network repeater

[kimmer]

I was listening to a local home improvement show, and they were talking about using a network repeater to help boost wi-fi in the house. Anyone here use one? If so, like or not? What brand do you recommend? Is this something I can tackle without hiring help?

[Xairbusdriver]

9to5 mac
Since Apple no longer sells Airport boxes, you'll probably have to buy other brands. Although you might find some of those little plug into a receptacle thingies they made. Airport Express Most reports say other brands were more powerful and more up-to-date, anyway. It was just the software that made Apple's so easy to use.

If I remember correctly, your "cable" box is out in the garage. Do you have am Airport connected to the Ethernet output of that box?

[kimmer]

If I remember correctly, your "cable" box is out in the garage. Do you have am Airport connected to the Ethernet output of that box?

It's not cable, it's reg. DSL; and yes, the router is in the garage. I don't have an Airport. Tomorrow I'll take a photo of what is in the garage as that might help.

[Xairbusdriver]

I don't have an Airport

Perhaps it would help to know how you are using WiFi now. That is, assuming you actually are using WiFi at home.

[Xairbusdriver]

Looking back in the archives, I noticed that you've had problems with that garage mounted stuff before. But your thread back then does explain how you are getting to the web: via Ethernet. So, unless you've added some WiFi hardware since that post (which never got an update as to how/if your problem was solved... ), the only WiFi you have is between computers and mobile devices, not the most robust of connections.

Since you are connecting to the rest of the Earth via the DSL equipment (that's just another type of "cable", BTW) that has Ethernet feeding the house, all you need is a real WiFi station with a real transmitter/receiver that should adequately handle laptop/mobile connections throughout the house and even outside (within a reasonable distance). I'd suggest you don't need any "repeaters" but simply a good WiFi router.

[Xairbusdriver]

You should get enough info from these review sites (listed in my opinionated trustworthiness, best to least)

• TomsGuide.com
• PCWorld (mainly for the info and descriptions)
• sorry, no more sites I am familiar enough to recommend
• see item 3

I think this model would be sufficient for your needs: ASUS Gaming Router Tri-band WiFi (Up to 5334 Mbps) for VR & 4K streaming, 1.8GHz Quad-Core processor, Gaming Port, Whole Home Mesh System, & AiProtection network with 8 x Gigabit LAN ports with free shipping!

[kimmer]

No the original problem with the Ethernet plug in my computer room was never solved. I either switch to wi-fi, or do this:

At this point, we're using the same stop gap measure we've used for 2 years now: a long, long Ethernet cord that connects in Sneakers room and snakes around the door to my computer. No matter how cold it gets, this method always works.

Changes:

• I now have a leased, up to date, modem from my phone/ISP company (same company); and they state that installation in the garage is fairly common in this area and should be fine. At this point, I’m not willing to pay to have the entire house rewired.
  
• I no longer have the PlugLink’s in use.

Works:

• All the Ethernet ports (one in every room) work fine with the exception of the one in my room.
• Wi-fi works very well, but it's weak in the rooms farthest from the garage (not surprising). Plus I have 2 gadgets that will not connect to my modem, and neither the phone company nor I have been able to solve this. My thought was that with a repeater I would BOOST the wi-fi signal throughout the house, thus ensuring that my iPhone works on wi-fi throughout the night and I always have a signal, and hopefully Siri would be available in an emergency. Plus I might be able to get those reluctant gadgets to connect to the repeater.

I’ll check out your links, Jim; but I’ll pass on that free shipping fancy cost a month’s salary router. 

[daryl66]

Kim:  FWIW I installed this unit several years agohttps://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-range-extenders/EX6100.aspx. The router and TW cable modem   are located  2 levels below and quite a distance from where we use both OSX and IOS devices.  Initially had to experiment location  where it functioned the best. It works great and it seems the IOS devices  like it  Easy to install. Almost just plug and play.

Daryl

[Xairbusdriver]

My thought was that with a repeater I would BOOST the wi-fi signal throughout the house

I think we understand that part. What still escapes me is where the "base" WiFi signal is coming from. I am assuming that the modem in the garage is the source. That would certainly explain the weak signals at the farthest point in the house.

What I'm not understanding is why you want to continue to use that unit's WiFi. Since you already have Ethernet working in all/most rooms, except yours, you already have a direct access to the web for any WiFi modem you can buy. That puts the signal inside the house and I'm betting it will have more than enough strength to cover all rooms without any repeaters and even in your front yard or porch for those Summer time watch-the-grass-grow experiences!

If you have any attic crawl space, running a replacement Ethernet cable from the one you are using via the shade-tree-tech method between the jack boxes in the two rooms should be a 30 minute job.

I'm betting the current piece of cable is damaged. It could be used to pull a new cable between the two rooms, but the ease of doing that depends on how big the holes in the 2 x 4's are and how many curves/angles they used. If you are lucky and the installers were smart, the jack boxes are almost back to back on the same wall. But by the time that is determined, it could have been done over the ceiling joists in the attic space. All the wiring will still be concealed, of course.

I’ll pass on that free shipping fancy cost a month’s salary router.

But look at that styling!!! All your visitors would be impressed and probably start calling you a "Geek"! And, on Halloween, you can turn it upside down and put it next to the front door on the porch and scare the pranksters!!

Things would be so much easier for me if you would just do as I say.

[kimmer]

Thanks, Daryl. I will check it out.

Kim:  FWIW I installed this unit several years agohttps://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-range-extenders/EX6100.aspx. The router and TW cable modem   are located  2 levels below and quite a distance from where we use both OSX and IOS devices.  Initially had to experiment location  where it functioned the best. It works great and it seems the IOS devices  like it  Easy to install. Almost just plug and play.

[kimmer]

My thought was that with a repeater I would BOOST the wi-fi signal throughout the house

I think we understand that part. What still escapes me is where the "base" WiFi signal is coming from. I am assuming that the modem in the garage is the source. That would certainly explain the weak signals at the farthest point in the house.

Yes, the "base" wi-fi signal comes from the modem in the garage.

What I'm not understanding is why you want to continue to use that unit's WiFi. Since you already have Ethernet working in all/most rooms, except yours, you already have a direct access to the web for any WiFi modem you can buy. That puts the signal inside the house and I'm betting it will have more than enough strength to cover all rooms without any repeaters and even in your front yard or porch for those Summer time watch-the-grass-grow experiences!

I did consider another modem, but I thought that a repeater would be cheaper and easier then setting up another "network"?

If you have any attic crawl space, running a replacement Ethernet cable from the one you are using via the shade-tree-tech method between the jack boxes in the two rooms should be a 30 minute job.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ... wiping tears from my eyes ... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA You have a great sense of humor. Perhaps a 30 year job for me.

I'm betting the current piece of cable is damaged. It could be used to pull a new cable between the two rooms, but the ease of doing that depends on how big the holes in the 2 x 4's are and how many curves/angles they used. If you are lucky and the installers were smart, the jack boxes are almost back to back on the same wall. But by the time that is determined, it could have been done over the ceiling joists in the attic space. All the wiring will still be concealed, of course.

Probably is damaged, but the notion of me doing this work ... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ... wiping tears from my eyes ... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Xairbusdriver]

WHOA!!!!  I have no intention of your doing this work!!!! There should be some local, reliable, people who have the skills. Tech or high school electronics classes? Etc. It was just a least expensive and simplest solution.

A repeater might work, if it can be configured with the likely two different chip sets (probably an older version in the DSL modem). Remember, any new devices you buy will have, at best, English instructions and minimal user-friendly screens. These things are notorious for being difficult to set up, perhaps that has improved. 

You can sometimes download the "user manuals" for many brands. That would likely be a help in seeing if the device is built for humans or geeks. Nice to know before spending any money.

[kimmer]

WHOA!!!!  I have no intention of your doing this work!!!! There should be some local, reliable, people who have the skills. Tech or high school electronics classes? Etc. It was just a least expensive and simplest solution.

Okay, I misunderstood. I mean I can use tools, and out of necessity I've learned to do a lot of "guy" stuff, so I thought you were serious. As to a local with skills? Iffy.

A repeater might work, if it can be configured with the likely two different chip sets (probably an older version in the DSL modem).

If I understand correctly, you're suggesting that a second WiFi modem plugged in to an Ethernet port in the house would be the best way to go. Is that correct? If so, do I leave the WiFi modem plugged in in the garage? Oh, and what WiFi modem?

[Xairbusdriver]

Is that correct?

Yes.

If so, do I leave the WiFi modem plugged in in the garage?

I assumed it was not a separate box. They are usually built into the cable/DSL modem box. If it is built into the modem box, you don't have a choice about unplugging it. But you should be able to turn it off through the modem interface, just to avoid any confusion about which WiFi signal you are using. If you have any paperwork/manual for the modem, it may have the IP address listed. The default for most Ethernet only modems seems to be 192.168.1.1, WiFi is usually 10.0.0.1 but may be unique to the brand.

If it is a completely separate box, see how it is connected. If it is simply using an Ethernet connection, you should be able to just unplug it and bring it into the house (along with its power source, assuming it is also separate from the modem). No extra hardware to buy!

Oh, and what WiFi modem?

See above.