Wi-Fi range extender?

Nod

Nod

Tootles
Suspended / Banned
Messages
49,339
Name
Nod (UK)
Edit My Images
Yes
Due to the (apparent) necessity of having the router/modem close to the master 'phone socket, our wi-fi drops out at the far end of the back garden - not a million miles away from the house but too far for the signal to reach it. The installer did make us an extra long lead to connect the gubbins to the socket but the cat enjoys pulling wires out of their place (wedged down beside the stairs carpet) so this solution wouldn't be ideal.

Would something like THIS work if it was plugged in at the back of upstairs (within wi-fi range of the router/modem as well as being closer to the garden and higher)? Speed isn't that important since it'll only be for basic browsing, e-mails etc. rather than streaming. Ease of set up is important though - I don't have the patience to spend much time faffing!

Any suggestions as to good makes/models more than welcome.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
link isn't working for me so i am guessing its a link to a powerline adaptor? If so then my understanding is that you normally need at least two devices for poe setups to work, one is plugged into the mains by the router and plugged into the router too, the other(s) are placed in the deadspots around the property in order to boost the wifi but they need to be on the same ring main in the house (so if you have an extension you may need to plug it into a socket inside the original part of the house if the extension is on its own main).
Brand wise devolo seem to be the go to, good quality, good range of products and easy to setup. Just be aware that some brands don't get on with some routers but you would need to check the specifics of that before you buy
 
It's worth twiddling the angle of the router a bit as sometimes that can improve the signal. Is it in line of site to where you usually sit in the garden? I have mine blu-tacked to the window sill so that the cat can't adjust it...
 
From looking at this sort of problem a while back, there appear to be 2 basic options to extend Wi-Fi / Ethernet.
1) Powerline based
You have a pair of adaptors, both of which plug directly into a standard 13A socket. One sits by the router, and connects to it via a short Ethernet cable, the other you put where you need to have a signal. The two powerline adaptors then link via an Ethernet signal sent over your houeshold ring main - so ideally should be on the same ring (IE both sockets connected to the same fuse in your fusebox). It will work even if they are not on the same ring (assuming both got to a common fuse box), but will be less reliable (and slower).
There are various models, with some, the second unit just provides an Ethernet port so you can plug in your own access point, others the second unit is also a wifi access point.
I've only tried the simple ethernet based powerline (several years back, and eventually abandoned it in favour of running a long fixed cable, as the destination was an office in the double garage, so the powerline signal had to get from the house ring, to the garage fusebox, then to the office ring, and didn't work too well!).

2) WifFi Based.
These are simple devices that you place where they CAN receive a wi-fi signal from the main router. They then boost the signal and retransmit, acting as a relay to extend the range. We have recently had one of these fitted as part of out Sky Q system (which uses it's own 5Ghz WiFi network to communicate between the master Q box and any additional Q Mini boxes), to boost the signal from the Main box (ground floor) to the Q Mini in the bedroom in the loft conversion. It certainly does appear to work, but obviously unable to comment on how well the equivalent generic unit woudl work for general wifi use.
 
keeweeman said:
link isn't working for me so i am guessing its a link to a powerline adaptor? If so then my understanding is that you normally need at least two devices for poe setups to work, one is plugged into the mains by the router and plugged into the router too, the other(s) are placed in the deadspots around the property in order to boost the wifi but they need to be on the same ring main in the house (so if you have an extension you may need to plug it into a socket inside the original part of the house if the extension is on its own main).
Brand wise devolo seem to be the go to, good quality, good range of products and easy to setup. Just be aware that some brands don't get on with some routers but you would need to check the specifics of that before you buy
Click to expand...

Sorry, C&Ped the link from the addy bar but it was an addy that came from an e-mail (and it didn't work for me when I clicked it just now to check!). Hopefully this link WILL work! https://www.7dayshop.com/products/e...ender-repeater-and-extender-wh2-ew-7438rpnair

srichards said:
It's worth twiddling the angle of the router a bit as sometimes that can improve the signal. Is it in line of site to where you usually sit in the garden? I have mine blu-tacked to the window sill so that the cat can't adjust it...
Click to expand...

Unfortunately not line of sight. Only stud walls and one brick wall between them but that seems to be enough to stop it - or at least attenuate the signal enough for it not to work!

Faldrax said:
From looking at this sort of problem a while back, there appear to be 2 basic options to extend Wi-Fi / Ethernet.
1) Powerline based
You have a pair of adaptors, both of which plug directly into a standard 13A socket. One sits by the router, and connects to it via a short Ethernet cable, the other you put where you need to have a signal. The two powerline adaptors then link via an Ethernet signal sent over your houeshold ring main - so ideally should be on the same ring (IE both sockets connected to the same fuse in your fusebox). It will work even if they are not on the same ring (assuming both got to a common fuse box), but will be less reliable (and slower).
There are various models, with some, the second unit just provides an Ethernet port so you can plug in your own access point, others the second unit is also a wifi access point.
I've only tried the simple ethernet based powerline (several years back, and eventually abandoned it in favour of running a long fixed cable, as the destination was an office in the double garage, so the powerline signal had to get from the house ring, to the garage fusebox, then to the office ring, and didn't work too well!).

2) WifFi Based.
These are simple devices that you place where they CAN receive a wi-fi signal from the main router. They then boost the signal and retransmit, acting as a relay to extend the range. We have recently had one of these fitted as part of out Sky Q system (which uses it's own 5Ghz WiFi network to communicate between the master Q box and any additional Q Mini boxes), to boost the signal from the Main box (ground floor) to the Q Mini in the bedroom in the loft conversion. It certainly does appear to work, but obviously unable to comment on how well the equivalent generic unit woudl work for general wifi use.
Click to expand...

I THINK the thing I've linked to is the second type - it seems to be a stand alone single box.

Not fixed on either type - the router's right next to a socket downstairs and there's a spare socket on the back, upstairs wall of the house which would (hopefully!) be an ideal spot for it to cover the whole garden.

Wants list is SIMPLE, discrete, cheap but will settle for SIMPLE!
 
Following this with interest. We have brick internal walls and WiFi only works in room with router (aka spare bedroom) and in the room directly underneath (aka lounge)

I bought a couple of the plug in type thingies - highly recommended on here - but it caused all sorts of interference to my phone settings.

Could do with a reliable solution.
 
There's no guaranteed silver bullet with Powerline and WIFI extenders. There's simply too many variables to tell how well such solutions will work in your specific environment.

If you want to try that route, I'd suggest the best bet is something along the lines of these Powerline based solutions:

https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/products/14781-devolo-1833/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/WiFi-Boo...ender-Configuration-Smartphone-UK/B01LXOZ4EN/

Personally I wouldn't bother with the "relay" WIFI extenders.

If you want something that is truly going to be reliable then you'd have to run Ethernet to a good wireless access point (Ubiquiti for example).
 
Last edited:
Seems to be a lot of confusing info being banded about.

Powerline and poe are not the same thing for starters. Whoever said that.

These linked devices appear to be the type that have to sit in an area of good WiFi signal and it then replicates the network onwards. Fine if you have enough signal to boost. Plus something that size and quality will have an equally bad or worse time penetrating walls. Most wireless transmitters will have a hard time getting through 2-3 plasterboard walls. Pretty much half that for solid brick.

Personally I've always had good experience of powerline in several properties, you do get what you pay for and this will depend on your electrical wiring.
 
On this forum I was recommended to try these http://www.open-mesh.com/products/access-points.html as we wanted to put wireless through into our granny flat extension which we let out as holiday accommodation. Previously we had used a little plug in wifi repeater their side of the wall but for some reason they just stopped working. The Open Mesh setup has been working bell for a good few years now, I now live in there and I'm sending this through the system! We went for an OM2P connected to the router by cable and an OM2 LC in the annex which has proved to offer excellent coverage. The OM2LC broadcasts a separate SSID to the 2P and fully covers both the main house and the annex on its own - The BT homehub which is the gateway router can't do that!
 
@mickledore i tried wifi extender things several times but ended up disappointed. We have the devolo d-lan 1200+ in our gaming room. It's basically a power line jobbie but works perfectly, giving the kids the same download speeds as our VM which is 2 brick walls aŵay

It's not cheap at £160 ish but is the best we have used. Am sure my boys would be on my case if the PS4 isnt working properly
 
Thanks for that. Lots to think of in here. Hope Nods thread has not been hijacked. The only problem is running cables from router because the stairwell is in the way. I'm half way through a nice bottle of red so tomorrow will be decision day.
 
Missed the bit about phone interference. Cordless phones and wifi will give each other issues and should not be located near each other. Same for microwaves, fridges, any sort of transformer. Etc.
 
neil_g said:
Missed the bit about phone interference. Cordless phones and wifi will give each other issues and should not be located near each other. Same for microwaves, fridges, any sort of transformer. Etc.
Click to expand...
That's a bit of a bummer. We gave 4 cordless phones, microwaves and fridges. No wonder we struggled!
 
mickledore said:
Thanks for that. Lots to think of in here. Hope Nods thread has not been hijacked. The only problem is running cables from router because the stairwell is in the way. I'm half way through a nice bottle of red so tomorrow will be decision day.
Click to expand...

I'm waaaay ahead of you ( hic )

To give you an idea of my set up, looking at the house front on the router is far right. Connect the develo with an Ethernet cable to the router and pair it, then unplug it and go to what ever room you want, plug in the other bit to a normal socket and pair it again ( its easy but the instructions are poop ). My gaming room is far left of the house, so out of the living room where the router is through the hall, into the kitchen, into the dining room then the gaming room.

We also have 3 cordless phones but no issues. We have 4 iPhones, 4 iPads and a PS4 all working perfectly on wifi

It doesn't work for everyone but does for us - the distance isn't massive ( 10-15m ). No issues upstairs either
 
I've got a bunch of power line extenders which are ok but can be a minor pain if they drop. I've been looking at replacing them either with a mesh wifi system or a Ubiquiti WAP.

I'd prefer to use 1 Ubiquiti unit but It's not totally easy to get cable to where I want it from my router.
Mesh is simpler and if it works should be simpler to set up and run than my existing bunch to power lines. Down side is cost but I think the Netgear Orbi is my favourite at the moment.
 
Wayne Els said:
I've got a bunch of power line extenders which are ok but can be a minor pain if they drop. I've been looking at replacing them either with a mesh wifi system or a Ubiquiti WAP.

I'd prefer to use 1 Ubiquiti unit but It's not totally easy to get cable to where I want it from my router.
Mesh is simpler and if it works should be simpler to set up and run than my existing bunch to power lines. Down side is cost but I think the Netgear Orbi is my favourite at the moment.
Click to expand...
From what I've seen of Ubi kit it's nice looking. But in real world it doesn't really perform any better than most other vendors. It's certainly overkill for most home users.

Plus to do it properly it gets pretty damn expensive. With poe switch and cabling (I know they come with injectors but they're pretty chunky and will require hiding).

Ultimately you are right though, a multi ap system is king. Albeit expensive and harder to install.
 
mickledore said:
That's a bit of a bummer. We gave 4 cordless phones, microwaves and fridges. No wonder we struggled!
Click to expand...
As long as those devices are a reasonable distance to the WiFi points. Having your telephone base next to your router isn't a good idea for example. Smart meter displays also not good near to your WiFi point.
 
neil_g said:
One thing I'll add to my last, if your router is dual band try the 2.4 rather than 5ghz network, typically its a better penetrative signal.
Click to expand...
As Neil says 2.4 reaches further though is slower in performance
 
I've decided to go for one of THESE from Amazon - if it doesn't work, they can have it back and I'll try something else.

The current WiFi reaches where this will be plugged in and the old WiFi (which was sited in the same room) used to reach the far end of the garden.

Thanks for all the helpful answers.
 
Nod said:
I've decided to go for one of THESE from Amazon - if it doesn't work, they can have it back and I'll try something else.

The current WiFi reaches where this will be plugged in and the old WiFi (which was sited in the same room) used to reach the far end of the garden.

Thanks for all the helpful answers.
Click to expand...
I presume you plug it in, connect with an ethernet cable and off you go?
Let me know how you get on will you?
 
mickledore said:
I presume you plug it in, connect with an ethernet cable and off you go?
Let me know how you get on will you?
Click to expand...

I'll try to remember to post an update when I get around to it. Might be a while since I'll want to make sure it keeps a stable connection before recommending (or moaning about!) it.
 
If you have a Wireless Access Point with detatchable antennae you can change them for higher gain alternatives. This is potentially the cheapest/easiest solution.

You could use powerline adapters that incorporate a wireless access point - probably my preferred choice as you won't be using your own Wi-Fi bandwidth for backhaul.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/WiFi-Boo...&keywords=powerline+adapter+wireless+extender

Or you could get a second wireless access point and connect it to the first one via conventional powerline adapters.

Or better still, chase some cat 6 cable into the walls and put a network socket by your router and another by where you'd like to locate the second access point.
 
Well, the extender arrived this afternoon. Not as simple to set up as I hoped (not a matter of pressing the WPS buttons on the router and the extender) so I went through the longer winded setup procedure. All seemed fine and I could connect through it but not from the end of the garden.

Having dug out the extra long modem - socket lead the installing engineer left me when we upgraded to fibre-optic a couple of years ago, I've shifted the router/modem upstairs to a spot a little further away from the end of the garden but in the same line and we now have a signal here at the end of the garden.

Tomorrow, I will mostly be packing the extender up to go back to Amazon for a refund!
 
Intersting and informative thread, we loose a bit of signal towards back of house, I've moved the router which has helped some and was thinking of buying an extender - might try moving router more now... :)
 
neil_g said:
Shouldn't do. You'll still get theoretical max speeds well in excess needed for streaming, with a good signal of course.
Click to expand...

Thanks Neil, might give this a try to see if it helps :)
 
One good, well located router is the way to go.

Problem with most wifi extenders is that they use the same transceiver to talk to the router and your device, so you get half the speed advertised theoretically. If you do go down that route, you'll have to buy expensive extenders that have a dedicated 5GHz backhaul to the router and another two simultaneous radio for your devices at 2.4 and 5 GHz.

Conventional way to cover large area is to hard wire access points. Newer way is to use mesh wifi network. The latter is based on similar principle as above paragraph where there is a separate backhaul between the mesh points to handle the traffic. They are expensive because they have a lot of hardware packed inside.
 
In a similar vein I recently installed a Netgear Orbi system. It's replaced 4 extenders and so far has proven to be much more reliable. We now have virtually seamless wifi throughout the house and garden. The speeds are plenty good enough to stream at the back of the house. Not cheap but seems to do exactly what it promised.
 
We’ve had a mix of Powerline plugs for ages to get over poor wifi. Tried multiple hubs and routers at various times, dragged some cables through to some rooms where possible etc.

Recently bought the BT whole home mesh system and I have to say it’s a revelation. Wi-fi speed is much improved throughout, and devices swap seamlessly across the discs as you move around the house.
 
Mesh is just a fancy term (imo) for ap based roaming and handoff.

If you have ap and devices compatible with 802.11k and 802.11r you should be able to achieve the same thing. Just set your ap handoff db to about 50-60 and you should be rocking.
 
neil_g said:
Mesh is just a fancy term (imo) for ap based roaming and handoff.

If you have ap and devices compatible with 802.11k and 802.11r you should be able to achieve the same thing. Just set your ap handoff db to about 50-60 and you should be rocking.
Click to expand...

The main benefit for me is the ability to automatically chain discs to extend coverage, and the fact that the backhaul channel is separate to the wireless ones meaning no doubling up of data.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top