Configure An Old Router as an Access Point

There is plenty of information available that informs you how to configure an access point. I have included some references below. However there is not a lot of information that tells you why you would want to add an access point. I will shed some light on adding an access point.

I used a 2.4 GHz router and made it an AP on my 5 GHz network. I was not concerned about the difference in wireless speeds on the AP because I would only primarily be using the Ethernet switch ports. However I did test both wireless and hardwired connections and did not notice a lag in speed with the devices connected to the AP.

Why Should You Add an AP?
1. Extends the coverage of your home network - wireless/Ethernet
2. Adds more switch port connections  - Ethernet
3. Money saver, versus purchasing an Ethernet switch

Tips
1. You can use a wireless and or switch port router
2. You may not want to name the AP the same name as your 1st router
          a. If there is any gray area, it may take longer to determine the issue

3. Make sure to assign the AP an IP address that is higher on the IP spectrum, avoiding duplication

          i.e. 192.XXX.XXX.250
4. Make sure to disable DHCP on the AP
5. Test the Ethernet ports of the AP to verify you have internet access before deployment

6. The process is fairly simple, it took me 20 minutes to configure both routers

Scenarios Adding An AP Would Be A Resolution?
1. Wireless signals drop in certain areas. So add an AP, in order to gain access to additional ports
2. A room in your home is too far away to obtain DHCP. So you add an AP as a resolution
3. Use the AP as media server



References
http://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=134478
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2228IVtKLT0

Uninstall the Get Windows 10 App

The Get Windows 10 App (GWX.exe)  is borderline spam.  So I decided to uninstall the update (KB3035583) and I listed the steps below.


Step 1: Go to Control Panel
Step 2: Go to Programs and Features
Step 3: Click on Uninstall a Program
Step 4: Click on Installed Updates
Step 5: Uninstall KB3035583









Step 6: Restart your computer
Step 7: Go to Windows Updates in the Control Panel, right click on KB3035583 and hide the update. This step will prevent the update from being downloaded again.
 

Choose A Dual Band Router!

A dual band router operates at 2 frequencies 2.4ghz and 5ghz simultaneously, which produces less interference on your network.

Previous Issues

1. Multiple devices (cell phone, tablet, gaming systems) would lose wireless connection several times throughout the day
    - I tried to change the radio channel, which did not work
2. Devices could not find my wireless network
    - Even after restarting the router and the devices themselves
3. Wired LAN connections would disconnect
    -Some blog sites state that could be attributed to the OS


The issues I experienced happened several times a week. Troubleshooting the issues took about 15 minutes. I owned two different 2.4ghz models and experienced several issues that a dual band router solved.

Experienced Benefits

1. No wired or wireless connection interruption even after software updates
2. The frequencies operate on different networks, so I divided my devices between networks. That balance equaled less interference.
3. Guests are able to use the 2.4ghz network (this router also has a network specifically for guests)

I purchased the Belkin Wireless N+ Dual Band Router and I am totally satisfied with my purchase.

Noteworthy Observations

1. Although there are no external antennas included with the router I am able to obtain 90% signal strength from 200 ft away