[NWA130BE] - Work as Extended Range?

Maverick87

Hello,

as per my question, can the NWA130BE work as extended range for extend the existing wifi network? In case, how I can connect the AP to other wifi network?

Thank you

Zyxel_Luna

Hi Maverick87,

First, I need to clarify: will your NWA130BE be using a wired or wireless uplink for its connection?

💡If your planned architecture is [Neighbor's Third-party Router] ➔ [Wi-Fi Wireless Connection] ➔ [NWA130BE]:

Unfortunately, this setup will not work. The NWA130BE cannot receive a wireless uplink from a third-party router. Wireless repeating on Zyxel APs relies on Zyxel's proprietary Smart Mesh or WDS protocols. Therefore, the root device broadcasting the main Wi-Fi signal must also be a Zyxel 　AP that supports Smart Mesh or WDS.

💡However, If your planned architecture is [Third-party Router (e.g., Vodafone Station / ASUS)] ➔ [Ethernet Cable] ➔ [NWA130BE]:
This scenario works without any issue. You can configure the NWA130BE with the same SSID and password as your neighbor. Your devices will be able to roam between them to extend your Wi-Fi coverage, and the router brand does not matter.

Hope this clarifies things! Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions. Have a great day!

Zyxel_Luna

Hi @Maverick87 ,

Yes, the NWA130BE supports WDS (for Standalone mode) and Smart Mesh (for Nebula mode), so it can act as a repeater to extend your wireless network.

However, please note there is a prerequisite: your existing Wi-Fi network (the Root AP) must also be a Zyxel AP that supports WDS or Smart Mesh.

Below are the setup guides for WDS in Standalone mode and Smart Mesh in Nebula mode for your reference:

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/19465/establishing-a-reliable-wds-connection-on-standalone-aps

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/10160/nebula-how-to-extend-wireless-coverage-by-configure-smart-mesh

Thank you for choosing Zyxel.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Have a great day!

Maverick87

Hi Luna,

So, if I have a third party router (asus, avm fritzbox) or router from italy company phone (tim italy, vodafone it, wind, etc etc) the repeater configuration not working?

So, I cannot connect to other brands wifi?
For example: my neighbor has a Wi-Fi network configured with a Vodafone Italy (Vodafone Station) router; he's sharing his SSID and password with me. Can't I connect to his network because he doesn't have a Zyxel access point?

Thank you

Zyxel_Luna

Hi Maverick87,

First, I need to clarify: will your NWA130BE be using a wired or wireless uplink for its connection?

💡If your planned architecture is [Neighbor's Third-party Router] ➔ [Wi-Fi Wireless Connection] ➔ [NWA130BE]:

Unfortunately, this setup will not work. The NWA130BE cannot receive a wireless uplink from a third-party router. Wireless repeating on Zyxel APs relies on Zyxel's proprietary Smart Mesh or WDS protocols. Therefore, the root device broadcasting the main Wi-Fi signal must also be a Zyxel 　AP that supports Smart Mesh or WDS.

💡However, If your planned architecture is [Third-party Router (e.g., Vodafone Station / ASUS)] ➔ [Ethernet Cable] ➔ [NWA130BE]:
This scenario works without any issue. You can configure the NWA130BE with the same SSID and password as your neighbor. Your devices will be able to roam between them to extend your Wi-Fi coverage, and the router brand does not matter.

Hope this clarifies things! Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions. Have a great day!

Maverick87

Hi Luna,

unfortunately the first approach is necessary to me, so extend an existing wifi network created by an third-party router.

So.. thank you