MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bird on July 10, 2013, 10:46:51 AM
-
Anyone got any experience with them for home?
Few models listed here (was a google search)
http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/networking-hardware/07-repeaters-range-extenders/f/3827.aspx (http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/networking-hardware/07-repeaters-range-extenders/f/3827.aspx)
I have the internets coming in at the back right corner with the modem/router/firewall, and need to get better signal upstairs at the front left of the house...
I've looked at running cable under the house, and the house has been extended over the years, and cant get up the wall where I need to :( I could get it thru the roof maybe, but in my peak physical condition I aint gettin up there.
Thoughts?
-
They are the go, makes life easier, the only downside is they have to be plugged in and turned on which is another way the power companies will win but they work well.
Trevor
-
They are the go, makes life easier, the only downside is they have to be plugged in and turned on which is another way the power companies will win but they work well.
Trevor
any recommendations on models etc? I do like Netgear stuff... never had issues with it.
-
This one reviews well in the forums.
http://www.netgear.com/home/products/wireless-adapters/high-performance/wnda3100.aspx#two (http://www.netgear.com/home/products/wireless-adapters/high-performance/wnda3100.aspx#two)
-
I do wireless networks for a living. Most domestic wireless problems are the cause of these 3 issues:
Domestic WLAN products have cheap wimpy antennas on both router and the client (laptop). Upgrade the antennas if they are replaceable or removable. It depends on the device. Jaycar or your local PC store is where to start. Even just upgrading the antennas one device will help.
Poor antenna position. Align as appropriate or relocate the router to a more central spot. A decent sparky can move for your ADSL line to a better spot in the house in about 20 minutes. If you can't relocate the router, then get the sparky to run a CAT5 cable from the router (most routers have 4 network ports in the back for this) to where you need connectivity (like in an office, bedroom or near a TV). Again this will take the sparky 30 minutes tops and probably be cheaper than a new device. Wired networks beat wireless a million times out of a million.
Channel crowding. Periodically change the wireless channel on your router to see if it improves.
Buying a repeater may seem an easy way out but it doesn't really address the underlying issues. Any of the above 3 fixes are also going to be cheaper than buying a new device. Plus you don't have the headache of managing that extra device.
-
Dlink or netgear is the go
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
-
Dlink or netgear is the go
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
X 2
-
As mentioned by GOOSE, rather than trying to run a cable yourself, get the sparkie to do it for you at time of initial installation.
Most probably cheaper than buying a pair of repeaters, and with a better result.
Improve it further with a better antenna once the router is repositioned.
-
I do wireless networks for a living. Most domestic wireless problems are the cause of these 3 issues:
Domestic WLAN products have cheap wimpy antennas on both router and the client (laptop). Upgrade the antennas if they are replaceable or removable. It depends on the device. Jaycar or your local PC store is where to start. Even just upgrading the antennas one device will help.
Poor antenna position. Align as appropriate or relocate the router to a more central spot. A decent sparky can move for your ADSL line to a better spot in the house in about 20 minutes. If you can't relocate the router, then get the sparky to run a CAT5 cable from the router (most routers have 4 network ports in the back for this) to where you need connectivity (like in an office, bedroom or near a TV). Again this will take the sparky 30 minutes tops and probably be cheaper than a new device. Wired networks beat wireless a million times out of a million.
Channel crowding. Periodically change the wireless channel on your router to see if it improves.
Buying a repeater may seem an easy way out but it doesn't really address the underlying issues. Any of the above 3 fixes are also going to be cheaper than buying a new device. Plus you don't have the headache of managing that extra device.
You are 100% correct, wired is better.. I have 2 and 3/4 boxes of Cat 6 at home sittin there.
Do you think I can get someone to come and run it for me? No electricians in my area are interested in small jobs. If it isn't a new housing estate basically you can GAGF, or the quote you a new house price, even if you agree, they never show.
Optus will come out and move their outlet for me for - $250
Thus looking at this option.
Leading at moment...
http://www.ht.com.au/part/Y4066-NETGEAR-WN2000RPT-Universal-WiFi-Range-Extender-wireless-network-extender/detail.hts (http://www.ht.com.au/part/Y4066-NETGEAR-WN2000RPT-Universal-WiFi-Range-Extender-wireless-network-extender/detail.hts)
-
Are there any apprentice's in your area that could run the cable?
I've used the Netgear Range Extender, results were less than satisfactory, would frequently lose the connection to the main wifi network even though it was in range.
Another option is a PowerLine adapter. I've installed one of these for the boss and it's been working fine for over 12 months. If there was an issue I definitely would have heard about it!
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Networking/Range-Extenders/NENP204 (http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Networking/Range-Extenders/NENP204)
-
Asus have been getting some rave reviews about their AC range of stuff. https://www.asus.com/Networking/RTAC66U/ (https://www.asus.com/Networking/RTAC66U/) and have the added bonus of being able to use 2.4 and 5Gig ranges at once on different SSID's.
Maybe get a couple of these and bridge them.
I have used the cheap TP-Link access points in "point to multipoint" bridge mode at home out to my garage/workshop and work a treat. Cheap as, as well.
-
Dick Smith have wifi extenders available at the moment for $49 and you only need one
-
No electricians in my area are interested in small jobs. If it isn't a new housing estate basically you can GAGF, or the quote you a new house price, even if you agree, they never show.
I totally know your pain. Most tradies struggle to make a living on small domestic jobs. You could possibly offer to pay 2 hours minimum labour, even if the job is less. Or try and bundle it with some other electrical work to make it more worthwhile, or ask around at your local TLE / John Turk showroom for an older guy who does small jobs. Maybe see if you can find an electrician in your neighborhood and just knock on their door. Dunno... its hard to get them out.
-
You are 100% correct, wired is better.. I have 2 and 3/4 boxes of Cat 6 at home sittin there.
Do you think I can get someone to come and run it for me? No electricians in my area are interested in small jobs. If it isn't a new housing estate basically you can GAGF, or the quote you a new house price, even if you agree, they never show.
Optus will come out and move their outlet for me for - $250
Call a local TV antenna guy. They always do small jobs and make a living running cables through walls. Just don't tell them its a cat5 cable till they get there. Once you've got the cable run through the wall 90% of the job is done.
And another option may be to just ask the telstra, foxtel or optus guy if they will run the cable for cash if you supply materials. If you see one working nearby in a pit or on a pillar on the street just ask em... they might just do it for $100 never know.
Don't forget when buying cable to get about 50% more than what you need. So if you measure it as a 20m run 30m or more to be safe.
-
Yes, cable wins 100% of the time, but not always an option.
I have an Apple Airport Extreme at home as an extender. Works very well, possibly because most of the devices that connect to it are Apple.
It has USB ports on it, so I can connect a printer and a hard drive for extra network storage, which you can make accessible from the interweb.
It also has options for 2.4 and 5Ghz PLUS the bonus of Guest wifi, which gives access to the internet for friends etc, but they cannot access your local data or other networked devices.
You also have to remember, your wireless speed will only ever be as fast as the slowest device connected to it. Some of the older i products are slow...
-
Have some fun, make a cantenna.
-
Have some fun, make a cantenna.
I hadda look that one up.
http://www.cantenna.com/whatsa.html (http://www.cantenna.com/whatsa.html)
-
Hey lost,
would something like this work in your application?
http://www.buymesmart.com.au/products/5724-tp-link-tl-pa211-kit-200mbps-powerline-ethernet-adapter-kit-mini-size-homeplug-av-twin-pack.aspx?gclid=CPWUrtaqpLgCFcRbpQodRDIAvw (http://www.buymesmart.com.au/products/5724-tp-link-tl-pa211-kit-200mbps-powerline-ethernet-adapter-kit-mini-size-homeplug-av-twin-pack.aspx?gclid=CPWUrtaqpLgCFcRbpQodRDIAvw)
I know Im obviously a bit behind the times, but these were sent out for me by iinet for when my FetchTV was sent out to run the internet to the box.
I now use these for the main computer and I don't find it noticeably slower than a direct cable to the modem?
Cheers
Evo
-
I hadda look that one up.
http://www.cantenna.com/whatsa.html (http://www.cantenna.com/whatsa.html)
Funny thing is they work, a mate uses a large fruit can and throws his net across the backward to his garage.
Can make one for less than $30
-
I've been donated one of these by a forum member.. Much man love will be returned :D
http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20912/~/how-to-setup-your-netgear-wn3000rp-universal-wifi-range-extender%3F (http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20912/~/how-to-setup-your-netgear-wn3000rp-universal-wifi-range-extender%3F)
Should work well with the router
http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-FWG114P-ProSafe-Wireless-Firewall/dp/B0000DIWW2 (http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-FWG114P-ProSafe-Wireless-Firewall/dp/B0000DIWW2)
Other contenders are/were:
Different antenna...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/wireless-networking/other/auction-269125571.htm (http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/wireless-networking/other/auction-269125571.htm)
Waz a mate uses these unsure how good, but he swears by it:
http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=Netcomm+NP206&spos=3 (http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=Netcomm+NP206&spos=3)
see how we go.
-
Don't forget to post the results M8.
-
Has it arrived already ????
-
Has it arrived already ???
yep.. sittin on me desk.. :D
(http://www.soundonsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/i_love_you_man01.jpg)
-
Oh Shit.! settle down now. ;D
-
Hey Lost, you must still be on BHG's list :D
-
Hey Lost, you must still be on BHG's list :D
he is........ your not. ! ;D
-
Well ****in after ****in **** loads of ****in swearing at the **** of a thing, I got the **** connected... what a ****in bitch bastard bloody ****er...
Well it wasn't the router, it was me... I was lazy pasting in my SSID and the bridge didn't like that.
After all the SSID has lots of @!#)($*!@@$^$&^%*^*&(*&)(*_*)*(%$*^&#@!)(#$*)@#(*$skldnvlskndvUY(*987987987LNKJHNJHuwiueyrtwerbnwj,bckjhkh in it, and I didn't wanna type it and get it wrong!!!!
Once I typed it in, it worked instantly. Did a firmware update too while connected, did it automatically, pretty kewl :)
Now to move it from the Puter room, to upstairs...
-
Netgear is the go ... now if I can just remember the blinking password I might be able to go wireless again.
Kit_e
-
Ok
the verdict:
:cup: :cup: :cup: :cup: :cup:
-
Always rewarding when you get a good result..... :cup:
-
Hmmmm... still gettin "server droppped out" messages on the upstairs. Even though the signal from the new bridge is perfect
Bloke here has had similar issues with his FWG114P, so mine is pretty old, its time to buy a new router.
http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=8707 (http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=8707)
http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=7348 (http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=7348)
http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=9435 (http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=9435)
http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=9668 (http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=9668)
-
This guys is pretty good on prices and excellent to deal with warranty wise. have purchased 2 routers off him in the past without problems.
http://ozcableguy.com.au/ (http://ozcableguy.com.au/)
-
This guys is pretty good on prices and excellent to deal with warranty wise. have purchased 2 routers off him in the past without problems.
http://ozcableguy.com.au/ (http://ozcableguy.com.au/)
the asians are impossible to beat on price.. 12+freight cheaper
www.staticice.com.au (http://www.staticice.com.au) is where to find the cheapest.
-
the asians are impossible to beat on price.. 12+freight cheaper
www.staticice.com.au (http://www.staticice.com.au) is where to find the cheapest.
Lost, if it is in repeater mode and you still get drop outs I would think you have more data to add. There are several ways these can work and like others - yes we do a sh1t load with in my company IT team setting up remote health clinics. Some need their mac address as well in both devices for example
If you want a hand then feel fee to email me the config files and I can have a look.
Actually, we just set one up today in the Derby Health clinic, three devices. We use roaming (D-Link) mode rather than a repeater mode. You set a single SSID and then have three connections back to the switch but the AP's will hand you over to the better signal strength AP - very cool.
-
If using a laptop check the wireless power settings. We have issues a work where the laptop wireless power is reduced to save power ie runs for longer on battery. I tell everyone to set to maximum as no use having a laptop that lasts for hours on battery but network keeps dropping out.
Peter
-
If using a laptop check the wireless power settings. We have issues a work where the laptop wireless power is reduced to save power ie runs for longer on battery. I tell everyone to set to maximum as no use having a laptop that lasts for hours on battery but network keeps dropping out.
Yea, we go thru that with HP and Dull Laptops and some workstations
Most modern laptops are by default setup to turn the network port off while on battery... dumbest **** idea in history!
Managers arent smart, and are impossible to talk thru getting to device manager and taking a tick out of a box.. :(
-
Yea, we go thru that with HP and Dull Laptops and some workstations
Most modern laptops are by default setup to turn the network port off while on battery... dumbest **** idea in history!
Managers arent smart, and are impossible to talk thru getting to device manager and taking a tick out of a box.. :(
And that on battery they will actually disable the adapter Like Lost says - stupid...
-
And that on battery they will actually disable the adapter Like Lost says - stupid...
Keeps me in a job. :cup:
-
Keeps me in a job. :cup:
Oh Bugger you mate ;D
-
Well I thought my mind was made up... So I went out yesterday to buy a 3700 = then the bloke at MSY said its wireless sucked.
So went for the 3800... no longer made.
4100 - :(
So I got the WNDR4500...
http://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/wirelessrouters/ultimate-performance/WNDR4500.aspx (http://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/wirelessrouters/ultimate-performance/WNDR4500.aspx)
Its HUGE!
Awesome bit of gear.. full strength wireless and no lag shooting people pretending to be who they aren't on forums while upstairs last night until the big storm hit...
Really easy to setup, great interface, it pretty much set itself up once the network was plugged in.
First thing was to rename the Admin account and change password.
havent played with the settings yet, but theres only about 29420394 options..> Good lookin bit of gear.
My new wireless network is called UNCLE TOUCHY... it replaces Farkurnell - my home town which is not somewhere in the desert.
-
I use these for my PC that is at the other end of the house...
http://www.netcommwireless.com/product/powerline/np204 (http://www.netcommwireless.com/product/powerline/np204)
They just plug into your power point (one at each end) and share the network over your power cables.
HTH.
Kent.
-
Kent,
How do the powerlink adapters go? Work OK? I've got a job that I could use them on, but haven't heard enough about them to warrant taking the plunge.
Personally, I've got an Apple Airport Express as the wifi base station, and am soon to buy another as a range extender. I cannot heap praise on these little boxes enough.
Good choice on the NetGear Lost, I'll be interested to see how you go with it. Personally, I have an intense dislike for anything DLink. For home I usually end up with LinkSys due to it's Cisco pedigree, but I've also had Billion in the mix at times (and would not recommend).
As far as wifi names, mine was a toss-up between "The Promised LAN" and "It hurts when IP".
Cheers,
Matto :)
-
Matto: They are awesome! not lightning fast. but just fine for internet speeds.
k
-
Kdub Windoze 8 dosn't get a mention in the list of supported Operating Systems. Have you tried.
I wonder if they will work through a switch board to a unit out the back?
-
Kdub Windoze 8 dosn't get a mention in the list of supported Operating Systems. Have you tried.
thats cause nobody by choice uses windaz 8!
-
Matto i haven't tried the powerline stuff yet but have a mate who plays with it regularly.
Biggest problem he has when he attaches them to different power ccts in the house. Some work OK but others seem to slow down heaps.
If they are on the same fuse cct then they seem to work OK.
I have been using some Asus AC routers and ap's lately.
Great interface and just seem to work. Had a mate with a Telstra cable/Netgear router combo (with N wifi) and the wireless was pathetic. Could not get a signal past 10 meters. Swapped it over to the new Asus and can get access 100 meters down the road.
Set the Netgear to bridged modem and used the Asus as the router.
The netgear NAT table used to fill up and then rebooted itself all the time. Known issue with these low end routers.
One interesting point is they have solar film on their ground floor back doors and windows. This blocks the wifi signal to just about useless. Open the doors and bingo wifi signal goes through the roof. There is also alfoil insulation in the outside cavity wall.
For the techy's by opening the door with the film went from -80dBm to -55dBm. I have a signal meter app on my droid (Wifi Analyser)
Surprised me.
-
Kangaron: Think of it as a network hub. What i am trying to say is that it is independent to the operating system/device. So plug it into your router at one end. then the other end just plug into your PC.
Noel_w is also correct. If the outlets are on differing circuits, you can experience differing results, but this has never been an issue for me in all the years i have done it.
K
-
Hi guys,
All the options are previously mentioned - wireless repeater, improving antenna performance, centralising the access point, inline power, changing channels and running a cable upstairs. You can also try 5Ghz instead of 2.4Ghz which will give much better strength but at lower throughput - though your hardware might not support it.
The best bang for buck and time will be running the cable (which whilst is technically illegal, its very easy to do yourself and doesnt present a safety risk - if you dont want to spend the $$). Insulation, plaster, timber, ducting etc all attenuate the RF signal more than you think. If you want some more info on a self install, PM me.
On windows / android, get a freeware tool called "InSSIDer" and this will show you channel interference and power levels. I find channels 1, 6 and 11 are vendor defaults and I find 6 & 7 the best options for the 2 x access points I use.
Cheers
Steve
-
I looked around and ended up trying a windsurfer - google it. My router is at front of house and now get great coverage. Best of all it is free
Peter
-
Anyone looking, http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/event/46169/ (http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/event/46169/)
-
Saw up the thread there were a couple of good SSID names. There are some quite amazing SSID's out there. My street name is Gona street so mine is named "ImaGona" and my previous place was "Pretty fly for a wifi".
Bird, how are you liking the WNDR4500 so far? Always good to get real world results.
-
Saw up the thread there were a couple of good SSID names. There are some quite amazing SSID's out there. My street name is Gona street so mine is named "ImaGona" and my previous place was "Pretty fly for a wifi".
Bird, how are you liking the WNDR4500 so far? Always good to get real world results.
Excellent unit... The wireless signal output was unbeatable.. also got a couple of units for a mates work and home that have made him smile.... :)
Although I've now changed my setup with Optus, and have a new router from them with wireless built in, which I've been using... so the 4500 is sitting there now looking pretty...
if your lookin for one PM me.
-
Excellent unit... The wireless signal output was unbeatable.. also got a couple of units for a mates work and home that have made him smile.... :)
Although I've now changed my setup with Optus, and have a new router from them with wireless built in, which I've been using... so the 4500 is sitting there now looking pretty...
if your lookin for one PM me.
did you use the netgear as just an access point, or full-on router?
if noel doesn't take you up on your offer, i might (depending on the price, of course...) ... :)
-
did you use the netgear as just an access point, or full-on router?
if noel doesn't take you up on your offer, i might (depending on the price, of course...) ... :)
All good Paceman, I'm very happy with my new Asus DSL-AC68U
-
All good Paceman, I'm very happy with my new Asus DSL-AC68U
i ended up with a linksys wrt1900ac and am happy, but always like to get a bargain... :)
-
did you use the netgear as just an access point, or full-on router?
I used it in conjunction with the Surfboard 4100 modem, which was ancient and didn't have wireless LOL
$100 and you can have it. 179 is best on static ice at moment.
-
I used it in conjunction with the Surfboard 4100 modem, which was ancient and didn't have wireless LOL
$100 and you can have it. 179 is best on static ice at moment.
thanks for the offer... i'll keep it in the back of my mind...
-
thanks for the offer... i'll keep it in the back of my mind...
Does that require surgery to get it back out?
-
Does that require surgery to get it back out?
no, because according to my wife, there is a big hole there already... :)
-
no, because according to my wife, there is a big hole there already... :)
:cup: :cup:
-
thanks for the offer... i'll keep it in the back of my mind...
Bring it to the front of your mind... you know you need it.