Increasing network coverage

[Danem]

Hello to all. Does anyone have any experience or views on high performance WiFi extender antennas ?
Cheers, Dan

 

[slipperybidness]

Hello to all. Does anyone have any experience or views on high performance WiFi extender antennas ?
Cheers, Dan

Before I did any of that......I would install the Tomato open source firmware on my router. Tomato opens up several settings and features that are typically locked out on commercial router firmware.

 

[Danem]

Thanks. The router was supplied by BT, my ISP, so will check with them to see if it is possible/permitted.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Before I did any of that......I would install the Tomato open source firmware on my router. Tomato opens up several settings and features that are typically locked out on commercial router firmware.

I used WRT firmware, loved it, but it's certainly not for average joe. I am willing to bet what BT aka British Telecom will have to roll in their grave before allowing such tinkering with their equipment.

My best bet for OP is - get https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer or similar app to scan for your Wifi networks space. Do notice if certain channels are less powerful than others. Also despite this will lower your max speeds, you might have MUCH more stable connection with narrow - 20Mhz channel in smack in the middle of very busy 1,6 and 11 channels. Lets say channel 3 at 20mhz narrow bandwidth and you'll have nice steady signal.

Also read this article:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/review-ubiquiti-unifi-made-me-realize-how-terrible-consumer-wi-fi-gear-is/

My solution is to use pair of Asus RT-AC66 routers. One in basement as a router and second on 2nd floor as wifi repeater - it works pretty decent. I get about 30mbs down upstairs (i got 100mbs down with kable isp). I could probably tweak it further, but even 30mbps is more than enough even for HD (720p) streaming.
I had also great success with Apple Airport equipment for extending wifi networks.

 

[slipperybidness]

I used WRT firmware, loved it, but it's certainly not for average joe. I am willing to bet what BT aka British Telecom will have to roll in their grave before allowing such tinkering with their equipment.

My best bet for OP is - get https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer or similar app to scan for your Wifi networks space. Do notice if certain channels are less powerful than others. Also despite this will lower your max speeds, you might have MUCH more stable connection with narrow - 20Mhz channel in smack in the middle of very busy 1,6 and 11 channels. Lets say channel 3 at 20mhz narrow bandwidth and you'll have nice steady signal.

Also read this article:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/review-ubiquiti-unifi-made-me-realize-how-terrible-consumer-wi-fi-gear-is/

My solution is to use pair of Asus RT66 routers. One in basement as a router and second on 2nd floor as wifi repeater - it would not bad. I had also great success with Apple Airport equipment for extending wifi networks.

Agreed, the Wi-Fi apps are very useful! I did the exact same thing too......used the Wi-Fi app to identify what channel is least crowded in my area, then swapped to that channel.

I also love the Asus routers, I think mine is the RT16 (IIRC).

Yeah, if the router is owned by the cablecom......good luck on editing any FW etc.

 

[Danem]

I used WRT firmware, loved it, but it's certainly not for average joe. I am willing to bet what BT aka British Telecom will have to roll in their grave before allowing such tinkering with their equipment.

My best bet for OP is - get https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer or similar app to scan for your Wifi networks space. Do notice if certain channels are less powerful than others. Also despite this will lower your max speeds, you might have MUCH more stable connection with narrow - 20Mhz channel in smack in the middle of very busy 1,6 and 11 channels. Lets say channel 3 at 20mhz narrow bandwidth and you'll have nice steady signal.

Also read this article:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/review-ubiquiti-unifi-made-me-realize-how-terrible-consumer-wi-fi-gear-is/

My solution is to use pair of Asus RT-AC66 routers.

No suprise then that the BT router is a sealed unit. I called the IPS's Support Team to ask if they objected to me popping the cover, but had to hang up when he became hysterical. I do not like to hear a man screaming and banging his head against a desk. (not really).

I checked on the Asus RT-AC66 routers, but £180.00 a pair is too much for me. Back to the bean cans and string.

Best regards, Danem

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Speaking of beer cans. Do Google "canteena"

 

[Danem]

“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” - Buddha

My old Zen master was apt to say, "Crap happens, one does not need to advertise for it"

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Speaking of beer cans. Do Google "canteena"

http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

 

[BMXTRIX]

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UniFi-Access-UAP-LR-US-Version/dp/B005H4CDF4/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1455637319&sr=1-3&keywords=ubiquiti

I used the Ubiquity long range unit at one of my client's homes and was blown away by the signal strength. It is the first product I've used which actually delivers on the promise of a stronger signal over a greater area.

Not sure what your home/living situation is, but this particular client had a outdoor unit in a pool house area about 100 feet behind his home. The old unit covered his pool area nicely, but was weak by the time you reached he porch.

The Ubiquiti unit was at nearly full strength on his porch, and almost covered his entire property. The front of his house had about a 75% signal.

They are a bit of a pain to setup, but once they are working, they seem to work well. I have a standard unit in my home I may need to reset once a year or so. Connected to Verizon FiOS.