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Extending/Establishing second floor connectivity

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  • Devices
Last response: in Wireless Networking
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September 23, 2014 5:27:03 AM

Hello techsperts (see what I did there?),

I am a total novice when it comes to technology, and I need a solution to a problem that I can't solve on my own.

As with many people, all my devices in my home are wireless. We have a second floor and a basement, all which require access to WiFi because of all our devices. We have a Smart TV on the first floor, as well as 3 laptops (and our phones), a Roku and Chromecast on the second floor, and will be installing a Smart TV in the basement in the near future (as well as gaming devices).

Anyway, the primary modem/router is on the first floor in the office, and all devices work very well on the first floor. The second floor is a different story, as the range of the router is not sufficient. I bought a Belkin range extender, and it sucks. It constantly shuts down or fails, and our devices (Roku, phones, Chromecast) lose connectivity.

Anyway, I would like to figure out if I install a second router (I believe there are functional coax outlets upstairs like the one our primary router is connected to), or if I just have to buy a better range extender? Also, I imagine I will have a similar problem in the basement when we get to installing our hardware down there. Any suggestions appreciated, and thanks in advance!

More about : extending establishing floor connectivity

September 23, 2014 5:40:43 AM

A better solution would be a powerline adapter. This takes a signal off the router, pumps it through the house wiring.
A matched device upstairs then gets that and delivers either signal via a Cat5e cable, or WiFi.

The best solution is running an ethernet cable upstairs, and then either wired or WiFi off that.
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September 23, 2014 5:47:20 AM

Your ISP (cable provider) will generally only support one IP address (router). The best solution is to run ethernet cable. Many people find that impossible (or at least impractical) . The next best alternatives are MoCA and powerline networking. You could then add an access point on each level. You might be able to name them with the same SSID and be able to roam between them or maybe not.
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September 23, 2014 5:50:48 AM

kanewolf said:
Your ISP (cable provider) will generally only support one IP address (router). The best solution is to run ethernet cable. Many people find that impossible (or at least impractical) . The next best alternatives are MoCA and powerline networking. You could then add an access point on each level. You might be able to name them with the same SSID and be able to roam between them or maybe not.


Yes, a MoCA device would work well too.
I just installed one last week to run the signal upstairs. I have a 50/50 plan from Verizon, and off the MOCA, it gets exactly the same speed as wired directly into the router.
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September 23, 2014 6:02:27 AM

Man, you guys/gals are awesome. Thanks for the responses. I'm assuming that both are pretty easy to install?
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September 23, 2014 6:03:46 AM

USAFRet said:
kanewolf said:
Your ISP (cable provider) will generally only support one IP address (router). The best solution is to run ethernet cable. Many people find that impossible (or at least impractical) . The next best alternatives are MoCA and powerline networking. You could then add an access point on each level. You might be able to name them with the same SSID and be able to roam between them or maybe not.


Yes, a MoCA device would work well too.
I just installed one last week to run the signal upstairs. I have a 50/50 plan from Verizon, and off the MOCA, it gets exactly the same speed as wired directly into the router.


I, like you @USAFRet, have FIOS. I don't know how well MoCA plays if the OP has COX, or TW Cable as his internet provider. We probably need to know who the ISP is.
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September 23, 2014 6:06:09 AM

TheA-Train said:
Man, you guys/gals are awesome. Thanks for the responses. I'm assuming that both are pretty easy to install?


Both pretty easy. Functionality depends on the condition of the house wiring.

If you have a house from 1875, with old, old wiring...powerline may not be the best solution...:) 
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September 23, 2014 6:20:13 AM

TheA-Train said:
Man, you guys/gals are awesome. Thanks for the responses. I'm assuming that both are pretty easy to install?


Powerline networking can be hamstrung by AFCI breakers. These have been mandated in new construction since around 2000. You need to examine your breaker panel to determine if you have AFCI breakers.

AFCI circuit breakers can harm HomePlug signals depending on the design of the breaker. If the design has an inductor in front of the power supply bridge, there is little if any impact on HomePlug signals.

Square D and Eaton AFCIs have this arrangement and are very HomePlug-friendly; it is fortunate that these brands have a large market share. Some other manufacturers (such as Siemens) have a capacitor in front and this is detrimental to HomePlug signals.
-- Taken from SmallNetBuilder
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