WiFi booster / extender / mesh?
Discussion
The WiFi signal in my home is great in the same room as the router. However, when I move about 5 metres to another room the signal is much more inconsistent and the speed declines.
I have a Virgin router wired into the Virgin cable which is fed from the street - so i'm not sure how easy it is to find a better replacement and whether it's actually worth it.
The room in which I work is about ~8 metres from the router and on the same floor. What would be the optimal method to improve signal in this room?
Previously I have used a Powerline adapter connected to the Virgin router which wasn't perfect. Unfortunately, my new laptop has no ethernet port although I have now considered the option of a USB to ethernet adapter which seems that it could be a very cheap potential solution albeit limited to a single device.
Boosters / extenders seem to have mixed reviews and seem pretty affordable (<£50) - something along the lines of TP-Link RE650. It would also appear that mesh is a potential route and a more intelligent way of doing things.
I'm honestly a little surprised at the prospect of paying close to £200 to improve signal when i'm not that far away from the router. It seems a tad overkill. There's Google WiFi which could potentially be an option (I don't want the smart speaker though). Or TP-Link Deco X55 (probably beyond my requirements).
I would appreciate any views on the most cost-effective way to carry the signal without breaking the bank!
I have a Virgin router wired into the Virgin cable which is fed from the street - so i'm not sure how easy it is to find a better replacement and whether it's actually worth it.
The room in which I work is about ~8 metres from the router and on the same floor. What would be the optimal method to improve signal in this room?
Previously I have used a Powerline adapter connected to the Virgin router which wasn't perfect. Unfortunately, my new laptop has no ethernet port although I have now considered the option of a USB to ethernet adapter which seems that it could be a very cheap potential solution albeit limited to a single device.
Boosters / extenders seem to have mixed reviews and seem pretty affordable (<£50) - something along the lines of TP-Link RE650. It would also appear that mesh is a potential route and a more intelligent way of doing things.
I'm honestly a little surprised at the prospect of paying close to £200 to improve signal when i'm not that far away from the router. It seems a tad overkill. There's Google WiFi which could potentially be an option (I don't want the smart speaker though). Or TP-Link Deco X55 (probably beyond my requirements).
I would appreciate any views on the most cost-effective way to carry the signal without breaking the bank!
Edited by g4ry13 on Tuesday 27th June 19:50
First of all see if you can maximise what you already have.
1) I guess you've already installed a WiFi Analyzer App on your phone and double checked the signal strength at source / in the room and then outside the room, building up a 'map' of the signal strength and drop off. Check other WiFi signals - could it be nearby signals are sitting on the same channel for instance? Check the band as well, 5GHz vs 2.4Ghz that can have an impact on the signal strength.
2) Location - is the router directional? Consider positioning it in a way to try and maximise the signal as it currently stands. Maybe direct the aerials if there are any.
3) Height - is the router high up or at least as close to the inside of the house as possible or is it near the external wall? Consider moving it as nearby to an internal wall as possible.
4a) Powerline - you should be able to pick up ones with wireless options as well as wired. This may be the most cost effective resolution.
4b) Mesh - these work really well, but can be a little fussy at times.
I've had both Powerline and Mesh and currently have Mesh, one of them is plugged in to the router and the others create a mesh. We've got 3 devices, although I managed to connect one of them in an upstairs bedroom (2nd floor) and then allow the mesh to cover from there, downwards as it were. We get good signal in the whole of the house, as they are quite central.
Ours are Velop ones from Linksys but some don't get on with them. Maybe look at Dual band mesh devices, tri-band might be a bit overkill right now.
But basically you will need 'something' to improve the signal strength, but check a few things first, as the signal can be degraded easily as well by household equipment such as microwaves and some lighting for instance.
1) I guess you've already installed a WiFi Analyzer App on your phone and double checked the signal strength at source / in the room and then outside the room, building up a 'map' of the signal strength and drop off. Check other WiFi signals - could it be nearby signals are sitting on the same channel for instance? Check the band as well, 5GHz vs 2.4Ghz that can have an impact on the signal strength.
2) Location - is the router directional? Consider positioning it in a way to try and maximise the signal as it currently stands. Maybe direct the aerials if there are any.
3) Height - is the router high up or at least as close to the inside of the house as possible or is it near the external wall? Consider moving it as nearby to an internal wall as possible.
4a) Powerline - you should be able to pick up ones with wireless options as well as wired. This may be the most cost effective resolution.
4b) Mesh - these work really well, but can be a little fussy at times.
I've had both Powerline and Mesh and currently have Mesh, one of them is plugged in to the router and the others create a mesh. We've got 3 devices, although I managed to connect one of them in an upstairs bedroom (2nd floor) and then allow the mesh to cover from there, downwards as it were. We get good signal in the whole of the house, as they are quite central.
Ours are Velop ones from Linksys but some don't get on with them. Maybe look at Dual band mesh devices, tri-band might be a bit overkill right now.
But basically you will need 'something' to improve the signal strength, but check a few things first, as the signal can be degraded easily as well by household equipment such as microwaves and some lighting for instance.
eps said:
First of all see if you can maximise what you already have.
1) I guess you've already installed a WiFi Analyzer App on your phone and double checked the signal strength at source / in the room and then outside the room, building up a 'map' of the signal strength and drop off. Check other WiFi signals - could it be nearby signals are sitting on the same channel for instance? Check the band as well, 5GHz vs 2.4Ghz that can have an impact on the signal strength.
2) Location - is the router directional? Consider positioning it in a way to try and maximise the signal as it currently stands. Maybe direct the aerials if there are any.
3) Height - is the router high up or at least as close to the inside of the house as possible or is it near the external wall? Consider moving it as nearby to an internal wall as possible.
4a) Powerline - you should be able to pick up ones with wireless options as well as wired. This may be the most cost effective resolution.
4b) Mesh - these work really well, but can be a little fussy at times.
I've had both Powerline and Mesh and currently have Mesh, one of them is plugged in to the router and the others create a mesh. We've got 3 devices, although I managed to connect one of them in an upstairs bedroom (2nd floor) and then allow the mesh to cover from there, downwards as it were. We get good signal in the whole of the house, as they are quite central.
Ours are Velop ones from Linksys but some don't get on with them. Maybe look at Dual band mesh devices, tri-band might be a bit overkill right now.
But basically you will need 'something' to improve the signal strength, but check a few things first, as the signal can be degraded easily as well by household equipment such as microwaves and some lighting for instance.
1. I used an Analyzer app on my tablet and signal strength is 95% where I sit which sounds very good to me. I performed Ookla speed test on computer and tablet. The tablet has a download speed of about 35mbps in both rooms - no real difference between the readings. My phone has 60mbps in room and 260 by the router. I also checked on my laptop and I have 110mbps in the room and 250mbps standing next to the router. I'm really not sure why the Tablet has such an atrocious reading. The 250mbps also surprised me as I don't recall seeing it much above 100 in the past. 1) I guess you've already installed a WiFi Analyzer App on your phone and double checked the signal strength at source / in the room and then outside the room, building up a 'map' of the signal strength and drop off. Check other WiFi signals - could it be nearby signals are sitting on the same channel for instance? Check the band as well, 5GHz vs 2.4Ghz that can have an impact on the signal strength.
2) Location - is the router directional? Consider positioning it in a way to try and maximise the signal as it currently stands. Maybe direct the aerials if there are any.
3) Height - is the router high up or at least as close to the inside of the house as possible or is it near the external wall? Consider moving it as nearby to an internal wall as possible.
4a) Powerline - you should be able to pick up ones with wireless options as well as wired. This may be the most cost effective resolution.
4b) Mesh - these work really well, but can be a little fussy at times.
I've had both Powerline and Mesh and currently have Mesh, one of them is plugged in to the router and the others create a mesh. We've got 3 devices, although I managed to connect one of them in an upstairs bedroom (2nd floor) and then allow the mesh to cover from there, downwards as it were. We get good signal in the whole of the house, as they are quite central.
Ours are Velop ones from Linksys but some don't get on with them. Maybe look at Dual band mesh devices, tri-band might be a bit overkill right now.
But basically you will need 'something' to improve the signal strength, but check a few things first, as the signal can be degraded easily as well by household equipment such as microwaves and some lighting for instance.
2. It's a Virgin router and unfortunately has no aerials on it. A solid lump of black plastic.
3. The router is on a TV stand (next to the TV) a few feet above ground level. I don't think there is much cable to play with to reposition it elsewhere.
4. One problem with Powerline is that they should go directly into the wall socket and they are usually monstrously large and take up a plug socket. I do have some BT ones which have a plug socket so that you don't lose a power point in the process.
I'm not sure whether this is a signal issue. Would a 95% signal result in over a 50% decline in download speed performance?
From my research, my new laptop doesn't have the best WiFi card installed and upgrading could be an option.
Any recommendations for Powerline adapters which still allow use of the plug? It seems that TP-Link and Devolo largely dominate the market.
The optimal method to improve signal would be to run a cable through and plug devices in that can be, if you can't plug it in then having an AP in the same room will help. For 8m i wouldn't bother with powerline unless it is impossible to get the cable from one room to the other.
The Virgin router has shocking wifi capabilities, if it's possible on that router then I would consider splitting out the 2.4 and 5 Ghz networks and making sure 5 Ghz devices that are capable are connected to that.
The Virgin router has shocking wifi capabilities, if it's possible on that router then I would consider splitting out the 2.4 and 5 Ghz networks and making sure 5 Ghz devices that are capable are connected to that.
You might want to have a browse back through the forum as there are LOADS of threads on this.
FWIW - I have found plaster, brick & plasterboard to be brilliant at killing off a Wifi signal. You will also spend forever, trying different 'cheap' solutions, which then fail, when a sparrow farts in your back garden.
Cut to the chase, save yourself the time, money & agro and just fit a mesh. My 'go-to' mesh, is the Netgear Orbi, I've fitted a few of these, they're pretty much 'plug & play', reliable and the performance is great.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Ultimate-System-S...
Depending on the layout of your property, a 2x node system (router & satellite) might do but the most I've had to fit is a 3x node system (router & 2x satellites).
HTH
M
FWIW - I have found plaster, brick & plasterboard to be brilliant at killing off a Wifi signal. You will also spend forever, trying different 'cheap' solutions, which then fail, when a sparrow farts in your back garden.
Cut to the chase, save yourself the time, money & agro and just fit a mesh. My 'go-to' mesh, is the Netgear Orbi, I've fitted a few of these, they're pretty much 'plug & play', reliable and the performance is great.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Ultimate-System-S...
Depending on the layout of your property, a 2x node system (router & satellite) might do but the most I've had to fit is a 3x node system (router & 2x satellites).
HTH
M
somouk said:
The optimal method to improve signal would be to run a cable through and plug devices in that can be, if you can't plug it in then having an AP in the same room will help. For 8m i wouldn't bother with powerline unless it is impossible to get the cable from one room to the other.
It would be hard to get the cable from one room to the other as it would run across the main corridor of the ground floor. Due to living in rented accommodation i'm not really able to apply cable management solutions and tack it neatly around doorframes etc. camel_landy said:
You might want to have a browse back through the forum as there are LOADS of threads on this.
FWIW - I have found plaster, brick & plasterboard to be brilliant at killing off a Wifi signal. You will also spend forever, trying different 'cheap' solutions, which then fail, when a sparrow farts in your back garden.
Cut to the chase, save yourself the time, money & agro and just fit a mesh. My 'go-to' mesh, is the Netgear Orbi, I've fitted a few of these, they're pretty much 'plug & play', reliable and the performance is great.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Ultimate-System-S...
Depending on the layout of your property, a 2x node system (router & satellite) might do but the most I've had to fit is a 3x node system (router & 2x satellites).
HTH
M
Am I understanding correctly that this Netgear Orbi would connect directly to my Virgin router. Then it's a case of setting up the satellites elsewhere in the property? In addition, it would be advisable to disable the Virgin router's WiFi so that it does not conflict with the Orbi? FWIW - I have found plaster, brick & plasterboard to be brilliant at killing off a Wifi signal. You will also spend forever, trying different 'cheap' solutions, which then fail, when a sparrow farts in your back garden.
Cut to the chase, save yourself the time, money & agro and just fit a mesh. My 'go-to' mesh, is the Netgear Orbi, I've fitted a few of these, they're pretty much 'plug & play', reliable and the performance is great.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Ultimate-System-S...
Depending on the layout of your property, a 2x node system (router & satellite) might do but the most I've had to fit is a 3x node system (router & 2x satellites).
HTH
M
g4ry13 said:
Am I understanding correctly that this Netgear Orbi would connect directly to my Virgin router. Then it's a case of setting up the satellites elsewhere in the property? In addition, it would be advisable to disable the Virgin router's WiFi so that it does not conflict with the Orbi?
For the setup, fire up the Orbi router & satellite(s) next to each other, connect the WAN port of the router to the Virgin router. Connect to the Orbi and follow the setup procedure. Once done, position the satellite(s) around the house.Getting a good position for the router & satellites will depend on the layout of your property but where possible, I usually try to get as close to a clear line-of-sight between the Orbi units, with the fewest number of walls.
FWIW - I often just leave the ISP router Wifi on.
HTH
M
camel_landy said:
g4ry13 said:
Am I understanding correctly that this Netgear Orbi would connect directly to my Virgin router. Then it's a case of setting up the satellites elsewhere in the property? In addition, it would be advisable to disable the Virgin router's WiFi so that it does not conflict with the Orbi?
For the setup, fire up the Orbi router & satellite(s) next to each other, connect the WAN port of the router to the Virgin router. Connect to the Orbi and follow the setup procedure. Once done, position the satellite(s) around the house.Getting a good position for the router & satellites will depend on the layout of your property but where possible, I usually try to get as close to a clear line-of-sight between the Orbi units, with the fewest number of walls.
FWIW - I often just leave the ISP router Wifi on.
HTH
M
g4ry13 said:
Let's say I go for the Orbi router + satellite. If down the line I decide I want another satellite, can I buy another?
Or would it be best to buy a bundle with the router now just in case?
Either.Or would it be best to buy a bundle with the router now just in case?
Getting the router & 2x satellite bundle gives you more options for your current deployment and the future. Alternatively, you can buy extra satellites, add them to your system but then it would come down to a question of availability & compatibility.
M
It would depend on how they interconnect with each other.
Some systems operate on 3x frequencies (2x client access & 1x backhaul), so the communications between the satellites & router don't interfere with the clients. However, other units run the backhaul traffic over the same network as the clients... Which can slow down throughput.
The Orbi units we were discussing previously have 3x radios but I can't quite tell what those ones use.
M
Some systems operate on 3x frequencies (2x client access & 1x backhaul), so the communications between the satellites & router don't interfere with the clients. However, other units run the backhaul traffic over the same network as the clients... Which can slow down throughput.
The Orbi units we were discussing previously have 3x radios but I can't quite tell what those ones use.
M
Of those two I'd go TP-link. Google Wifi is Wifi 5 and geared towards being easy to set up rather than powerful or configurable.
Both of them are dual band meaning the wireless connection between the nodes is the same one that devices will connect to (this is what the above poster is referring to).
Tri-band systems are more expensive (I think you're looking at least £300 for three nodes on a tri-band wifi 6 system) and if £160 is your budget then go for for the TP-link. If performance isn't good enough then just return it.
Both of them are dual band meaning the wireless connection between the nodes is the same one that devices will connect to (this is what the above poster is referring to).
Tri-band systems are more expensive (I think you're looking at least £300 for three nodes on a tri-band wifi 6 system) and if £160 is your budget then go for for the TP-link. If performance isn't good enough then just return it.
camel_landy said:
As long as it’s tri-band, either will do.
I personally would go Orbi, as that’s what I know but you pay your money and make your choice.
M
Thanks. You're making me second guess myself but I went for the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro and paid a bit more than I wanted. I personally would go Orbi, as that’s what I know but you pay your money and make your choice.
M
It looks like the product is a few years newer than the Netgear. Maybe (or maybe not!) it has some newer / better tech in it.
g4ry13 said:
Thanks. You're making me second guess myself but I went for the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro and paid a bit more than I wanted.
It looks like the product is a few years newer than the Netgear. Maybe (or maybe not!) it has some newer / better tech in it.
Nice one, I just didn't want to see you waste good money on powerline adapters & boosters. It looks like the product is a few years newer than the Netgear. Maybe (or maybe not!) it has some newer / better tech in it.
M
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