'd want to buy 2 new routers. (really, WAPs, are usually more geared to this sort of activity)

Good luck

stomachmonkey · 06-23-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigster59

Yeah, I saw that but was worried about connection strength and speed since it will be for streaming video.

Connection strength and speed are most likely not a concern.

You do not say who your provider is (FIOS, RoadRunner, etc..) or what bandwidth you are paying for.

Most home consumer broadband will have less bandwidth on the WAN than the LAN. Meaning your internet connection is most likely a bigger bottleneck than your wireless network.

Really the only way for a device like that to work reliably given all the possible bandwidth limitations is to build a sufficient buffer and self adjust for latency.

Imagine a bucket that empties faster than you can fill it, to keep it from running dry you let the bucket fill up enough so that it won't run dry when you open the spigot.

Scott

Mr_Wizard · 06-23-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Connection strength and speed are most likely not a concern.

You do not say who your provider is (FIOS, RoadRunner, etc..) or what bandwidth you are paying for.

Most home consumer broadband will have less bandwidth on the WAN than the LAN. Meaning your internet connection is most likely a bigger bottleneck than your wireless network.

Really the only way for a device like that to work reliably given all the possible bandwidth limitations is to build a sufficient buffer and self adjust for latency.

Imagine a bucket that empties faster than you can fill it, to keep it from running dry you let the bucket fill up enough so that it won't run dry when you open the spigot.

Scott

+1 802.11g will give you 54 Mbps, 802.11n theoretically at 300 Mpbs. The bottle neck will be your incoming connection.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

I'm in a remote/rural location and my ISP is by wireless transmitter (receiver mounted on the side of the house). I'll have to check the specs. Thanks for the info, I didn't want to spend $$ needlessly

mikester · 06-23-2009, 02:41 PM

Back to back wireless like you're talking about - or wireless bridging - is not something the consumer type access points support.

Linksys's WAP54G does support it but it only works with like devices and in my experience - not very well. I tried it - it sucked so I got under my house and ran some wires. MUUUUUUCH Better speeds that way too.

WolfeMacleod · 06-23-2009, 03:08 PM

Roku? Why not an Xbox 360? Plays games, too!
I also use the streaming Netflix. I love it, plenty of content but they could use more HD and new release stuff.

Moses · 06-23-2009, 03:13 PM

Samsung makes an OUTSTANDING Blu-Ray player that does Netflix and Pandora. And it comes with a wireless antenna. Very well reviewed at cnet.com

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

Roku? Why not an Xbox 360? Plays games, too!
I also use the streaming Netflix. I love it, plenty of content but they could use more HD and new release stuff.

I actually got it for free off of a canceled TV show (product placement), beggars can't be choosers.

mikester · 06-23-2009, 05:05 PM

Back to back wireless like you're talking about - or wireless bridging - is not something the consumer type access points support.

Linksys's WAP54G does support it but it only works with like devices and in my experience - not very well. I tried it - it sucked so I got under my house and ran some wires. MUUUUUUCH Better speeds that way too.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

Don't be afraid of wireless. As long as you set it up properly and buy quality all should be well.

I have 2 Tivo HD units hooked up wirelessly running Netflix online and couldn't be happier.

Wire is good but not necessary these days.

I use the much touted D-Link DIR-655 N spec and have been very pleased.