Multiple MBR1000's for single big area WiFi coverage?

yert33 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

I have a area that I think I'll need more than 2 WiFi access points. If I have 2 MBR1000's and a single broadband card on each, different carriers, different makes...can I set their WiFi parameters the same: same SSID, same security, SAME CHANNEL..... will I have seamless coverage when move through the 2 overlapping coverage areas?

Has anyone done this?

TIA

Alex · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:06 pm Post subject:

there is a way to do what you want, but its not exactly as you describe.

Cradlepoint routers support WDS (wireless distribution system) which sets up one router to act as a relay for another router.

So, the way i'd set it up is, have both your cellular modems in an mbr1000 and locate the router wherever there is the best cellular signal reception. This will be the master router.

Set up the 2nd mbr1000 as a slave to the master, extending its range.

would suggest you get your mbr1000's from http://3gstore.com/ so that you have access to their experts in tech support, in case you need assistance with the setup.
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Jim_in_VA · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject:

The load balancing on the MBR1000 is a terrific feature. I use mine with a Verizon and Sprint modem attached. Impressive. That would be ideal for your implementation, along with Alex's suggestied setup.
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Usmc68 · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:31 pm Post subject:

Can you do this in a similar manner with only 1 EVDO card and several MBR1000's spread around an area? I am trying to get internet access to an orphanage in a remote area. They can get a wireless signal (I took my MBR1000 and USB727 to test) I would set up the "master" with the USB727 connected to it with the best signal and then spread the "slaves" around the orphanage (with no cards attached, just repeating the signal). Would this work?

Thanks!

Alex · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:04 pm Post subject:

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject:

He may want to look into Meraki http://meraki.com/ using the Cradlepoint as the first link
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yert33 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

Thank you Alex and all..... will try the setup you suggest.

yert33 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

I read your link and also the MBR100 help file where I discovered I could not use WPA with WDS. No biggie. in fact the client wants no security so there!.

I walk the site and constantly scan for what router I'm attached to...switches seamlessly and that is awesome!

Are there any known issues with using load balancing on the host router? I seemed to have some difficulty resolving DNS when I had load balancing active. Turned it off and everything seems better now, but can't guarantee that was the problem.

Thanks for the education on this feature, Alex. I love my MBR1000's even more now!

yert33 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

If I have 2 MBR1000's setup with WDS, if I power down the client router (like to move it to another location) will the host router still work fine independently? IOW, will the host boink because it's looking for it's client?

TIA

Alex · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 12:12 pm Post subject: Re: One more WDS question

yert33 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

Thank you.

yert33 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 9

what about the firewall on the client router. Off or on? It's On on the host....

im_electronic · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:33 am Post subject:

I'll be testing this out in a few days, but does anyone know if the MBR's WDS is interoperable with DD-WRT on broadcom or atheros chipsets? how about apple airport WDS?