Stretch your network: network-extending gear

Updated August 17, 2005

When it comes to extending a wireless home network, most people automatically think of signal-boosting antennas, but the truth is, you can expand your network's range a number of different ways. One of the most obvious solutions is a repeater bridge, which essentially takes the Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it, much the same way an outfielder will relay the ball to the shortstop when throwing in. Repeaters, such as Buffalo's bridge and router/bridge kit, use WDS, or wireless distribution system, technology to accomplish this task, but WDS is not standardized, so your router and repeater will have to be from the same vendor for this solution to work. Apple's AirPort Express Base Station can, among myriad other things, extend your network by connecting wirelessly to other AirPort Express units. And if your home's structure impedes wireless signals, Netgear's wall-plugged wireless extender kit can actually relay your network through the electrical circuitry, allowing you to expand your network to anywhere you have an electrical outlet.

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