Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
The Asus model I mentined earlier does all this.
Your iPad will always connect to the private wifi network the router creates, so you'll always be able to control the router.
Actually, the ASUS WL-330ge only repeats the existing signal; it doesn't create a second WiFi network (universal repeater mode).
So if you have poor WiFi reception in your hotel room, then universal repeater mode can help, BUT, the hotel / ISP may charge you for each device connected (some do, and some don't; I've experienced both).
Also, the Asus model can only operate as a universal repeater for WiFi networks that are unencrypted or use WEP encryption only. WPA or WPA2 are unsupported (in repeater mode).
Another box that may work as well is the Apple Airport Express. Can't use it as a universal repeater, but if the hotel room has wired ethernet, you can certainly use it as a local gateway with WiFi, to avoid multiple connection charges. And it has the advantage of being quite simple to set up, and can be set up from either an iPhone or iPad directly (no laptop required).
Patrick