Does a wireless AP have to be connected by cable?

[qwertyjjj]

I need to set up multiple access points on a 10mbps network. I'm worried my repeater will cut the bandwidth by half. If I set up 2 wireless routers as access points must they be connected by cable for the bandwidth to stay the same?

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Yes, usually they get the internet connection from their WAN(sometimes labeled as internet) wired interface, that's the port you need to connect to your main network.

 

[R_1]

if the unit allows you would be slicing the wireless bandwidth in half as one antenna will be dedicated to network contact and one to wireless clients.
yes. you must lay the backbone, via wireless channels (half bandwidth) or a wire.

 

[smashjohn]

Check out:
Netgear Orbi
Google Wifi
and Eero

These will all provide high bandwidth mesh solutions.

 

[qwertyjjj]

Can you connect the 2nd WAP to a port on the 1st wireless router and have the 1st router connected to the modem?
... Or must both routers be connected to the modem directly?

So, this sounds like I have to stash an Ethernet cable in the wall.

 

[smashjohn]

no, these devices connect to each other wirelessly; only one needs to be cabled, the rest use a high speed wireless mesh to communicate with each other.

 

[qwertyjjj]

Hi - I meant the normal routers. The mesh devices look great but are not affordable for me right now. They're multiple times the price of a couple of routers.