Question 1

I am looking to tie into my company's free internet access so I can use my Kindle Fire during break. But we are NOT allowed to install ANY software. Can this be connected without any software installation?

Accepted Answer

This unit adds the 5 G band to any Wi-Fi network that is only operating at the 2.4 G frequency band.  I am sure your Kindle Fire will work fine at 2.4 G.  There is no need to have this unit.

If for some reason your company wants to keep the 2.4G band free for business use, this unit will add the 5 G band.

Make sure your Kindle Fire is a DAUL BAND unit.  Secondly you have to set up this adapter using a computer, especially if you want to have a secure Wi-Fi connection.  If you don't secure the channel then anyone will be able to get onto your company's network.

Overall, I would say that you don't really need this unit.

Question 2

I have a combo Motorola cable modem/router for my Comcast connection. Does this work with it to extend range?

Accepted Answer

Thanks.  I was thinking about getting it to help get reception for my son's laptop which is located on the second floor directly above me Motorola modem/router combo unit.  His laptop gets unreliable reception, although my iPad has no problem connecting upstairs.  Maybe, the additional band would help.

Question 3

Will this device extend a Wi-Fi network created by an Apple Airport Extreme circa 2009 ( 802.11n not ac)?

Accepted Answer

I'm using it with an older Airport Extreme (probably same one) with the ethernet cable connected between the two and the Edimax creating an additional wifi network, not extending.  I have a Linksys AC1300 Media Connector in another room to plug older devices into but the Edimax works well this way. Sometimes it takes a few seconds or so to "wake-up" but it does work in this set up. Works great with phones and tablets too. Nice improvement over older A.E. speed.

Question 4

Looking to bridge my network to my workshop at the back of my property, using one on each end of the bridge, what is the max range it will reach for a bridge connection?

Accepted Answer

David, 
          You would have to ask the manufacturer that question.  And even beyond that, there are many different variables that impact Wi-Fi signal.   If your workshop has electric from your home, depending on distance, you may be better off getting a Powerline Adapter to get the signal out there and then use one of these as an access point.

Question 5

I'm looking to replace my power line ethernet adapters with a pair of these.  My Netgear adapters seem to exhibit high latency under bandwidth loading.  Will these work in a transparent bridge mode point-to-point?

Accepted Answer

While I haven't tried running mine as a bridge, as an access point the range is low/weak at best where I can only get a strong enough signal from it to connect within 1 room distance (only on the same floor). Signal from it on the 2nd floor doesn't make it to my 3rd or 1st floor...

Question 6

Can I use this as an access point? I live in a dorm and I want to know if it will function as a normal access point and allow me to just plug the ethernet into the wired hub in my room and then broadcast it's own wifi signal, NOT repeat a different signal.

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a small switch on the unit which for your situation should be in the "AP" or access point mode.  Then just plug an Ethernet cable into your wall port and the port on the unit.  The default wireless is on the unit or instructions.  Be aware that this is going to be 5GHz only, so your equipment must be 5GHz capable.  Also there is only one Ethernet port so you will be wireless only unless you add another switch first.  
This unit is not expensive, but for the same money or a bit more you could probably find an older dual band router and configure it as an access point and have dual band wireless and a couple extra Ethernet ports as well.

Question 7

Will this work with apple 802-11ac airport extreme base station?

Accepted Answer

For the past 10 months I've been using this as a WiFi bridge to connect my AV Receiver to the internet. I replaced my 5-year old Airport Extreme (flat box) with a new Airport Extreme (tower) a few months ago. I had to factory reset the Edimax but everything worked fine after that.

Question 8

Unable to set up a connection.Trying to set up as bridge but constantly getting "unable to obtain IP address" error. Tried changing wifi channels and other settings, no luck. Any advise?

Accepted Answer

I had the same issue, but never resolved it.  Gave up and put the thing in storage.

Question 9

I have wifi in my house and am currently using a Netgear N300 to use my old computer without WiFi capabilities. I set up the netgear to receive the house WiFi and then PLUGGED in a wire to the Netgear from my PC and am able to connect to the internet.

Will this do the trick? I'm confused about the Ghz specs.

Accepted Answer

Hi,
There are a couple different versions of Netgear routers that are vaguely designated "N 300".  The lower end ones are single band 2.4GHz only.  If your router is not dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz you will not be able to use this Edimax device because it can only work on the 5GHz band and connects to a router transmitting on this band only as a type of converter from wireless to Ethernet.  Check the manufacturer specs for your exact model number, it is somewhere on the device and see if it is single or dual band.
It can also be configured to act as a wireless AP to add the 5GHz band to your router but if you are using it primarily to connect to your non-wireless desktop, it will not work.

Question 10

I want to extend the reach of my wireless home network. I have wifi throughout the house, but there is one area that gets a very weak signal. If I plug this edimax into an outlet near the weak signal area, will it provide me with a stronger signal to that area?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly, yes but it will do absolutely nothing for your throughput.  Most people believe that "stronger" signal = higher throughput.  It is associated if the device is the primary router, but when using any other wireless device to retransmit a wireless signal you immediately get a 50% reduction in speed.  This is more correctly called a "repeater".  People assume that because they see 5 bars that they have a better connection, but remember the goal is higher throughput, not more bars.  If this device is used it should be positioned in a location nearby the weak area but that still gets a strong signal so that it will hopefully improve the signal in the dead area.  If positioned in the weak or dead area, your connecting device may show 5 bars, but the throughput will be extremely poor.

Brand	EDIMAX
Model	EW-7288APC

Standards	IEEE 802.11a/n (up to 150Mbps) or IEEE 802.11ac (up to 433Mbps)
Wireless Data Rates	Up to 433Mbps
Security	64/128-bit WEP encryption and WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK security WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
Antenna	1 x internal high gain peak 5dBi antenna
System Requirements	Existing wireless home getway router Dual-band wireless client device (computer, smartphone or tablet) Device with web browser for software configuration (Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari latest version)
Interface	Ethernet Port
WAN Ports	1 x RJ-45 LAN port 1 x micro USB power port 1 x Wi-Fi AP/Wi-Fi Bridge mode slide switch Status LED indicators Internal high gain antenna WPS/Reset button
Power Supply	DC5V 0.6A

Temperature	0°C - 40°C (32°F - 104°F)
Humidity	10% - 90%, Non-Condensing

Dimensions	8.46" x 2.76" x 2.76" (H x W x L)
Weight	0.31 lb

EDIMAX EW-7288APC 11AC (5GHz Band only) Range Extender / Add-on Station, to Extend / Add 11AC Wi-Fi Signal for Faster and Cleaner Connection

11AC Add-On Station, AC450 5GHz Access Point / Wi-Fi Bridge

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Item#: N82E16833315143