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Wireless WAN recommendations

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  • W
    wgstarks
    last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 4:10 PM

    I’m in the process of moving to a new house. Currently l’m having to use an LTE router (t-mobile) for internet access. I’ve had to put it in a bedroom window to get a usable connection so there isn’t any easy way to run ethernet cables to it. It’s all temporary anyway since I’ll have Spectrum cable in about 60 days. As a temporary solution I’m considering using wifi to connect to the LTE router for WAN access. Can anyone give me recommendations for an external wifi that’s not too expensive and will work with my SG-3100?

    Box: SG-4200

    J 1 Reply Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 5:31 PM Reply Quote 0
    • J
      JKnott @wgstarks
      last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 5:31 PM

      @wgstarks

      Just about any access point will do what you want. Ubiquiti Unifi APs are popular. I have a Unifi AC-Lite. Once you get the cable in, you can mount the AP permanently.

      PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
      i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
      UniFi AC-Lite access point

      I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

      W 1 Reply Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 7:27 PM Reply Quote 0
      • W
        wgstarks @JKnott
        last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 7:27 PM

        @jknott
        That’ll work. I have more AP’s than I’ll be using to start with anyway. Is there any special configuration needed for the AP?

        Box: SG-4200

        J 1 Reply Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 9:36 PM Reply Quote 0
        • W
          wgstarks
          last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 7:54 PM

          I guess this would be considered “bridge mode”?

          Box: SG-4200

          S J 2 Replies Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 7:58 PM Reply Quote 0
          • S
            SteveITS Galactic Empire @wgstarks
            last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 7:58 PM

            @wgstarks Usually for an AP, bridge mode would be used when the AP is connected on LAN to join wireless to LAN devices.

            Connecting to another AP (the LTE) would typically be called "client" mode or something similar. I'm not familiar with what UniFi might call it, assuming they have that ability.

            The 3100 shouldn't care what kind of connection it is, as long as it delivers Ethernet to its WAN port.

            Pre-2.7.2/23.09: Only install packages for your version, or risk breaking it. Select your branch in System/Update/Update Settings.
            When upgrading, allow 10-15 minutes to restart, or more depending on packages and device speed.
            Upvote 👍 helpful posts!

            W 1 Reply Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 11:36 PM Reply Quote 0
            • J
              JKnott @wgstarks
              last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 9:36 PM

              @wgstarks No, just hook up the AP on the LAN side.

              PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
              i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
              UniFi AC-Lite access point

              I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

              W 1 Reply Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 11:15 PM Reply Quote 0
              • J
                JKnott @wgstarks
                last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 9:36 PM

                @wgstarks said in Wireless WAN recommendations:

                I guess this would be considered “bridge mode”?

                If that router supports it, yes.

                PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
                i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
                UniFi AC-Lite access point

                I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • W
                  wgstarks @JKnott
                  last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 11:15 PM

                  @jknott said in Wireless WAN recommendations:

                  just hook up the AP on the LAN side.

                  The LAN side of the LTE router? My setup will be an LTE router connected to WAN and providing a wifi network. An AP connected to the wifi and the WAN port (via ethernet cable) on the SG-3100.

                  Box: SG-4200

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • W
                    wgstarks @SteveITS
                    last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 11:36 PM

                    @steveits
                    Looks like Unifi calls this "uplink mode" and of course none of my APs support it officially. I did find instructions (unofficial) on how to do it with an old UAP AC PRO but not sure if it still works with current versions of the firmware.

                    Is it not possible to just set the SG-3100 up as a wifi client by installing a USB wifi antenna or something similar?

                    Box: SG-4200

                    S 1 Reply Last reply Feb 10, 2023, 11:49 PM Reply Quote 0
                    • S
                      SteveITS Galactic Empire @wgstarks
                      last edited by Feb 10, 2023, 11:49 PM

                      @wgstarks If you look through this forum the general advice even from Netgate is that FreeBSD wireless drivers are poor.

                      Looks like TP Link has an "AP Client Router Mode," I'm sure others do as well...not necessarily recommending them.
                      https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/442/

                      Pre-2.7.2/23.09: Only install packages for your version, or risk breaking it. Select your branch in System/Update/Update Settings.
                      When upgrading, allow 10-15 minutes to restart, or more depending on packages and device speed.
                      Upvote 👍 helpful posts!

                      W 1 Reply Last reply Feb 11, 2023, 12:05 AM Reply Quote 0
                      • W
                        wgstarks @SteveITS
                        last edited by Feb 11, 2023, 12:05 AM

                        @steveits
                        Thanks, I might give those a shot. $30 on Amazon and free return if it won't work.

                        Box: SG-4200

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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