By Dan Kautz on Monday, 20 February 2017
Category: Shop Notes

Workshop WiFi Link

I have been actively converting my workshop CNC computers (3) over to LinixCNC. I have been keeping them off my network as Windows updates will and have killed several of my CNC runs. Windows 10 now being very nasty about doing it.. The LINUX OS has so far never been an issue. So I leave them network connected,

I have been using what's called a bridge for the WiFi network connection. I have two of them. Probably 10 years old by now. Ancient technology. They work but are very low power. I suffered with constant drop outs. With three computers I had to move the bridge between computers. I tried a four port switch with one of the bridges but it wouldn't work. I needed something built for the job.

I have just installed a new Netgear WiFi extender in the middle of the workshop. Here is a link to a report I wrote in Ramblin' Dan.

I have been using it for several days with both a computer LAN cable plugged into the RJ45 and also through WiFi to the extender. Both methods have produced excellent connections.

Using a device like this permits location of the extender in a great location. Not buried down in among the machinery in the shop. It is not extremely expensive at $50 and works great in a workshop environment.

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