Extending WIFI range

[Knightwisp]

Hello

I have a Linsys WAG120N router currently and wifi range doesn't cover all the rooms in my house. Moving it is a big headache I'd like to avoid. I also heard booster/extenders are a bad idea.

I'm willing to upgrade my modem (max willing to spend ~1500) to get better range. I'll also consider a booster extender if anyone has any good suggestions. Mostly, I want not to move my modem from it's current position.

Any suggestions?

 

[Mal1ce]

Get yourself a Ubiquti UniFi AP --> http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php/unifi-enterprise-p-1129

Mount it in the ceiling at the centre of your house, run Ethernet cable back to your Linksys, then either place the Linksys & UniFi on different wireless channels with the same SSID or disable the wireless on the Linksys.

 

[PostmanPot]

Get yourself a Ubiquti UniFi AP --> http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php/unifi-enterprise-p-1129

Mount it in the ceiling at the centre of your house, run Ethernet cable back to your Linksys, then either place the Linksys & UniFi on different wireless channels with the same SSID or disable the wireless on the Linksys.

+1, marvellous devices.

 

[Knightwisp]

Call me lazy, I'm ashamed of it but I noticed the range of the UniFi AP is 400ft (~120m). Instead of mounting on the wall and running cables, can't I just connect it to and leave it next to the current position of my router?

Also, another question, I read changing wireless channels could help increase range. Should I try that?

 

[Mal1ce]

You don't want to be sitting with your laptop right next to the UniFi, if you did so even on the lowest output power setting on the UniFi you'll find the signal too "hot", potentially overdriving the wireless card in your laptop/tablet/etc.

If you have a laptop/tablet/smartphone, download a program/app called inSSIDer, run it and walk around your house, it will show you the signal strength, ideally you want between -50dbm & -75dbm everywhere. If there are other wireless networks on conflicting channels (inSSIDer will show you this!) then yes by all means, change to a free/less congested channel and test.

EDIT: You might also find whatever wireless devices you're using simply don't have enough range/strength to send the signal back to your Linksys, necessitating either moving your AP or adding a 2nd device in a more central location.

 

[Knightwisp]

Thanks a million. I'll try InSSIDer when I get home. Sounds like a handy app. Hopefully I can get better range without spending money (or doing too much work).

Also, and I know I'm overdoing it now but how many devices can I realistically use? Currently I have a desktop, laptop, tablet, game console and 3 smartphones - too much?

 

[copacetic]

I just extended with an old router, worked a charm.

 

[Knightwisp]

I just extended with an old router, worked a charm.

How did you extend?

 

[copacetic]

How did you extend?

Cable from router A to Router B, same wireless settings on router B as router A. Disable DHCP on router B.

 

[Knightwisp]

This range extender doesn't look so bad. Also this one.

Is there anything wrong with range extenders that people avoid them? They sound like exactly what I'm looking for. And not so pricey.

 

[PsyWulf]

Extenders tend to:
*Have problems connecting
*Halve the available Wifi speed

Any routers can basically be used to extend range by using same SSID,Encryption and password and cabling it to the other units in the house. Your devices might drop connection to switch between points though - this is the dirty solution

 

[Knightwisp]

You don't want to be sitting with your laptop right next to the UniFi, if you did so even on the lowest output power setting on the UniFi you'll find the signal too "hot", potentially overdriving the wireless card in your laptop/tablet/etc.

If you have a laptop/tablet/smartphone, download a program/app called inSSIDer, run it and walk around your house, it will show you the signal strength, ideally you want between -50dbm & -75dbm everywhere. If there are other wireless networks on conflicting channels (inSSIDer will show you this!) then yes by all means, change to a free/less congested channel and test.

EDIT: You might also find whatever wireless devices you're using simply don't have enough range/strength to send the signal back to your Linksys, necessitating either moving your AP or adding a 2nd device in a more central location.

I used InSSIDer and at the area I want good signal I get -89dbm, which as you say is not good. It also says I'm sharing the channel with another network. That means only 2 networks on channel 11 including mine - is that reason enough to change the channel?

Also, what a great app InSSIDer is! I love it.

 

[Mal1ce]

-89dbm is pretty bad yes, you can try change the channel to 1 or 6 (if they're free of interference). Doubt it will improve your signal though, either you're just too far away from your AP or too many obstructions are in the way.

 

[Knightwisp]

I'm thinking maybe I should get upgrade my modem. Which is one with a good range for around 1500?