Can you extend the wireless range of Vigor Routers?

Can you extend the wireless range of Vigor Routers?

Yes, you can extend and expand the wireless range of Draytek routers. This can be achieved by positioning a VigorAP where it can receive the wireless signal from the router, retransmitting and boosting the signal, thereby extending the wireless network into areas where the original signal was weak. Alternatively, this can be done by enabling Mesh functionality if the router supports it. 


Key Products:

Routers

Access Points

  • Vigor 2135ax

  • Vigor 2763ac, 2765ac

  • Vigor 2820, 2832, 2862, 2865ac

  • Vigor 2927ac

  • VigorAP 800, 802, 810

  • VigorAP 900, 902, 903

  • VigorAP 910, 912C, 918R

  • VigorAP 920


Methods for Extending the range

1. Brief instructions or using a VigorAP as a Range Extender:

  • Place a VigorAP in a location where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the router.

  • Find the IP or MAC address of the VigorAP and log in (default IP 191.168.1.2, username “admin” and password “admin”) 

  • Go to [Operation mode] and configure the VigorAP as a range extender.

  • Browse to [Wireless LAN] > general setup and untick “Enable 2 Subnet” because it should not be used in the configuration.

  • Delete the text in the SSID 2 field if the AP will only be using a single SSID. 

  • Go to [Wireless LAN] > Security and configure the SSID and wireless security settings to match those of the router for efficient communication.

  • Go to [Wireless LAN]> Universal Repeater page to view the settings for the AP  to connect to another wireless network.  These can be entered manually or found using the access point’s AP Discovery feature. 

  • To pair the two devices in range extender mode, browse to [Wireless LAN]> AP Discovery and click on the scan button to find available networks

  • Select the network to connect to from the list and click select. 

  • To check the status of the wireless link, goto the [Online Status] page. If the connection is working correctly, the text displayed will be green.

Click here for a comprehensive explanation on configuring an Access point for range extension.

2. Enabling Mesh Functionality (if supported):

  • Connect VigorAP devices (also compatible with Mesh) to the router  to create a seamless mesh network. See full list here

  • Power on the Access points you want to connect in the Mesh. They do not need to be configured as they are automated detect whether to operate in AP or Mesh mode.

  • Check if the Vigor router is compatible with DrayTek's Mesh system and if it can act as the Mesh Root.  See full list here

  • In the compatible router, goto[Mesh]> Mesh Setup menu and tick Enable Mesh, enter a group name, and click OK

  • Once the mesh functionality has initialised, press the search button to begin discovery of new Mesh Nodes.

  • From the list select each Draytech Mesh nodes that powered on and click the Apply button.

  • Once the Group is complete, let the mesh nodes synchronise with the Mesh Root, which will update their configuration. The APs should restart during this process and may be unresponsive.  The Mesh Root will not need to restart. 

  • Go to [MESH}>Mesh Status to check on the current status

  • If Nodes are fully sychronised and ready for wireless connectivity the status will be green. 

Click here for a comprehensive explanation on configuring a Draytek Mesh network

Important Considerations:

  • Mesh Compatibility: You checked the compatibility of the devices you are using, older products might not support Mesh operations.

  • Firmware: Make sure the device has the latest firmware version, as this can be essential for mesh support.

By using a VigorAP as a range extender or by enabling Mesh functionality you can effectively extend its wireless coverage and provide a more robust network for your devices.


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