Poor wi-fi in a concrete house

regedit · 13-03-2016 11:22am #1

Moved into a new house yesterday. As per the title it is a concrete built house and I am finding it a nightmare to get signal upstairs. We're with VM (UPC) so we brought over the router and it works OK but signal is OK only in the front room where the router is placed. It struglles to get even into kitchen let alone upstairs. The house is very well wired and each room has at least 1-2 Cat6 points on the wall.
What would be the best option to extend the range of signal.
Saw this on amazon so wondering would it work. Could I get away with 1 or would it be best to get 2 of them?
Any help appreciated. Kids wrecking my head re weak internet

sundodger5 · 13-03-2016 11:26am

Seeing as the house has the cabling i would buy a cheap secondhand router and put it upstairs. Link them up and away you go.

mass_debater · 13-03-2016 12:50pm

Don't get a repeater, that will slow your network. Since you have ethernet points use that to get a wired connection and add a wireless access point (or two) to cover the areas with poor signal. Take great care to set them to channels well away from each other or they will interfere. If you set them all to the same name and encryption your devices will roam.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TL-WA801ND-300Mbps-Wireless-Access/dp/B004UBU8IE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457869875&sr=8-1&keywords=wifi+access+point

jester77 · 13-03-2016 12:54pm

Access point is the way to go, ubiquiti do excellent APs with a strong signal for a good price, plus they also have the advantage that they support poe so you don't need a power point at the AP location.

regedit · 13-03-2016 2:03pm

Thanks very much all.
Not an expert on networks myself so all advice appreciated. Every room + the hallway have Ethernet access points. Might go for two of these
The Ethernet point in the landing is close to ceiling and even has a socket beside it.

mass_debater · 13-03-2016 2:09pm

regedit wrote: »

Thanks very much all.
Not an expert on networks myself so all advice appreciated. Every room + the hallway have Ethernet access points. Might go for two of these
The Ethernet point in the landing is close to ceiling and even has a socket beside it.

Get a ceiling mounted one then so
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-EAP110-Wireless-Ceiling-Access/dp/B00VQ8P47O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457874553&sr=8-1&keywords=wifi+access+point+ceiling

regedit · 16-03-2016 8:24pm

Got two TP-LINK TL-WA801ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point from amazon.
Ordered them on Monday and they were with me today even though I chose the cheapest delivery option (free delivery).
Problem is now how do I link my UPC router wit these two access point devices.
TP-Link has options to connect as (1) Access Point; (2) Repeater; (3) Bridge with AP; (4) Client and (5) Multi-SSID.

It's easy to connect them via ethernet points. The devices are secured but there's no internet so I must be doing something wrong.
Any help please

Wabbit Ears · 16-03-2016 8:29pm

set them up as access points and use the same SSID and password as your main gateway.

mass_debater · 16-03-2016 8:42pm

Have you got a working Ethernet connection to them from your original router. Plug into a laptop and confirm the points are working before you go any further

regedit · 16-03-2016 9:32pm

mass_debater wrote: »

Have you got a working Ethernet connection to them from your original router. Plug into a laptop and confirm the points are working before you go any further

Thanks mass_debater,
The Ethernet point was faulty (probably not even connected). one orrect point was identified, everything worked.
One more question. Is it possible to have the technicolor (UPC) router and the two new access points share the same SSID and password and how to do that

mass_debater · 16-03-2016 9:41pm

regedit wrote: »

One more question. Is it possible to have the technicolor (UPC) router and the two new access points share the same SSID and password and how to do that

Yes, give it the exact same SSID and same encryption key and type and your devices will roam. You need to be careful with selecting channels though, use fixed channels 1, 6 and 11 (don't leave any on auto) for the best spread without interfering with each other

corsav6 · 16-03-2016 9:41pm

regedit wrote: »

Thanks mass_debater,
The Ethernet point was faulty (probably not even connected). one orrect point was identified, everything worked.
One more question. Is it possible to have the technicolor (UPC) router and the two new access points share the same SSID and password and how to do that

Just change the SSID and passwords in the access point settings page to match your VM router.
Settings can be accessed through your browser using an IP address that should be printed in the manual.

regedit · 17-03-2016 10:56am

corsav6 wrote: »

Just change the SSID and passwords in the access point settings page to match your VM router.
Settings can be accessed through your browser using an IP address that should be printed in the manual.

Now that I have two access points, I cannot access the interface to make the change. The manual for the access points states this is 192.168.0.254 but the laptop doesn't recognise it as a valid address

mass_debater · 17-03-2016 11:06am

regedit wrote: »

Now that I have two access points, I cannot access the interface to make the change. The manual for the access points states this is 192.168.0.254 but the laptop doesn't recognise it as a valid address

You need to give your network card a static ip in the same subnet and plug in directly to it. Give your laptop 192.168.0.10 subnet mask 255.255.255.0 gateway 192.168.0.253
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19249/how-to-assign-a-static-ip-address-in-xp-vista-or-windows-7/

When logged in you can change the access point ip to one in the subnet of your main router, being careful not to give it an ip from the pool your router is allocating through DHCP. Also both access points will need to have different ips. Someone with the same router can probably better advise here.

When you have the ip changed, reboot it, then you can connect the access point back to your network, remove the static ip on your laptop and connect back to your own network and you should be able to get to the access point on the new ip

Bad_alibi · 23-07-2016 6:57pm

Looking for a similar solution. I've a new built concrete house and I'm looking to send the signal from the attic to the first & ground floor. I've cat 6 cables left out in the ceiling for ceiling mounted routers/extenders. Need recommendations for a ceiling mounted unit that can be powered from the cat 6 otherwise I'll have to try get the electrician back to pull a power line to the cat 6 location.

Bad_alibi · 23-07-2016 7:30pm

Would something like this work for me.

http://s.aliexpress.com/VveIvIVB

Or this

http://s.aliexpress.com/F3umaQrm

mass_debater · 23-07-2016 8:11pm

Bad_alibi wrote: »

Would something like this work for me.

http://s.aliexpress.com/VveIvIVB

Or this

http://s.aliexpress.com/F3umaQrm

Cheap Chinese sh1te and old wireless standards.

Get one or two of these
RouterBoard wAP AC White https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HY2HTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_re8KxbRAD05QK

Bad_alibi · 23-07-2016 8:51pm

mass_debater wrote: »

Cheap Chinese sh1te and old wireless standards.

Get one or two of these
RouterBoard wAP AC White https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HY2HTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_re8KxbRAD05QK

Can that be powered off the cat 6 or will I have to get a power socket to the location.

I'm not sure if its relevant but I've imagine fiber broadband.

mass_debater · 23-07-2016 8:54pm

Bad_alibi wrote: »

Can that be powered off the cat 6 or will I have to get a power socket to the location.

I'm not sure if its relevant but I've imagine fiber broadband.

Yes, it comes with a gigabit Poe adapter.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_over_Ethernet

Bad_alibi · 23-07-2016 9:56pm

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016E93JY4/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=21bNVoS7VYL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&psc=1&refRID=NVS9DV4PPT84JENHBNAE#featureBulletsAndDetailBullets_secondary_view_div_1469304952759

Will this also work as its nearly half the price of the other one you linked.

mass_debater · 23-07-2016 10:26pm

Bad_alibi wrote: »

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016E93JY4/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=21bNVoS7VYL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&psc=1&refRID=NVS9DV4PPT84JENHBNAE#featureBulletsAndDetailBullets_secondary_view_div_1469304952759

Will this also work as its nearly half the price of the other one you linked.

Half the power, has a smaller radio and also is using a single 2.4ghz, double chain 802.11n standard radio (outdated)

The one I posted is dual band, triple chain, 2.4ghz and 5ghz 802.11ac which is the latest standard that leaves you future proof. 2ghz is now useless in built up areas, 5ghz is needed for much higher speeds.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/802-11ac-vs-802-11n-what-s-the-difference

BailMeOut · 23-07-2016 10:30pm

Devolo dLAN 500 Wi-Fi Powerline Network Kit

Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C5IA4S8

Extender and AP in same devices.

Bad_alibi · 23-07-2016 10:31pm

Thanks very much for all the info I appreciate it

mass_debater wrote: »

Half the power, has a smaller radio and also is using a single 2.4ghz, double chain 802.11n standard radio (outdated)

The one I posted is dual band, triple chain, 2.4ghz and 5ghz 802.11ac which is the latest standard that leaves you future proof. 2ghz is now useless in built up areas, 5ghz is needed for much higher speeds.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/802-11ac-vs-802-11n-what-s-the-difference

mass_debater · 23-07-2016 10:37pm

BailMeOut wrote: »

Devolo dLAN 500 Wi-Fi Powerline Network Kit

Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C5IA4S8

Extender and AP in same devices.

What good are they to someone with cat6 in their ceiling?

BailMeOut · 23-07-2016 10:39pm

mass_debater wrote: »

What good are they to someone with cat6 in their ceiling?

forget about the CAT6 and just plug these babies in and you are done. Cheap, simple and they work brilliantly.

srsly78 · 25-07-2016 12:30pm

Terrible advice. Cat6 is much more reliable than powerlines. All access points should be connected via cat6 is possible. Powerline ethernet should only be used if there is no other option.

jester77 · 25-07-2016 1:52pm

I'm a big fan of the UniFi access points, good price point for what they offer. They use POE, adapters are provided if you don't already have a poe switch, plus they blend in well on the wall or ceiling. LEDs can also be disabled from the console.

Bad_alibi · 25-07-2016 1:53pm

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HY2HTNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_re8KxbRAD05QK

It's a shame that this is so clumpy on the ceiling herself wasn't happy when I showed her but if there's no other option she'll have to live with it.

mass_debater · 25-07-2016 6:56pm

jester77 wrote: »

I'm a big fan of the UniFi access points, good price point for what they offer. They use POE, adapters are provided if you don't already have a poe switch, plus they blend in well on the wall or ceiling. LEDs can also be disabled from the console.

So am I but the Mikrotik wAP is the same hardware at half the price

Bad_alibi wrote: »

It's a shame that this is so clumpy on the ceiling herself wasn't happy when I showed her but if there's no other option she'll have to live with it.

UBIQUITI NETWORKS UBI-UAP-AC-PRO 24/5Ghz 450/1300Mbps 122m - (Enterprise Computing > Routers) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016XYQ3WK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_znLLxb0FQ8MST

Bad_alibi · 25-07-2016 9:32pm

Difference between about €80 and €140 I think I'll forgive the bulkiness of the Mikrotik

Thanks again for the assistance.

mass_debater · 26-07-2016 1:29pm

Bad_alibi wrote: »

Difference between about €80 and €140 I think I'll forgive the bulkiness of the Mikrotik

Thanks again for the assistance.

You can roll your own if you feel up to it

http://www.rfelements.com/products/integration-platforms/stationbox-inspot/stationbox-inspot/

Poor wi-fi in a concrete house

Comments