Network (computer) help required in Bristol

[brissleboy]

Having some major networking problems in the house that I am unable to resolve myself, does anyone know anybody that may be able to help me? I use Apple products with a Virgin Media Super Hub in modem mode only. I am really struggling to get good wifi coverage throughout my house and it is driving me nuts!

Cheers

[bulldog5046]

Where abouts in bristol?

And would you mind expanding on the issues you are having?

[brissleboy]

bulldog5046 said:

Where abouts in bristol?

And would you mind expanding on the issues you are having?

I'm in Totterdown.

Please see previous PH post from a little while back, still no luck!

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[bulldog5046]

2 thing's i couldnt see mentioned in the thread.

What speed is your internet connection from virgin? and, what device are you speed testing from?

[brissleboy]

30MB down/3MB up (that's the max I pay for and I can achieve this upstairs)

Speedtesting from my iPhone upstairs, Mac downstairs (5MB tops download/full 3MB upload)

[bulldog5046]

Just to make sure i'm clear on the setup, could you explain each point and connection's between starting with the superhub?

My understanding seems to be:

Superhub > cat5e > Airport express > wireless bridge > Airport express > wireless > mac ?

[anonymous-user]

I've been using a superhub (or s*ithub as the VM forum users call it) for a few months, the wifi is hopeless (even after the R36 firmware update). Good move on switching to a router instead and putting the superhub in modem mode. I'm not using any Apple kit in my home network, but I did once encounter an issue where my router (Netgear in this case), reset itself with a load of bogus settings that basically shut the whole network down. I've not had a chance to check the original thread sorry. Regarding wifi signal, speed etc, with all the problems the superhub is known to have (wifi being a tad better these days), I've always had dodgy wifi signal to my smartphone (all my other kit is on short lengths of CAT6 cable).

Sorry if that's of no use at all. The VM website might have info on known issues in your area if you can login - generally speaking though, there's always a problem somewhere...

...when Infinity's available, off I shall trot...

[brissleboy]

bulldog5046 said:

Just to make sure i'm clear on the setup, could you explain each point and connection's between starting with the superhub?

My understanding seems to be:

Superhub > cat5e > Airport express > wireless bridge > Airport express > wireless > mac ?

Superhub > Ethernet cable > Airport Extreme > wireless > Airport Express (to extend network) > Mac

Does that make sense? SH and Extreme in the loft, Express plugged in in the hallway downstairs.

[bulldog5046]

Sure.

Based on that and the other information you have given i would hazard a guess that a signal degredation between your loft and downstairs hallway are likely to be the cause.

Do you know what wireless settings you are using now? i have seen you changed a few things in the other thread?

Wireless channel
Frequency
speed or a/b/g/n?

You may be able to make some tweeks once i know what is running at the moment but for now the first thing i would try is moving the airport express closer to the loft while staying in range of the downstairs mac.

If possible, also move the airport extreme out of the loft or atleast closer to the hatch/stairwell/entrance.

[brissleboy]

bulldog5046 said:

Sure.

Based on that and the other information you have given i would hazard a guess that a signal degredation between your loft and downstairs hallway are likely to be the cause.

Do you know what wireless settings you are using now? i have seen you changed a few things in the other thread?

Wireless channel
Frequency
speed or a/b/g/n?

You may be able to make some tweeks once i know what is running at the moment but for now the first thing i would try is moving the airport express closer to the loft while staying in range of the downstairs mac.

If possible, also move the airport extreme out of the loft or atleast closer to the hatch/stairwell/entrance.

Wireless channel - Automatic (someone suggested switching to 8 which I did last night, no improvement though)
Frequency - Automatic
Speed n

Extreme and Express a few years old now, I believe the new ones are dual band?

I'll go get a large Ethernet cable so I can have a play; ideally not a long term solution as don't want cables trailing everywhere (10 month old) but I'll see what happens if I bring it down the loft stairs and onto the landing (a door separates the two).

Thanks for your help, really appreciate it! Where are you based?

[bulldog5046]

I live in Bradley Stoke.

I don't mind visiting to look at it for you but i don't think it's worth it at the moment and i'd have to charge some beer tokens

I would change your wireless settings from N to G (speed 54mbps or 144mbps) and frequency to 2.4ghz. While 'slower' it's still better than your internet connection and will improve your range. Unless you frequently move large files over the network or are trying to stream video you shouldnt have any issues.

[brissleboy]

Thank you, I shall have a play and come back to you with my findings - cheers

[Mr E]

brissleboy said:

Wireless channel - Automatic (someone suggested switching to 8 which I did last night, no improvement though)

Have you performed any form of scan to determine what other wireless networks are around you?

[brissleboy]

Mr E said:

Have you performed any form of scan to determine what other wireless networks are around you?

Yes I have, just one neighbour's network, that's all...

[mboon]

You can use a data to power adapter. Plugs into a power socket downstairs, that connects to wireless, then plug another adapter upstairs which then spits out the connection...