Ways to extend my WIFI range without bandwidth drop?

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Eli Heimsoth

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May 4, 2013
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My main router (it is a router/modem combo) sits on one of the far sides of my 1st floor. My garage is at the other end of the first floor, and then there is the 2nd floor which in about half of the areas receives poor connection. I know there are many ways to do this, but I am looking for a way to extend the wifi range without loosing speed. Currently I have a Cat5 running from one of the lan ports on my main router/modem, out through a window, back into an upstairs window, and into lan port 1 of my 2nd router (router only). Not the WAN port. I have it hooked up as all one network that way when I'm walking around the house my iphone automatically picks up the stronger signal. Now I BELIEVE that I was told this doesn't cut bandwidth. Not sure though. Does it? The method has been fine for me, except as you can imagine it's not the best looking. I recently heard about powerline or homeplug av devices. Something like that. I'm not sure if they are the same, but I'm sure you know what I mean. Would they do what I want? I'd plug my 2nd router into the adapter so I don't have to run an obnoxious cat5 outside. Would that work without cutting bandwidth?

Also are there any other or better methods you could tell me about? Thanks! I'm not unwilling to buy new equipment so if a different method involves that don't hesitate to tell me, please!

Sorry for going on guy!  

- Eli H.

Not sure if this should be in Networking or Wireless Networking  
 
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galeener

galeener

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you could just buy a range extender and set it up at a midway point half way across you house.
You can also go the power line method which seems to work well I know belkin has a good set. Not sure on some of the cheapos out there.
Also it depends on what what equipment your trying to run thats farthest from your router. If its a pc or printer you could look for a better antenna set up. Also the new ac protacol routers may have better range I havnt looked into them yet.
 
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Eli Heimsoth

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Would the range extender kill bandwidth or cut it in half? How about the powerline?
Any other Ideas?

 
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galeener

galeener

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Not sure as With the extender I use one for our down stairs system as we have a media pc down there and router is upstairs. I dont see any difference in the signal but your millage may vary as to distance, what materials were used in your house when built things like that I live in Az and the house is 5 years old and the walls are pretty thin.
The power line method My neighbor uses and it drops some through put. I am not sure how much but streaming movies and things I have not seen it stutter or pause. Your going to have to just find and example of both research the specs and then search for reveiws on the brand that you are looking at. Then make a decision hopefully you will get some more feed back here soon.
 
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Eli Heimsoth

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I've read that extenders and repeaters do in fact cut bandwidth in half, unless they are dual radio. One radio to receive signal, and one to rebroadcast. Versus a single radio that does it all. Is that correct?

Anyone else?
 
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rogueconstantine

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if you want to get rid of that cable, then get an extender. place it in the best signal range of ur main router.
extender does cut off a little wifi bandwidth. but it depends on ur wifi usage, wether u r streaming, gaming or jst surfing. what will cause problems is the delay in the wifi signal, as it will have to copied and transmited everytime to fro from your main router. this can cause lags while streaming videos or high unstable ping spikes while gaming, but if u just wana surf over the internet it wont be a problem... hope this helps.. cheers
 
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Eli Heimsoth

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Nope, I will be connecting upstairs to stream movies, play xbox, download movies, imessage, etc. I am tech lover of the house and my room is in a spot that needs the boosted signal. So, it's looking like I may have to stick with the ethernet running to a second router?
 
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galeener

galeener

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If you have a fairly new house you can get a power line system. Some of the new ones are very fast and you would just have to find the brand you are considering and read up on it . I am not sure on signal loss but I am sure some one on here knows more than I do.
 
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