Author Topic: wifi range extender?  (Read 4045 times)

AlanStache

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wifi range extender?
« on: April 21, 2017, 01:52:50 PM »
Can anyone explain wifi range extenders to me?  I get the basic idea but I cant tell the difference between the 20$ ones and the 150$ ones other than the expense ones are bigger and have more antenna.  I have Fios 50/50 Mbps internet and a new router from them.  I dont mind spending a bit more to be future proof.  Where my dead zone is I would only be using FakeBook and Netflix.  thanks




makai

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2017, 09:19:50 PM »
It grabs a signal and amplifies it. Imagine if you were to yell at someone from a long distance and they can't hear you. You can put another person in the middle and have them relay the message. The specific one you need depends on how fast your wifi is and how far you want the signal to go. You can also get an access point. They work similarly but need to be wired.

maizefolk

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2017, 09:30:34 PM »
The problem with extenders is that adding one to the network will actually slow the entire network a bit. For more detail than you could possibly want on why this happens: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/03/802-eleventy-what-a-deep-dive-into-why-wi-fi-kind-of-sucks/2/

Is your dead zone a result of distance or something blocking the signal (for example a steel reinforced concrete slab)? In the first case, you could probably just replace your FIOS provided router with a bit more powerful one like the Archer C7. In the second case, if you can run an ethernet cable, you could set up a separate wireless access point on a different wifi channel as makai suggests and get a much better result. If neither works, a wireless repeater may be your only option.

TheStachery

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2017, 07:11:07 AM »
I've had good luck with Amplifi HD.  You can buy it on amazon. 


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Spork

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2017, 07:52:11 AM »
The problem with extenders is that adding one to the network will actually slow the entire network a bit. For more detail than you could possibly want on why this happens: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/03/802-eleventy-what-a-deep-dive-into-why-wi-fi-kind-of-sucks/2/

Is your dead zone a result of distance or something blocking the signal (for example a steel reinforced concrete slab)? In the first case, you could probably just replace your FIOS provided router with a bit more powerful one like the Archer C7. In the second case, if you can run an ethernet cable, you could set up a separate wireless access point on a different wifi channel as makai suggests and get a much better result. If neither works, a wireless repeater may be your only option.

This.

The easy, inexpensive alternative is to put a second wifi on the other end of the house (and run a wire to it).  Set the channels manually and put some space between them. 

Usually an inexpensive firewall can be put into "AP mode".  Turn off DHCP on the second router so all the IP addressing comes from a central point.  Don't expect most devices will be very good at roaming -- because they aren't.  It's easier to set the second router up with a different SSID.

AlanStache

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2017, 01:11:49 PM »
The deadspot is mostly because of distance (I want netflix under some trees while in the hammock out back :-p  ).  I had not thought of using a second wifi, but running an ethernet cable would not be easy and I would still have to buy a thing. 

What really surprised  me with the range extenders was I saw no distance or power metric; I expected something like 30$ gets you 50', 100$ gets you 80' or whatever.  Should I look for one that is faster than 50/50 Mbps and just be done with it?

iluvzbeach

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2017, 03:06:19 PM »
I bought a $25 one on Amazon and it worked perfectly. We've since moved and no longer need it. Would be happy to mail it to you for free.

AlanStache

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2017, 03:09:48 PM »
I bought a $25 one on Amazon and it worked perfectly. We've since moved and no longer need it. Would be happy to mail it to you for free.

Sweet!  Will pm you.  Thanks much!

AlanStache

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2017, 06:24:14 PM »
iluvzbeach's range extender arrived last week and I set it up.  All works great!  The signal is stronger all over the house.  iluvzbeach - thanks again!

« Last Edit: May 12, 2017, 06:26:03 PM by AlanStache »

iluvzbeach

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2017, 06:46:59 PM »
Glad to hear it works well for you, we were always happy with it! At least it's no longer sitting on a shelf in our closet and I'd rather donate it to an Internet stranger than Goodwill.

MrStash2000

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #10 on: May 18, 2017, 06:05:42 AM »
iluvzbeach's range extender arrived last week and I set it up.  All works great!  The signal is stronger all over the house.  iluvzbeach - thanks again!

What brand is it?

AlanStache

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #11 on: May 18, 2017, 05:51:29 PM »
iluvzbeach's range extender arrived last week and I set it up.  All works great!  The signal is stronger all over the house.  iluvzbeach - thanks again!

What brand is it?

Cisco Linksys RE1000, I think there are newer models.  It works well for me but I still have no understanding why some cost 5 times more than others.

WSUCoug1994

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Re: wifi range extender?
« Reply #12 on: May 24, 2017, 01:30:44 PM »
Just remember that good signal doesn't necessarily mean good speed when utilizing range extenders.  Because of the weird layout of my house I decided to go with Eero Mesh Network - very impressive although more expensive that I would have liked.  An option for people where range extenders don't succeed.