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good wifi signal booster required for the family home

  • 14-06-2012 9:31am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,073 ✭✭✭


    Hi guys

    hope yer all well

    my dad has an ipad and a crappy windows 7 laptop from dell.

    both device struggle to receive the wifi signal in the conservatory in our family home.

    The wireless router is upstairs and quite the distance from the conservatory (and cannot be relocated to somewhere near the conservatory).

    I heard that you can buy signal boosters that will amplify the signal and in this case, offer acceptably quick internet in the conservatory.

    I am wondering if someone can recommend a signal booster.

    If it matters, the family home is running on UPC internet.

    Thanks,
    Ed


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,663 ✭✭✭Cork24




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,874 ✭✭✭✭PogMoThoin


    Cork24 wrote: »

    Range extenders/repeaters half the throughput of your original network and add lots of latency, they don't tell you in the small print. I avoid them, nothing but trouble.


  • Registered Users Posts: 21,404 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    You can also get homeplug/powerline based extenders. They're not cheap though.

    See http://tinyurl.com/6jentkb for an example.

    In this case you're creating a separate wifi network and connecting this through your houses mains wiring to an ethernet port on your router.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,133 ✭✭✭kindalen


    have same issue with upc router, get signal but can be weak.
    was going to try a better antenna first? any good ones for the cisco router?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,874 ✭✭✭✭PogMoThoin


    Alun wrote: »
    In this case you're creating a separate wifi network and connecting this through your houses mains wiring to an ethernet port on your router.

    You don't need to do this, you can give this wireless the same SSID and encryption type as the original wifi router and key and your laptops phone etc will roam from one to the other


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2 bikie1280


    Hi, forgive my stupidity but if you connect one of the home plugs to the original router via the eternet cable will the wifi signal then be available ( and stronger) in the room that you plug the second homeplug into? Thanks


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,204 ✭✭✭FoxT


    bikie1280 wrote: »
    Hi, forgive my stupidity but if you connect one of the home plugs to the original router via the eternet cable will the wifi signal then be available ( and stronger) in the room that you plug the second homeplug into? Thanks

    That is correct. Another option is to run a cable from the existing wireless router to a point that is closer to the conservatory, and install a new wifi Access point.

    Here's an example of one (NOTE: I have not used this myself, but I would if in your position)

    http://www.dabs.ie/products/edimax-ew-7228apn-wireless-n-150-range-extender-5-port-sw-7BJQ.html?q=access%20point&src=16


    If you do this, you should configure the wireless router AND the access point so that they use different channels. Confusingly, it is not sufficient to make sure the channel numbers are different - they should be at least 5 channels apart - so you could run one of them on channel 1, the other on any channel higher than 6.

    If you have the scope to wire a couple of metres closer, then this would be worth a try.

    I have seen powerline/homeplug work well, too. Many adaptors do not have wi-fi, though, so be careful which one you choose.

    Whether using a powerline adaptor or installing another access point, i'd recommend that you choose one that supports 802.11n , to at least 150Mbps.

    Hope this all isnt too complicated!

    Cheers, FoxT


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,969 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    To complicate things even further, and by the way, thanks to the poster who said wifi extenders affect latency and network performance.

    I noticed this morning when reading the news on my phone before I got up that I was not connected via wifi to my network, but instead to the pub downstairs. Fine for the news, but I dont really want anyone else on the network able to sniff my email credentials.

    What I have decided to do, is get a wireless to ethernet bridge, and a second Wireless AP. I'll set up both in my hallway area, and it should be enough to boost it into the bedroom.

    This would also be a possible solution for the OP.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 leeballs


    Sorry but i am not really understanding all this.

    I have a wireless internet modem and want to receive a better signal at a different location in the house.

    You guys are saying that boosters are not the way to go? From what i have read homeplugs and powerlines can cause problems.

    What do you guys think about something like this?
    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/WiFi-Antenna-Biquad-MACH-3B-N-Adpt-Wireless-Booster-Long-Range-GET-FREE-INTERNET-/141040850901?pt=US_Networking_Boosters_Extenders_Antennas&hash=item20d6b097d5

    Thanks


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    leeballs wrote: »
    Sorry but i am not really understanding all this.

    I have a wireless internet modem and want to receive a better signal at a different location in the house.

    You guys are saying that boosters are not the way to go? From what i have read homeplugs and powerlines can cause problems.

    What do you guys think about something like this?
    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/WiFi-Antenna-Biquad-MACH-3B-N-Adpt-Wireless-Booster-Long-Range-GET-FREE-INTERNET-/141040850901?pt=US_Networking_Boosters_Extenders_Antennas&hash=item20d6b097d5

    Thanks

    :eek: Wireless is two way traffic, the above might work if you add one to your router and a second attached to your laptop or device :D

    TBH, as already said, you should just run cable or use homeplugs to get a connection to the other room, then add an AP (on a channel well away from existing) covering that area. These ones come with a built in AP.
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WPA281KIT-Wireless-Powerline-Extender/dp/B0067GS29W/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1378489616&sr=8-7&keywords=homeplugs+wifi


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  • Registered Users Posts: 7 leeballs


    Ok thanks for the info,

    I purchased http://www.ebay.com/itm/310542389849?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648

    I will report back when i get it

    Thanks.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    leeballs wrote: »
    Ok thanks for the info,

    I purchased http://www.ebay.com/itm/310542389849?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648

    I will report back when i get it

    Thanks.

    That's a repeater not a home plug AP


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 leeballs


    hmm are they not the same thing or do they not work on the same principle? sorry if these are stupid questions. when i see a plug socket i would presume the signal is transported through the electrical conductor


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    leeballs wrote: »
    hmm are they not the same thing or do they not work on the same principle? sorry if these are stupid questions. when i see a plug socket i would presume the signal is transported through the electrical conductor

    No, the clue is in the word, repeater. Homeplugs use your electrical circuitry to connect to your router, you use them in pairs. This is just a repeater, the plug connector is just for power, it connects to your original router by wireless which as already mentioned in this thread has it's issues (halves throughput and high latency)


  • Registered Users Posts: 220 ✭✭pauld


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006PYGWG6/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D8BGLMY/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Built a garden room at bottom of garden. UPC wifi signal did not reach it. I bought the above two items, connected the powerline adpator to the upc ruter, plugged the other one in the garden room wall plug socket, then connected the wirelesess nano router to the powerline adaptor in the garden room. instant wifi in the garden room.
    The best thing is as follows:

    1. literally plug and play, the nano router ships with access point as the default mode. i did not bother changing the ssid to the upc one, no real issues in devices switching between the two as I move from garden room to house.
    2. No degradation in wifi speed in the house.

    Note the first link on the above is for cable broadband (upc) not dsl


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭Glenalla


    pauld wrote: »
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006PYGWG6/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D8BGLMY/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Built a garden room at bottom of garden. UPC wifi signal did not reach it. I bought the above two items, connected the powerline adpator to the upc ruter, plugged the other one in the garden room wall plug socket, then connected the wirelesess nano router to the powerline adaptor in the garden room. instant wifi in the garden room.
    The best thing is as follows:

    1. literally plug and play, the nano router ships with access point as the default mode. i did not bother changing the ssid to the upc one, no real issues in devices switching between the two as I move from garden room to house.
    2. No degradation in wifi speed in the house.

    Note the first link on the above is for cable broadband (upc) not dsl

    New to all this and recently moved into an old house built from mass concrete. Got Eircom wi-fi, a disaster as my pc needs to be hard-wired even at 6 feet from the router, cannot get coverage anywhere in the house and need it in the kitchen, will this set up create a new wi-fi broadcasting spot?, I have a working phone line in all rooms, can this be used to transmit a signal?

    Thanks


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    Glenalla wrote: »
    New to all this and recently moved into an old house built from mass concrete. Got Eircom wi-fi, a disaster as my pc needs to be hard-wired even at 6 feet from the router, cannot get coverage anywhere in the house and need it in the kitchen, will this set up create a new wi-fi broadcasting spot?

    Thanks

    Change channel on the Eircom router first, it may be interference on the wireless channel


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭Glenalla


    Thanks, tried this but still dropping connection regularly. Removed all other appliances from the room. Sometimes the only way to get wi-fi back is to turn the router off and let it sit for a minute and turn it back on. It even cuts off when hard-wired in. Also getting a page from Eircom coming up on the screen as per the picture attached.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    Glenalla wrote: »
    Thanks, tried this but still dropping connection regularly. Removed all other appliances from the room. Sometimes the only way to get wi-fi back is to turn the router off and let it sit for a minute and turn it back on. It even cuts off when hard-wired in. Also getting a page from Eircom coming up on the screen as per the picture attached.

    The interference could be from your neighbours wifi, wireless video cameras, calving cameras, baby monitors etc in your locality. Login on http://192.168.1.254 and change channel


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭Glenalla


    smee again wrote: »
    The interference could be from your neighbours wifi, wireless video cameras, calving cameras, baby monitors etc in your locality. Login on http://192.168.1.254 and change channel

    Have changed the channel many times and no neighbours within 100 yards or cattle buildings. Is there a way to set up a new wi-fi spot in another room using the existing telephone cables running from room to room?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    Glenalla wrote: »
    Have changed the channel many times and no neighbours within 100 yards or cattle buildings. Is there a way to set up a new wi-fi spot in another room using the existing telephone cables running from room to room?

    Have you investigated whether it's a problem with your device?


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭Glenalla


    smee again wrote: »
    Have you investigated whether it's a problem with your device?

    Yes have tried 5 different devices and it happens to them all, I see Eircom dont "guarantee" wi-fi. I dont mind being hardwired in with the pc in the room where the phone enters bu I cant have wires running across the kitchen where I really need wi-fi. I need to set up a wi-spot in there or at least have some sort of signal there on wi-fi.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭smee again


    Glenalla wrote: »
    Yes have tried 5 different devices and it happens to them all, I see Eircom dont "guarantee" wi-fi. I dont mind being hardwired in with the pc in the room where the phone enters bu I cant have wires running across the kitchen where I really need wi-fi. I need to set up a wi-spot in there or at least have some sort of signal there on wi-fi.

    Adding another device doesn't fix this one. That router is not fit for purpose. Tell them the router is broken and insist on a new one, don't mention wifi, tell them it's getting red hot and turning off, they'll soon jump if it's a fire hazard


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,339 ✭✭✭seagull


    pauld wrote: »
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006PYGWG6/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D8BGLMY/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Built a garden room at bottom of garden. UPC wifi signal did not reach it. I bought the above two items, connected the powerline adpator to the upc ruter, plugged the other one in the garden room wall plug socket, then connected the wirelesess nano router to the powerline adaptor in the garden room. instant wifi in the garden room.
    The best thing is as follows:

    1. literally plug and play, the nano router ships with access point as the default mode. i did not bother changing the ssid to the upc one, no real issues in devices switching between the two as I move from garden room to house.
    2. No degradation in wifi speed in the house.

    Note the first link on the above is for cable broadband (upc) not dsl

    How does network security work with a setup like this? Does the nanorouter pick up the details somehow from the original router, or do you set the security details on that yourself?


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