Need to know what to buy for Internet setup

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myousaf398

myousaf398

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May 12, 2013
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I will tell you my setup first. (I'm midway with my computer skills)

Well first of all I have Charter internet. We are renting a modem from them. The modem is a Motorola surfboard sbg941. The router is an old one, (forgive me if I say the wrong name) I believe it is a Linksys RTP300 broadband router. We have a wireless repeater being used in the basement for better connection in the basement.


What we have connected to this is:

1 Desktop (LAN)
4 laptops (quite new) (Wireless)
1 Ipad
2 Iphones
1 Ps3 (Wirelessly to the repeater)
I'm not sure if this matters but Vonage phone with 3 phones connected to it.
We are also planning on getting internet tv (i.e. roku tv)
(That is a lot when I come to think of it)

What our problem is that we are having frequent connectivity issues meaning weak internet. Our internet is quite slow to our laptops as well as our PS3. Our desktop is also getting slow in internet browsing.

Now what I wish to know is what we need to do for faster speeds for our PS3 and for internet browsing. We are willing to buy a new router or get a knew modem (keep in mind they need to work with charter internet). What I was thinking is that I replace our old router with a new ASUS rt N66U. It seems to have good reviews but I want to know if it will even help and if so will it be compatible and work well with Charter internet and our Modem.

Overall we need our internet speeds to be good for online work, internet browsing, watching videos, and PS3 online gaming. Also roku tv (internet tv).

Thank you for your help.
Let me know if any more information is needed.

 
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Saga Lout

Saga Lout

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Mar 31, 2010
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Whatever you do inside your property can't improve on a slow speed coming in from the ISP so check your speed at http://www.speedtest.net or another similar site. Also, check with the ISP that they don't require you to use their equipment and continue to pay a rental for it. Post back the results of your speed test and someone will advise on whether it's worth spending money on new equipment.
 
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myousaf398

myousaf398

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May 12, 2013
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Sampled what was in the house at the time.
Download speeds are bolded while uploads are regular text.

My ASUS - Download- 20.47 Mb/s
Upload- 3.19 Mb/s
PING- 36ms

Desktop: 25.49 Mbps 3.18Mbps


PS3: 7.2Mbps 2.0 Mbps

Iphone (A): 3.77Mbps 1.27Mbps

Toshiba: 16.83 Mbps 3.24Mbps

Iphone (B) Ping (varying) download 4.76- -5.64 upload 2.75--3.09

Asus (B) Ping 10-35 17.09-18.71 Mbps 3.07-3.10Mbps
 
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myousaf398

myousaf398

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May 12, 2013
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Toshiba was quite close to it depends on what asus you were talking about but both of the asus' were far from the router. Asus (B) was the one that mostly has poor Internet performance.

What can I do to extend the range of my Internet? Should I go with the upgrade on Mbps from our ISP (charter) or should I buy a new router if that would make any difference. Or should I get another wireless repeater or will that slow down the speed of Internet for my other repeater.

If you have any other questions please ask I want to make a good decision and think through this.
 
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Saga Lout

Saga Lout

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Before I encourage you to spend more money, the one question is must ask is what's wrong with 17+ Mb? Until late last year, I struggled on here in the UK with around 1.2Mb - that's one point two - and only got the 39 have now after years of campaigning for fibre optic in my area. Of course I'm happier and noticed the increased speed immediately but I doubt my life would be impoverished if I only had, say, ten or perhaps seventeen.
 
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myousaf398

myousaf398

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May 12, 2013
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10,510
I don't really know when I take a speed test I get outstanding results. But when I or soemone else is using the Internet to watch a video or to browse Internet in certain parts of the house there is slow or limited Internet speed. I know 17 mb is quite a good amount but why then do I still get this type of speed in Internet browsing. Could it be when more then one person is using the Internet this happens?
I really don't know.
 
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myousaf398

myousaf398

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May 12, 2013
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10,510
I know it has been a while since I have posted but problems still persist.
I believe this is a final question on the topic would buying a new router increase the range of my wifi signal? My speed is fine what my problem is the range of the router the repeater in the basement barely get its signal. Thanks for reading.
 
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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Sep 13, 2010
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A repeater rarely is a good way to extend a wireless signal. I would suggest if at all possible to run an Ethernet cable and run the device in AP mode. If that is not possible some of the latest powerline adapter (specifically the Zyxel PLA 5205kit or 5215kit) to bridge the distance to the access point will dramatically improve your signal.

I have been very impressed with the 5205kit in several of my locations compared to all previous powerline connections, since I got over 120Mbps and low latency compared to 20-30Mbps from the best prior units. That said, an Ethernet cable to the access point is still the fastest solution if it is possible.

The only wireless solution that would be an improvement would be a pair of ASUS RT-68U devices, one as the main router and the second as a media bridge, although that is quite expensive.
 
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myousaf398

myousaf398

Honorable
May 12, 2013
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10,510
Now it has seriously been a while since I have posted, I just came across this thread and decided to happily post that I solved this issue around 6 months ago. I don't know if this was the best use of money to solve the issue but I bought an ASUS rt N66U router and that on the spot fixed my issue. The range of my WIFI spread throughout the house and I get good signal even in my front yard now. I highly recommend this router, the only downside is that it is quite pricey.
Thanks to all those who have posted solutions and helped me with the issue!
 
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