Modem and Router

[Badprop_za]

Good day to all,

I have a 1Mb ADSL line currently with the Telkom modem/router. Problem is that the range is not good enough to reach the master bedroom. So, I am looking for a modem / router with sufficient range. There is alot of products available, but my knowlegde is limited.

Any suggestions?

 

[PostmanPot]

Which Telkom router is it? Some of the Mega WR's are good. A router with Wireless N should be stronger, you can also try attaching a larger aerial to your Telkom router. Next step would be a wireless repeater/access point. Another ghetto trick is to make a tinfoil reflector to attach behind the aerial in the direction you want the signal focussed. Also remember that walls will always be a problem, how many between the router and master bedroom?

 

[FNfal]

I use the netgear 2200
http://www.netgear.com/home/products/mobile-broadband/dsl-3g-mobile-broadband/DGN2200M.aspx
The wireless is excellent but it is pricey, there are plenty good modems around you will have to search the forum .

 

[Pada]

I'd recommend either a D-Link DSL-2750U or TP-Link W8960N / W8961N. Those 3 ADSL modems + router units are about R600 or less.
All of them have 802.11n (300Mbps Wireless N) support with detachable antennas, at least 4x 100Mbps LAN (RJ45) ports and 1x ADSL modem (RJ11) port.

What PostmanPot said is more important that just going out and buying another WiFi AP/modem/router. If your bedroom is on another floor or behind too many walls, then another WiFi AP (in the same spot) won't necessarily make a difference.

Also remember that the 802.11n technology offers greater distance, but both the AP and its client (eg. PC/iPad/phone) has to support and use 802.11n for you to take advantage of that.

 

[Willy Strong]

Just get homeplugs if money not an issue and all your wall plugs are on the same circuit.

Get the Starter Pack(Bipac P106N) then just get single wifi adapters(Bipac 2073N) if you need to cover more rooms.

http://www.billion.com/product/home-networking/BiPAC2073R2-HomePlug-AV-200-Adapter.html

 

[Badprop_za]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

@PostmanPat - There is about 3 walls between the router and the bedroom. My house is build against a slope, so technically you can say it is half a level lower than the study where the router is situated.
I can't remember which Telkom modem / router it is. I got it about 2/3 years ago. Will have to check tonight.

 

[semaj]

I've tried the TP-link 1043ND + modem combo and range was decent but by far the best wireless setup I have ever experienced is the Asus N56U and Billion ADSL modem. This setup gives me rock solid internet connection with fantastic wireless range and throughput the only downside is that it's about double the cost of the TP-link setup.

 

[PostmanPot]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

@PostmanPat - There is about 3 walls between the router and the bedroom. My house is build against a slope, so technically you can say it is half a level lower than the study where the router is situated.
I can't remember which Telkom modem / router it is. I got it about 2/3 years ago. Will have to check tonight.

Sounds like a wireless access point in repeat mode should do the trick. If you have the cash I would start with a Wireless N modem, because you MIGHT have compatibility problems with newer AP's and older modems, and the Wireless N might be strong enough. In fact I'm selling one mentioned by Pada (D-Link DSL-2750U), brand new. Just FYI. It would be a good starting point, thereafter you can look at a +-R300 D-Link access point. D-Link is excellent because they have local telephone support weekdays 08h00 - 22h00. This could save you a lot of money by preventing the need for techies to come and sort you out, if you're not too clued up on networking.

http://mybroadband.co.za/classified...w-d-link-dsl-2750u-wireless-n-usb-modem&cat=3

 

[Badprop_za]

Hi,

for your update, I have the DuoPlus 300WR modem / router.

 

[Pada]

That modem/router is terrible to say the least.

My aunt has one and she had endless issues with its wireless connection, until the day when I used my Android phone (Samsung Nexus S) with WiFi Analyzer app to determine the open WiFi channels.
I then changed her WiFi channel to an open one and then all was fine!

 

[Badprop_za]

Thank you for all the advice.

What is your opinion on the Belkin Surf Wireless Modem Router (R699 - web special at Incredibles) or the Belkin Playmax N+N Wmr (R1 699 - Is the functions worthwhile or just gimmicks)? The one thing about the Belkin Playmax that caught my eye was the feature of downloading while your PC is off. As mentioned worthwhile or just a gimmick?

To be honest, I have not thought about a budget for my exercise. At this point I am considering my options of what will work best!