FiOS Quantum GateWay Router and USB Antennae?

mikmik91

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Mar 8, 2014
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I am trying to boost my routers network range, as my room is on the furthest end of the house and I have trouble sending/receiving anything on my phone or chromecast while connected to it.

I noticed the Gateway has USB connections, is it possible to connect USB Gain Antennae to these ports and have it boost the signal?

My computer connects fine, as I splurged while building it to get a high-quality MIMO dual band card. So I worry that if I get an extender/repeater, it will interfere with my already great connection.

Googling yields no results as to if the USB ports are functional besides charging devices.
 

mikmik91

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Mar 8, 2014
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Any knowledge on a decent Extender/Repeater for under 50$ that won't interfere with my already stable PC connection? Don't need anything fancy. This is JUST for my phone/chromecast to stream 1080p.

Furthermore, what's the difference between extenders and repeaters?

 

USAFRet

Titan
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A 'repeater' would go in the middle of the WiFi source (the Quantum), and the target (your PC).
However....this is ONLY to grant WiFi connection where it does not really exist. Performance will suck, but it will be there.

An 'extender' is generally a wired device (wire from the router to elsewhere) to grant WiFi access to other devices at the far end.
You need an ethernet cable for this.

So...let's explore other options that might actually work.

1 - Best solution - A Cat5e cable to your room

2 - Second best solution - If your house is also wired for TV (coax throughout), especially through Verizon....MoCA devices will almost certainly work.
http://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Ethernet-Adapter-Service-ECB2500C/dp/B008C1JC4O

Assuming:
1. You have coax everywhere
and
2. Your FiOS install is the typical coax cable from the ONT to the Quantum Gateway...

A splitter in the mix somewhere (if you have TV you already have this), and plug that above device into the coax in your room. Cat5e out of that MOCA device to your PC.
Poof...fast internet upstairs. I have this, and it works.

3 - Third Best solution - Powerline. Similar to MOCA, but it pumps the signal through your house wiring instead of the coax.

4 - And waaaaay down the list - Some WiFi repeater or Extender. Neither will work well.
 

ekeenan81

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I was thinking of getting a coaxial splitter and then using an actiontec ethernet over coaxial adapter vs trying to consistently use powerline or some other means.

It sounds like you can just split the input going into the tv into the splitter.. as long as its 1 ghz I heard you should be fine?

From there you could have a wifi AP or something to that effect, or feed it into a switch and then hard-wire route from there?