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[ektorbarajas]

Hi.

My ISP delivered to me a DIR-827, it's working fine and it's placed on the first floor, It has being configured as an Access Point and I'm connecting to the 2.4GHZ Channel using WPA2 and 802.11n, everything works fine but the issues are in my 2nd floor, the signal is very week and I've already tested a TP-LINK TL-WA830RE with very bad results, the TL-WA830RE dropped my internet, and sometimes even my WiFi and my devices get disconnected. I tried several things even messed with the advanced configuration with no use.

So I returned the TL-WA830RE to the vendor and now I've purchased a Linksys RE1000 based on several positive reviews (I know there are bad reviews but positive ones are more). I'm waiting for it to arrive but would like to know if anyone has already used a Linksys RE1000 with the DIR-827.

Meanwhile I'm trying to use my old D-Link DWL-G700AP but since it's a G device I'm having issues and somethimes the internet drops, (I assume it's because the DWL-G700AP only supports G, not N).

While I wait for the arrival of my Linksys RE1000 I will try and setup the DIR-827 in G mode only and see if the DWL-G700AP and the DIR-827 works fine.

I would appreciate any feedback from users that successfully has used range extenders, repeaters or access points to extend the WiFi coverage.

For what I've learned to far, it seems that when a Wireless N is repeated or extended it has some disconnection issue, in the past with my old ISP I had a G modem and the DWL-G700AP, and my WiFi worked fine without any issue or having to reboot devices for almost 6 years !!!

So any assistance, suggestion and comment is welcome.
Thanks

[FurryNutz]

It's recommended that DIR series routers are place on the main floor and central to the building for good signal coverage. Building materials can effect signal strength and quality alone with other external conditions like neighboring WiFi routers.

It's recommended that DIR series routers run as Main host router and not in a wired AP mode configuration. They can be however this is not fully supported by DLink and you loose some functionality in this mode:
Bridge Mode vs Relay vs Acess Point (AP) / Routers vs Dedicated Access Points (AP)

It's possible that the DWL could not be compatible with newer DIR series router WiFi.

It seems like you are seeing some WiFi issues using different HW and could mean placement and or external conditions are effecting anything you are doing. I highly recommend that you place the 827 in a more central location as the main host router and then maybe attempt to connect the DWL in AP mode, using same SSID and PW however channels need to be different between the 827 and DWL. So if you use Channel 11 on the 827, use channel 1 on the DWL. This is also dependent upon if you don't have any neighboring WiFi routers near by using these channels as well.

If you are needed additional Wifi in areas that get low coverage, instead of using DIR series routers for APs, DLink has DAP model devices that work better for this kind of configuration and offer both wired and wireless bridging or extending options and are better suited for this kind of task.

[ektorbarajas]

Hi FurryNutz, thanks for your reply!

Today as soon as I arrive at my home will change the DIR-827 from Access Point to Router, my ISP left the DIR that way, but I'm unable to enter the web configuration page and change paramenters.

BTW the DIR-827 is placed near the center of the first floor, so it seems the position is ok.

Since I've already exchanged the TP-Link TL-WA830RE with a Linksys RE1000 I hope that the RE1000 plays nice with my WiFi, in the meantime will change the DIR-827 to router mode and to Wireless G standard hopping the DWL-G700AP works fine and my network issues are gone.

you also mention D-LINK DAP devices, I must assume that since the DIR-827 and DAP are 100% compatible, and by that I mean they work together without even dropping WiFi or internet or having to manually reboot them.

Finally, is it me? or indeed the Wireless N has more issues than Wireless G?

Regards

[FurryNutz]

What ISP Service do you have? Cable or DSL?
What ISP Modem Mfr. and model # do you have?

[ektorbarajas]

I'm in Mexico, my ISP is Axtel and the service is delivered in Fiber Channel.

Btw I'm not an expert in WiFi and networking but have a very solid knowledge (and also have learned a lot since my WiFi issues started)

They have installed first a ZHONE GPON 2516 ONT, with WiFi but at the beginning my WiFi started to fail and Axtel commented that it the GPON 2516 WiFi that could not support more than 6 or 8 clients (we have like 10 or more WiFi clients including laptops, smartphones, smart tvs, videogame consoles, etc.) So they delivered the DIR-827 and the WiFi from the GPON 2516 was disabled.

Initially the DIR was left as a router and I everything was working fine, but since my 2nd floor was not getting strong signal I installed my old DWL-G700AP, I started to have issues so I changed the DIR from 802.11n to 802.g but again there were issues.

If the DIR-827 is alone all my WiFi and internet works fine, that's when I decided to purchase the TP-Link TL-WA830RE.

Then Axtel changed my DIR from router to AP since according to them this could help. but in AP mode I'm not able to change anything, it seems that the MAC address of the ZHONE is cloned to the DIR so I'm only able to acces the ZHONE GPON 2516.

[FurryNutz]

If you can get the 827 back to router mode, you might have to use MAC Clone on the router to get it to work, try with out first. If it will connect and get internet, then you'll be good there. Set up the router in a more central location on the main floor then put the DWL and if you need more APs, put them around where needed. I would think you would only need the 827 and maybe one more AP depending on the square footage of your place.

Any other WiFi routers in the area? Link> Use InSSIDer to find out. How many?

Only other consideration to think about, If the ONT is handling your NAT and DHCP services, putting the 827 into router mode will cause another possible problem in connections with certain applications. Might be one reason why they put the 827 in to AP mode.

If this modem has a built in router, it's best to bridge the modem. Having 2 routers on the same line can cause connection problems.
Double NAT
To tell if the modem is bridged or not, look at the routers web page, Status/Device Info/Wan Section, if there is a 192.168.0.# address in the WAN IP address field, then the modem is not bridged.
If the modem can't be bridged then see if the modem has a DMZ option and input the IP address the router gets from the modem and put that into the modems DMZ.

If the ONT is going to be the main host router, the ISP should have having you a DLink DAP model AP instead of the 827. Running the 827 in AP mode defeats the features and main purpose to which this router is designed. 

[ektorbarajas]

As soon as I arrive to my home will work on that.

I suppose that I must assign the DIR-827 an static IP, right?

And should I mess with the advanced settings like Channel width? Beacon interval, etc? or just with the basic settings? like WiFi Channel and Security?

I know that WEP security could be easily cracked, but don't know if perhaps WPA or WPA2, while being more secure could create more troubles than WEP?

With my past ISP (Telmex) it was ADSL and the modem was a 2Wire Wireless G mode and it worked fine for almost 6 years with my DWL without any single issue or manual reboot. (that'w why I'm asking if Wireless N and WPA/WPA2 are more probably to generate issues).

Thanks again!

[FurryNutz]

As soon as I arrive to my home will work on that.

I suppose that I must assign the DIR-827 an static IP, right?
See if the 827 will aquire an IP address from the ONT modem. I hope it will and if it does, I hope it's a public IP address and not a private one. If it's a private one, then you might need to input the WAN IP address the 827 gets from the ONT into the ONT DMZ, if it has this feature.

And should I mess with the advanced settings like Channel width? Beacon interval, etc? or just with the basic settings? like WiFi Channel and Security?
Depending on what InSSIDer application comes up with, if your area is clear with out nieghbors, then you can probably leave the settings alone. If you have neighbors around, then pick a manual channel that is open and free and not used by any one else.

I know that WEP security could be easily cracked, but don't know if perhaps WPA or WPA2, while being more secure could create more troubles than WEP?
WPA2 and AES only is preferred and offers the best protection and performance. However not all devices are compatible with AES only so you might have to use Auto TPIK and AES settings. WEP was compromised and it's not recommended to use unless you are not in a high populated area with others around.

With my past ISP (Telmex) it was ADSL and the modem was a 2Wire Wireless G mode and it worked fine for almost 6 years with my DWL without any single issue or manual reboot. (that'w why I'm asking if Wireless N and WPA/WPA2 are more probably to generate issues).

Does the DWL have WPA2 and AES support? If it supports this then you should be good. If you can get the 827 into this similar scenario with the ONT, and the 827 acting as the main host router for NAT and DHCP, then you can add the DWL as a AP or ranger extender to help with signal down in the basement if needed. Again you'll need to run the 827's 2.4Ghz radio on a different channel from the DWL while using the same SSID name and password.

[ektorbarajas]

My ONT on WAN info has the following:

Connection Mode: Dynamic DHCP
VLAN: 0
Link Status: UP
IP Address: 189.XXX.XXX.X
Netmask: 255.255.248.0
Gateway: 189.XXX.XXX.X
Primary DNS: 148.XXX.XXX.X
Secondary DNS: 189.XXX.XXX.X

The LAN part of my ONT has:

IP Address: 192.168.15.1
DHCP: Enabled
I've configured the DHCP range as follows:
192.168.15.10 to 192.168.15.253
DHCP Lease time: 2880 minutes (2~129600 minutes, or 0 means 1 day)

I use IP 192.168.15.2 for the DWL at this moment (will use it when the Linksys RE1000 arrives)
and have also some devices with static IPs (like 192.168.15.10.254 for a smartv and .9 for a printer) since those devices for some reason where not able to get an IP address automatically

Right now I'm not able to access the DIR-827.

But the first time the DIR-827 was connected in router mode, it has his main IP address asigned by DHCP, so it was getting  IP addresses from the DHCP range on the ONT

And on the LAN side the DIR was configured like this:

lan_ipaddr=192.168.0.1
lan_netmask=255.255.255.0
dhcpd_start=192.168.0.100
dhcpd_end=192.168.0.199
dhcpd_lease_time=1440

the ONT has DMZ, so I guess that I must assing the DIR a static IP, for example: 192.168.15.2 and add that IP in the ONT DMZ configuration?

Also the ONT has something called ALG Config and could enable/disable: FTP, TFTP, SIP, H323, RTSP, L2TP, IPSEC at this moment all are enabled except SIP.

Regarding security I will set it to WPA2 with Auto TPIK and AES. When I was with Telmex and WEP security I never had an infiltration or hacker issue. Axtel delivered the service with WEP also but they suggested me to change to WPA due to the higher range Wireless N has and to be more secure.

I've also used inSSIDer, but at this moment I don't remember the result, will run it again.

[FurryNutz]

Ok, so yes, while the ONT is going to be your main host router for NAT and DHCP, give the 827's router IP address on its WAN side it gets from the ONT 192.168.15.50 and input this IP address into the ONTs DMZ.

You can leave the 827s LAN side IP address default 192.168.0.1.

If you can get to this point, you can either leave the DWL directly connected to the ONT or move the DWL connection to the 827s router and use 192.168.0.51 for the DWLs IP address.

You setup might look like this:
ONT modem(WAN IP address 192.168.15.50 in DMZ on ONT for 827)>DIR-827><Wired and wireless devices connected to the 827.
                                                                                                           >DWL connection to LAN side on DIR-827 using 192.168.0.50

[ektorbarajas]

The DWL is not connected by Ethernet it is configured as a repeater.

I will follow your suggestions, also I've noticed that other suggested settings for the DIR 827 are:
Ensure DNS IP addresses are being filled in under Setup/Internet/Manual? You can find these under Status/Device Info/Wan section.
Turn off ALL QoS (DIR only) GameFuel (DGL only and if ON.) options. Advanced/QoS or Gamefuel.
Turn off Advanced DNS Services if you have this option under Setup/Internet/Manual.
Turn on DNS Relay under Setup/Networking.
Setup DHCP reserved IP addresses for all devices on the router. Setup/Networking
Ensure devices are set to auto obtain an IP address.
Set Firewall settings to Endpoint Independent for TCP and UDP.

Try single mode G or mixed G and N (Since now I'll use the DWL Repeater, will choose only N)
What security mode are you using? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/Auto TPIK and AES. (Will do that)

Turn off Short GI and Extra Wireless Protection if you have it. Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.

Also will change the channel width to 20 Mhz (don't know if Wireless G has this option, but if applies I will stick to 20 Mhz).

Any additional advise? suggestion?

[FurryNutz]

Let us know how that works out.

[ektorbarajas]

Hi. Yesterday I was able to change my network configuration. Since yesterday to this moment it has being about 12 hours and it seems my WiFi and Internet are fine (so far and hope they remain that way  )

For the DIR-827 I did a factory reset and defined all the parameters manually

ONT GPON 2516:
Wan - Dynamic IP
Lan
Static IP: 192.168.15.1
DHCP enabled
DHCP Range: 192.168.15.10 to 253
DHCP Lease time: 2880 minutes

I've enabled the DMZ and entered my DIR-827 IP: 192.168.15.2

DIR-827:
Connection type: Static IP
IP Address - 192.168.15.2
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway - 192.168.15.1 (this is my ONT GPON 2516)
Primary DNS Server: 208.67.222.222 (this is an OpenDNS server)
Secondary DNS Server: 208.67.220.220 (also and OpenDNS Server)
MTU: 1500 (according to the forum FAQ for setting MTU, 1472 gets not fragmentation so by adding 28 it gaves me 1500 wich is also the default value)
MAC Address - The MAC address of the DIR-827

Here comes my first question questions:
1) I defined OpenDNS servers since they are faster and more reliable than DNS servers used by several ISP, but would like to know if it's ok to do that or if I should put as primary and secondary DNS server my GPON 2516 (192.168.15.1) ? My goal is to have an stable WiFi and internet and don't know if there is a suggested value here.


So far after doing this with my laptop and with an ethernet cable I have internet on my laptop.
My laptop was connected to port 1 of the DIR-827 and the DIR-827 "internet" port is connected to the GPON ethernet port 1.

DIR-827 Wireless Network Settings:
Wireless Band 2.4Ghz:
Enable Wireless: checked to always enable
802.11 Mode: 802.11g only (since at this moment will use my DWL-G700AP in repeater mode until my Linksys RE1000 arrives)
Enable Auto Channel Scan: disabled
Wireless Channel: set to channel 1 (according to inSSIDer it was the lest congested channel)
Visibility Status: Visible

Wireless Security Mode: WPA-Personal
WPA Mode: Auto (WPA or WPA2)
Cipher Type: TKIP and AES
Group key Interval: 3600 seconds

Wireless band 5Ghz is currently disabled

Router Settings:
Router IP Address: 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Device name: dlinkrouter (this is the default)

DHCP Server Settings:
Enbale DHCP Server: Checked
DHCP IP Address Range: 192.168.0.5 to 254
DHCP Lease time: 1440 minutes (Default value)
Always Broadcast: Checked (it says compatibility for some DHCP Clients)
netBIOS announcement: unchecked
Learn NetBIOS from WAN: unchecked (and all below options are disabled)
NetBIOS Scope: in blank
NetBIOS node type: mixed-mode (Broadcast then point to point)
Primary WINS IP address: in blank
Secondary WINS IP address: in blank

Under DHCP Reservation, I managed to add all the clients connected at that moment, so that their given IP never expires

Media Server: I've disabled the media server (unchecked)

HTTP Storage:
Enable web file access: is also unchecked

IPv6 - Auto Detection (is the default value)

here comes my second question:
2) is it possible that IPv6 has something to do to drop connectons, collapsing WiFi and any other internet issue? the DIR-827 doesn't offer an option to disable it.

the DIR under parental control:

None: Static IP or Obtain Automatically From ISP

I noticed that here you can choose several Open DNS and an Advanced DNS options
here comes my third question:
3) what is the suggested value here? (again for having a reliable WiFi and Internet and avoid limited connectivity or internet dropouts). I defined earlier the DNS servers to pont to OpenDNS, is it advised to choose any other setting here?

Advanced Wireless Settings
Transmit Power: High (in order to achieve the maximum coverage)
WLAN Partition is disabled by default
WMM is enabled and could not be disabled
and according to FurryNutz suggestions I've disabled "Short GI"
UPnP is enabled (this is the default value) als it's important to mention that the GPON 2516 has also enabled UPnP

Wan Ping is disabled
Wan port Speed is set to auto 10/100/1000Mbps
Multicast Streams is disabled
IPV6 Multicast Streams is enabled.

Now at this moment I rebooted the DIR and disconnected the ethernet cable. From now on I was able to connect WiFi and have internet access in my laptop.

Connected via WiFi I tested with my browser and was able to enter the web page configuration of the GPON (192.168.15.1) and DIR-827 (192.168.0.1).

Now I configured my DWL-G700AP.

First I did a factory reset. and then disabled the WiFi on my laptop and connected via cable to the DWL-G700AP to the defaul IP 192.168.0.50

Wireless Settings:
Mode: Repeater (it's a dropdown menu that allows to select: Acces Point, AP Client or Repeater)
I enterer my SSID and BSSID values
Authentication: here is where I'm concerned since it has the following options:
-Open System
-Shared Key
-WPA-PSK
-WPA2-PSK
-WPA
-WPA2

So I'm unable to choose Auto WPA/WPA2.

So I selected WPA-PSK but here is another question:
4) since my DIR has AUTO (WPA or WPA2) and Cipher type: TKIP and AES. What is the best option for my DWL-G700AP? the one I defined?

Then the LAN Settings:
Static IP - 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Gateway - 192.168.0.1
DNS Server - 192.168.0.1
DHCP server is disable on the DWL-G700AP

Then under Advanced settings I leave the default values as follows
Beacon interval: 100
RTS Threshold: 2432
Fragmentation: 2346
DTIM Interval: 3
TX Rates: Auto
Mode Setting: G Mode (This is the only one I changed from Mix Mode to G Mode)
Preamble Type: Long Preamble
SSID Broadcast: Enabled
Antenna transmit power: 100%

Finally saved the changes and rebooted the DWL, and after that I have internet with my laptop connected by ethernet to the DWL G700AP.

I did some browsing and speed test while still wired to my DWL, everyhing was ok

Btw, my Internet speed is 10 Mbps down and 2Mbps up, and I was getting this speed.
it's also important to mention that at this moment the DWL was just 30 cm near the DIR.

After several testings I decided to unplug the ethernet and re-enabled the WiFi on my laptop. and also I was able to connect to my WiFi and have internet.

now I ran inSSIDer and it shows me my two SSIDs the one from the DIR and the one from the DWL, both SSIDs are exactly the same.

inSSIDer reports that both SSIDs signal are betwen 30 and 40db wich is ok since I'm just 30 cm near the DIR and DWL

Also inSSIDer reports both SSIDs as Max rate 54 and 802.11g. which is also ok since I configured them that way

Now I unplugged the DWL, went upstair and exactly at the same location were my DIR is placed on the first floor I placed my laptop to see the signal strength. Windows reports 3 bars and inSSIDer between 50 and 60 db.

So at that point I connected the DWL.

It's important to mention that with my previous ISP (telmex) the modem was placed exactly at the same place my DIR is now (first floor), and on that moment the DWL was also placed there (2nd floor) and my WiFi and internet were ok without any issue or reboot for almost 6 years. (Telmex modem was a 2wire at 802.11g)

I did some testing and the WiFi coverage was extended as expected.

But I noticed some minor hiccups:

- the Samsung Smart TV placed on the second floor sees two SSIDs, even they have the same name they detect them separated, one with 5 bars (this must be the DWL) and one with 2 bars (must be the DIR) don't know why, If I connect to the 5 bars, then it reports the signal with 2 bars and the Smart TV is having difficulties getting a valid IP. it stuck with the 169.254.x.x address. So I manually defined the IP to static 192.168.0.13 (I verified with the DIR and this was not assigned) and added this device to the reserved DHCP. doing that the Smart TV connects but I noticed a very slow speed.

- The other issue is that sometimes the speed on the second floor is very slow, between 0.5 and 2 Mbps Download and 0.2 to 0.4 Mbps Upload. also the ping sometimes is very high between 100 and 200 ms. With Telmex the Internet speed was 2 Mbps download and 0.5 upload and that same speed was still replicated on the second floor.

So my last questions (for now ) are:
5) is there some specific parameter I missed? or I need to change? to get better speeds on the second floor? and a reliable WiFi and Internet?

6) any other configuration change that I must do in order to achieve a reliable, stable WiFi and internet?

7) Since the main thread topic is "Tested and compatible Range Extenders, APs" is there someone else who could share their success? or troubleshooting? to get a tested and compatible Range Extender?
So far it seems that the DWL plays nice, at least it has being almost 13 hours and the internet is fine (my Wife has not called me to complain  )

The DHCP Lease time of the GPON is 48 hours, so I don't know if after 48 hours my DIR will loose connectivity even that I've set it to static IP 192.168.15.2, remember that GPON DHCP Range is 192.168.15.10 to 253 so 192.168.15.2 is not in the range, is this kind of setting ok? the only device that connects to the GPON is the DIR

9) the DHCP Lease time of the DIR is 24 hours, So I'm not sure if after 24 hours some disconnections may happen or if the DWL will disconnect, remember that the DWL has an static IP 192.168.0.2 and that the DHCP Range of the DIR is 192.168.0.5 to 254 so 192.168.0.2 is not in the rage, is this ok?

10) In the past I read on another forum that to solve valid IP issues with repeaters and extenders one must enable the DHCP server on the repeater / Range extender. Is this ok? will it improve WiFi and internet stability?
If so I was thinking of segmenting the DHCP ranges as follows:
DIR - 192.168.0.5 to 127
DWL - 192.168.0.128 to 254. is this ok? will it work?

As soon as I get the Linksys RE1000 I will change my Wifi to Mixed n,g or Mixed n,g and b
11) what is the suggested mixed mode? n and g? or n,g and b? I'm not thinking about compatibility since all our devices are g or n, but I'm asking this in order to have a stable WiFi and internet.

Thanks and will keep updated with how my network performs, and also will post when the Linksys RE1000 arrives to update this thread.

hope this thread is updated with other users experiences, tips, suggestions and results about tested and compatible range extender, repeaters and AP with the DIR-827

Regards

[FurryNutz]

Hi. Yesterday I was able to change my network configuration. Since yesterday to this moment it has being about 12 hours and it seems my WiFi and Internet are fine (so far and hope they remain that way  )

For the DIR-827 I did a factory reset and defined all the parameters manually

ONT GPON 2516:
Wan - Dynamic IP
Lan
Static IP: 192.168.15.1
DHCP enabled
DHCP Range: 192.168.15.10 to 253
DHCP Lease time: 2880 minutes

I've enabled the DMZ and entered my DIR-827 IP: 192.168.15.2

DIR-827:
Connection type: Static IP
IP Address - 192.168.15.2
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway - 192.168.15.1 (this is my ONT GPON 2516)
Primary DNS Server: 208.67.222.222 (this is an OpenDNS server)
Secondary DNS Server: 208.67.220.220 (also and OpenDNS Server)
MTU: 1500 (according to the forum FAQ for setting MTU, 1472 gets not fragmentation so by adding 28 it gaves me 1500 wich is also the default value)
MAC Address - The MAC address of the DIR-827

Here comes my first question questions:
1) I defined OpenDNS servers since they are faster and more reliable than DNS servers used by several ISP, but would like to know if it's ok to do that or if I should put as primary and secondary DNS server my GPON 2516 (192.168.15.1) ? My goal is to have an stable WiFi and internet and don't know if there is a suggested value here.

If your ONT is passing thru your custom DNS addresses correctly then use the custom DNS settings.

So far after doing this with my laptop and with an ethernet cable I have internet on my laptop.
My laptop was connected to port 1 of the DIR-827 and the DIR-827 "internet" port is connected to the GPON ethernet port 1.

DIR-827 Wireless Network Settings:
Wireless Band 2.4Ghz:
Enable Wireless: checked to always enable
802.11 Mode: 802.11g only (since at this moment will use my DWL-G700AP in repeater mode until my Linksys RE1000 arrives) The DWL won't connect to the 827 if you use Mixed G and N mode?
Enable Auto Channel Scan: disabled
Wireless Channel: set to channel 1 (according to inSSIDer it was the lest congested channel)
Visibility Status: Visible

Wireless Security Mode: WPA-Personal
WPA Mode: Auto (WPA or WPA2)
Cipher Type: TKIP and AES
Group key Interval: 3600 seconds

Wireless band 5Ghz is currently disabled

Router Settings:
Router IP Address: 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Device name: dlinkrouter (this is the default)

DHCP Server Settings:
Enbale DHCP Server: Checked
DHCP IP Address Range: 192.168.0.5 to 254
DHCP Lease time: 1440 minutes (Default value)
Always Broadcast: Checked (it says compatibility for some DHCP Clients)
netBIOS announcement: unchecked
Learn NetBIOS from WAN: unchecked (and all below options are disabled)
NetBIOS Scope: in blank
NetBIOS node type: mixed-mode (Broadcast then point to point)
Primary WINS IP address: in blank
Secondary WINS IP address: in blank

Under DHCP Reservation, I managed to add all the clients connected at that moment, so that their given IP never expires

Media Server: I've disabled the media server (unchecked)

HTTP Storage:
Enable web file access: is also unchecked

IPv6 - Auto Detection (is the default value)
Set this option to Local Connection.

here comes my second question:
2) is it possible that IPv6 has something to do to drop connectons, collapsing WiFi and any other internet issue? the DIR-827 doesn't offer an option to disable it.
Yes, there has been some issues with this setting and if your ISP is not supporting IPv6 and your are not fully IPv6 set up, then disable all IPv6 settings on the 827 router.

the DIR under parental control:

None: Static IP or Obtain Automatically From ISP

I noticed that here you can choose several Open DNS and an Advanced DNS options
here comes my third question:
3) what is the suggested value here? (again for having a reliable WiFi and Internet and avoid limited connectivity or internet dropouts). I defined earlier the DNS servers to pont to OpenDNS, is it advised to choose any other setting here?
Use the DHCP option and if you have already defined manual DNS settings, the other options are not needed.

Advanced Wireless Settings
Transmit Power: High (in order to achieve the maximum coverage)
WLAN Partition is disabled by default
WMM is enabled and could not be disabled
and according to FurryNutz suggestions I've disabled "Short GI"
UPnP is enabled (this is the default value) als it's important to mention that the GPON 2516 has also enabled UPnP

Wan Ping is disabled
Wan port Speed is set to auto 10/100/1000Mbps You can set this to 1000Mb if your ONT modem supports this speed connection. If not, leave it at Auto.

Multicast Streams is disabled
IPV6 Multicast Streams is enabled. Disable this option if you are not using it.

Now at this moment I rebooted the DIR and disconnected the ethernet cable. From now on I was able to connect WiFi and have internet access in my laptop.

Connected via WiFi I tested with my browser and was able to enter the web page configuration of the GPON (192.168.15.1) and DIR-827 (192.168.0.1).

Now I configured my DWL-G700AP.

First I did a factory reset. and then disabled the WiFi on my laptop and connected via cable to the DWL-G700AP to the defaul IP 192.168.0.50

Wireless Settings:
Mode: Repeater (it's a dropdown menu that allows to select: Acces Point, AP Client or Repeater)
I enterer my SSID and BSSID values
Authentication: here is where I'm concerned since it has the following options:
-Open System
-Shared Key
-WPA-PSK
-WPA2-PSK
-WPA
-WPA2

So I'm unable to choose Auto WPA/WPA2.

So I selected WPA-PSK but here is another question:
4) since my DIR has AUTO (WPA or WPA2) and Cipher type: TKIP and AES. What is the best option for my DWL-G700AP? the one I defined?
If the DWL supports WPA2 and AES only then go with that. However in repeater mode, I would think that the DWL would automatically adjust to what is being broadcast by the 827 so you wouldn't really need to configure anything on the DWL. Does the DWL have a setup wizard?

Then the LAN Settings:
Static IP - 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Gateway - 192.168.0.1
DNS Server - 192.168.0.1
DHCP server is disable on the DWL-G700AP

Then under Advanced settings I leave the default values as follows
Beacon interval: 100
RTS Threshold: 2432
Fragmentation: 2346
DTIM Interval: 3
TX Rates: Auto
Mode Setting: G Mode (This is the only one I changed from Mix Mode to G Mode)
Preamble Type: Long Preamble
SSID Broadcast: Enabled
Antenna transmit power: 100%

Finally saved the changes and rebooted the DWL, and after that I have internet with my laptop connected by ethernet to the DWL G700AP.

I did some browsing and speed test while still wired to my DWL, everyhing was ok

Btw, my Internet speed is 10 Mbps down and 2Mbps up, and I was getting this speed.
it's also important to mention that at this moment the DWL was just 30 cm near the DIR.

After several testings I decided to unplug the ethernet and re-enabled the WiFi on my laptop. and also I was able to connect to my WiFi and have internet.

now I ran inSSIDer and it shows me my two SSIDs the one from the DIR and the one from the DWL, both SSIDs are exactly the same.

inSSIDer reports that both SSIDs signal are betwen 30 and 40db wich is ok since I'm just 30 cm near the DIR and DWL

Also inSSIDer reports both SSIDs as Max rate 54 and 802.11g. which is also ok since I configured them that way

Now I unplugged the DWL, went upstair and exactly at the same location were my DIR is placed on the first floor I placed my laptop to see the signal strength. Windows reports 3 bars and inSSIDer between 50 and 60 db.

So at that point I connected the DWL.

It's important to mention that with my previous ISP (telmex) the modem was placed exactly at the same place my DIR is now (first floor), and on that moment the DWL was also placed there (2nd floor) and my WiFi and internet were ok without any issue or reboot for almost 6 years. (Telmex modem was a 2wire at 802.11g)

I did some testing and the WiFi coverage was extended as expected.

But I noticed some minor hiccups:

- the Samsung Smart TV placed on the second floor sees two SSIDs, even they have the same name they detect them separated, one with 5 bars (this must be the DWL) and one with 2 bars (must be the DIR) don't know why, If I connect to the 5 bars, then it reports the signal with 2 bars and the Smart TV is having difficulties getting a valid IP. it stuck with the 169.254.x.x address. So I manually defined the IP to static 192.168.0.13 (I verified with the DIR and this was not assigned) and added this device to the reserved DHCP. doing that the Smart TV connects but I noticed a very slow speed.
This could a compatibility issue wit the built in TV wifi. Does the TV happen to have a wired LAN port by chance? Or only WiFi?
If it happens to have a built in wired LAN port, you could install one of these:
D-Link DIR-865L, 1522, 1525, 1533

- The other issue is that sometimes the speed on the second floor is very slow, between 0.5 and 2 Mbps Download and 0.2 to 0.4 Mbps Upload. also the ping sometimes is very high between 100 and 200 ms. With Telmex the Internet speed was 2 Mbps download and 0.5 upload and that same speed was still replicated on the second floor.

So my last questions (for now ) are:
5) is there some specific parameter I missed? or I need to change? to get better speeds on the second floor? and a reliable WiFi and Internet?

You might try running the DWL in AP mode instead of Repeater mode and see if performance and speeds improve. This maybe a compatibility issue between the DWL and the 827 Wireless.

6) any other configuration change that I must do in order to achieve a reliable, stable WiFi and internet?

7) Since the main thread topic is "Tested and compatible Range Extenders, APs" is there someone else who could share their success? or troubleshooting? to get a tested and compatible Range Extender?
So far it seems that the DWL plays nice, at least it has being almost 13 hours and the internet is fine (my Wife has not called me to complain  )

The DHCP Lease time of the GPON is 48 hours, so I don't know if after 48 hours my DIR will loose connectivity even that I've set it to static IP 192.168.15.2, remember that GPON DHCP Range is 192.168.15.10 to 253 so 192.168.15.2 is not in the range, is this kind of setting ok? the only device that connects to the GPON is the DIR

9) the DHCP Lease time of the DIR is 24 hours, So I'm not sure if after 24 hours some disconnections may happen or if the DWL will disconnect, remember that the DWL has an static IP 192.168.0.2 and that the DHCP Range of the DIR is 192.168.0.5 to 254 so 192.168.0.2 is not in the rage, is this ok?
If your Client and Router IP addresses are reserved, then you don't have to worry about Lease times.

10) In the past I read on another forum that to solve valid IP issues with repeaters and extenders one must enable the DHCP server on the repeater / Range extender. Is this ok? will it improve WiFi and internet stability?
If so I was thinking of segmenting the DHCP ranges as follows:
DIR - 192.168.0.5 to 127
DWL - 192.168.0.128 to 254. is this ok? will it work?

As soon as I get the Linksys RE1000 I will change my Wifi to Mixed n,g or Mixed n,g and b
11) what is the suggested mixed mode? n and g? or n,g and b? I'm not thinking about compatibility since all our devices are g or n, but I'm asking this in order to have a stable WiFi and internet.[/b]
You might set up the DWL as it's own separate AP and SSID maybe, Use the DWL as a G only AP, then use the 827 and your newer AP that is arriving soon for N only wireless.

[ektorbarajas]

Thanks for the feedback FurryNutz.

I've already applied your suggestions to the DIR 827, I connect from my work remotely to my laptop using logmeing, Would reboot the DIR 827 as sooon as I arrive to the house, Since at this moment I've not received any complain from my wife  and in case anything goes wrong it's better that I'm in house.

About your questions:

The DWL won't connect to the 827 if you use Mixed G and N mode?

I don't know for sure, but will test and see if this doesn't collapes my WiFi.

But in your experience. an old 802.11g Access point, Repeater, Extender, etc. should work without any issue with an 802.11n mixed mode router? For example, if a laptop is connected to the WiFi at the second floor, near the DWL. I assume that sometimes it will connect directly to the DIR and sometimes to the DWL (depending on the signal strengt), or to be more clear, if a device is in a spot where the DIR and DWL signal is the same. Wouldn't the 802.11g DWL and 802.11n DIR conflict? and perhaps the device will loose connectivity or have perfomance issues?

the main reason I set the DIR to 802.11g only is because with mu previous ISP that way worked my WiFi for several years without any issue.

1) I defined OpenDNS servers since they are faster and more reliable than DNS servers used by several ISP, but would like to know if it's ok to do that or if I should put as primary and secondary DNS server my GPON 2516 (192.168.15.1) ? My goal is to have an stable WiFi and internet and don't know if there is a suggested value here.

If your ONT is passing thru your custom DNS addresses correctly then use the custom DNS settings.

It seems that the DNSs are working fine. I tested it by intentionally typing www.gooogle.com and OpenDNS automatically corrects it to www.google.com also I tried a known bad website www.nerodigital.com and an OpenDNS page displayed, so I guess it's working fine.

IPv6 - Auto Detection (is the default value)
Set this option to Local Connection.

here comes my second question:
2) is it possible that IPv6 has something to do to drop connectons, collapsing WiFi and any other internet issue? the DIR-827 doesn't offer an option to disable it.
Yes, there has been some issues with this setting and if your ISP is not supporting IPv6 and your are not fully IPv6 set up, then disable all IPv6 settings on the 827 router.

DIR doesn't an option to disable it, but I guess that setting the IPv6 - Auto Detection to "Local connectivity only" is enough.

4) since my DIR has AUTO (WPA or WPA2) and Cipher type: TKIP and AES. What is the best option for my DWL-G700AP? the one I defined?

If the DWL supports WPA2 and AES only then go with that. However in repeater mode, I would think that the DWL would automatically adjust to what is being broadcast by the 827 so you wouldn't really need to configure anything on the DWL. Does the DWL have a setup wizard?

So it's better to set the DWL to WPA2? instead of the other 3 options?:
WPA-PSK
WPA2-PSk
WPA

This considering the security of the DIR:
Auto (WPA or WPA2)
TKIP and AES ?

And yes, the DWL has a setup wizard, but I didn't used it.

- the Samsung Smart TV placed on the second floor sees two SSIDs, even they have the same name they detect them separated, one with 5 bars (this must be the DWL) and one with 2 bars (must be the DIR) don't know why, If I connect to the 5 bars, then it reports the signal with 2 bars and the Smart TV is having difficulties getting a valid IP. it stuck with the 169.254.x.x address. So I manually defined the IP to static 192.168.0.13 (I verified with the DIR and this was not assigned) and added this device to the reserved DHCP. doing that the Smart TV connects but I noticed a very slow speed.
This could a compatibility issue wit the built in TV wifi. Does the TV happen to have a wired LAN port by chance? Or only WiFi?
If it happens to have a built in wired LAN port, you could install one of these:
D-Link DIR-865L, 1522, 1525, 1533

The TV has a LAN port, for now I'll leave that WiFi connection, when the Linksys RE1000 arrives will see how it connects. but will consider your suggestion of the DIR devices, anything that will bring me a reliable, stable and optimized WiFi and Internet 

- The other issue is that sometimes the speed on the second floor is very slow, between 0.5 and 2 Mbps Download and 0.2 to 0.4 Mbps Upload. also the ping sometimes is very high between 100 and 200 ms. With Telmex the Internet speed was 2 Mbps download and 0.5 upload and that same speed was still replicated on the second floor.

So my last questions (for now  ) are:
5) is there some specific parameter I missed? or I need to change? to get better speeds on the second floor? and a reliable WiFi and Internet?

You might try running the DWL in AP mode instead of Repeater mode and see if performance and speeds improve. This maybe a compatibility issue between the DWL and the 827 Wireless.

I'm a bit confused here. in order for a device to work as an access point, then it must be wired to the router or to the internet provider device (in this case the DIR), correct? or it could also be configured as an AP 100% wireless, with no wired connection to the DIR?

The DHCP Lease time of the GPON is 48 hours, so I don't know if after 48 hours my DIR will loose connectivity even that I've set it to static IP 192.168.15.2, remember that GPON DHCP Range is 192.168.15.10 to 253 so 192.168.15.2 is not in the range, is this kind of setting ok? the only device that connects to the GPON is the DIR

9) the DHCP Lease time of the DIR is 24 hours, So I'm not sure if after 24 hours some disconnections may happen or if the DWL will disconnect, remember that the DWL has an static IP 192.168.0.2 and that the DHCP Range of the DIR is 192.168.0.5 to 254 so 192.168.0.2 is not in the rage, is this ok?
If your Client and Router IP addresses are reserved, then you don't have to worry about Lease times.

I'm not an expert in DHCP, but don't know if static IP addresses from devices, that ARE NOT inside a DHCP range are ok? to my understanding they would not get affected by DHCP lease times because they are not inside the range, or in case they are inside the range, and as you mention, if they are reserved they will not be affected by the lease time.

This is also a big concern to me since Axtel once commented that a possible cause of my WiFi and internet having issue is because the DIR was getting his IP in DHCP and not static. thanks again.

As soon as I get the Linksys RE1000 I will change my Wifi to Mixed n,g or Mixed n,g and b
11) what is the suggested mixed mode? n and g? or n,g and b? I'm not thinking about compatibility since all our devices are g or n, but I'm asking this in order to have a stable WiFi and internet.[/b]
You might set up the DWL as it's own separate AP and SSID maybe, Use the DWL as a G only AP, then use the 827 and your newer AP that is arriving soon for N only wireless.

That's an scenario that I would probably try, specially If for some reason the second floor Smart TV is still having issues, I will connect the DWL to the LAN port of the TV. but still my past concern:

Isn't it better to have all routers, repeaters, range extenders and AP in the same Wireless standard?
for example all being Wireless N 300mbps in 802.11 mixed g and n mode?
Instead of having two wireless N 300mbps in 802.11 mixed g and n mode and one 802.11g 54mbps access point or repeater?

Thanks & Regards