Introduction
How to configure a second Access Point as a repeater to extend the coverage of a Cisco Aironet Access Point.
Resolution
There are many ways to increase the coverage area of an Access Point (AP):
The radio coverage area that a single AP provides is not sufficient to serve the entire WLAN in many situations. The solution is to increase the radio coverage area. There are different options available that you can use to increase the radio coverage area. These sections explain each of these different options, and provide configuration examples:
- Use APs in Repeater Mode
- Use a Secondary AP in Access Point Mode with Non-overlapping Channels
- Transmit Rate between AP and Client
- Change the Transmitter Power Level Parameter of the Existing AP to Extend the Coverage
- Position the APs Optimally
- Distance
- Obstructions
- Interferences
To configure an AP as a repeater, the role must be changed. Refer to these sections of the respective configuration manuals:
- 340 Series Access Points.Role in Radio Network
- 350 Series Access Points running VxWorks-Radio Cell Role
- 350 Series Access Points running Cisco IOS.Configuring the Role in Radio Network
- 1100 Series Access Points.Configuring the Role in Radio Network
- 1200 Series Access Points running VxWorks.Role in Radio Network
- 1200 Series Access Points running Cisco IOS.Configuring the Role in Radio Network
Note: The AP Ethernet port is disabled when in repeater mode. Effective throughput is cut in half once, for each hop away from the parent AP.
Problem Type
Configure / Configuration issues
Poor connectivity / Performance
The signal is weak or fluctuating
Unstable connectivity
Products
Access point
Reference