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Message
Better to buy WiFi extender or a whole new router?
Posted on 11/19/17 at 11:01 am
Posted on 11/19/17 at 11:01 am
Currently have a TP Link Archer C5 (AC 1200) which does a great job at short distances but is very spotty outside in backyard or even in bedroom which is on the opposite side of the house where the router is currently located. Can’t move the router because only have one room which has the hookups.
Anyway wanting to extend my WiFi to reach the spotty areas. Is it worth buying a $40 extender or should I just shop around BF deals and buy a whole new router? Would a newer router reach those spotty areas?
Any suggestions or opinions appreciated.
Anyway wanting to extend my WiFi to reach the spotty areas. Is it worth buying a $40 extender or should I just shop around BF deals and buy a whole new router? Would a newer router reach those spotty areas?
Any suggestions or opinions appreciated.
Posted on 11/19/17 at 12:46 pm to Dav
buy a whole house wifi mesh system like the AmpliFi or Netgear Orbi
Posted on 11/19/17 at 1:15 pm to Dav
Just installed the google mesh WiFi and it works great.
Posted on 11/19/17 at 2:27 pm to Dav
I'd try raising your current one to a higher position. Or even buying a longer Ethernet cable and trying to raise it and bring it closer to the center of the house.
Another idea, download an app that will tell you what channel your neighbors wifi routers are on, and change yours to a less busy channel.
I have an Asus AC66u on my desk in my back bedroom and I get a signal 3 or 4 houses down from my own.
Another idea, download an app that will tell you what channel your neighbors wifi routers are on, and change yours to a less busy channel.
I have an Asus AC66u on my desk in my back bedroom and I get a signal 3 or 4 houses down from my own.
Posted on 11/19/17 at 8:50 pm to Haughton99
I too run the google WiFi mesh setup. Easy. Works great. Fast.
Posted on 11/19/17 at 9:55 pm to Dav
Powerline adapter plus another router.
Posted on 11/20/17 at 12:11 pm to guedeaux
I can also recommend a mesh system. No extender type system has worked as well for me as the Linksys Velop mesh
Posted on 11/20/17 at 12:18 pm to Dav
Another vote for mesh systems. My Plume system has been fantastic.
Posted on 11/20/17 at 1:39 pm to humblepie
lol i love how all these people are boasting these first gen mesh systems they paid an arm and a leg for. he already has an AC1200 router, all he needs to do is spend 80-100 bucks for a Ubiquiti access point and be done with it rather than spending 300 buck for a technology that just came out and is just going to get better and you will need new hardware soon anyway.
Posted on 11/20/17 at 2:55 pm to CarRamrod
So stick with the Archer C5? It’s only a year old and would hate to replace it so soon for one of these new mesh systems.
Looks like there’s different kinds on amazon. So I can buy one of these and stick it in say my kitchen and it’ll reach the dead zone areas such as the bedroom and backyard?
quote:
Ubiquiti access point
Looks like there’s different kinds on amazon. So I can buy one of these and stick it in say my kitchen and it’ll reach the dead zone areas such as the bedroom and backyard?
This post was edited on 11/20/17 at 2:57 pm
Posted on 11/20/17 at 3:03 pm to Dav
i mean you are doing much heavy routing i would not think.
I would get the uap-ac-lr-us. they are 110 on amazon but i just bought mine fore 70 NIB on ebay. I would turn off your wifi antennas on your router and just use the AP at your wifi. This on AP should cover any normal size home if in a central location.
Granted a hard wire cat 6 cable will need to be ran if you plan to have it in a different location than the router.
I would get the uap-ac-lr-us. they are 110 on amazon but i just bought mine fore 70 NIB on ebay. I would turn off your wifi antennas on your router and just use the AP at your wifi. This on AP should cover any normal size home if in a central location.
Granted a hard wire cat 6 cable will need to be ran if you plan to have it in a different location than the router.
Posted on 11/20/17 at 9:04 pm to CarRamrod
Love how you seem to know exactly how wifi will perform in everyone's house somehow. I was slow to move to a mesh setup as well but after I wasted money "upgrading" to an R8000 router I am glad I did. If I has listen to a condecending clown like you I would still be fighting wifi dead spots all the time.
It's OK to have an opinion but don't assume yours the the only one.
It's OK to have an opinion but don't assume yours the the only one.
Posted on 11/20/17 at 9:55 pm to humblepie
So bite the bullet and get a mesh system?
Posted on 11/21/17 at 7:13 am to Dav
Well, it depends which is why i take exception to ramrod's assertion that anyone recommending a mesh system is trying to validate their expensive purchase.
Do you want the easiest to setup and manage solution knowing wifi will "just work"? Mesh is a good option, however within the mesh systems there is still some variation on how easy they are.
I recommend reading through this review for a good overview: LINK
It IS likely possible to fix your wifi issue with a cheaper extender or AP solution but you have to decide how much tweaking/setup/configuration you are willing to do. Although it is also possible that you could spend that time/money and still end up with wifi deadspots.
My personal experience is with Plume wifi which is why I recommend it. It is the most flexible of the mesh systems due to the small pod design which can be plugged in wherever needed. Also, phone calls from wife/family while I am traveling asking why the wifi doesn't work have dropped to zero which was a big consideration for me.
The bottom line: I can now stream 4k anywhere inside or outside my home with no issues at all and can always add more pods/move them around should my needs change in the future.
Do you want the easiest to setup and manage solution knowing wifi will "just work"? Mesh is a good option, however within the mesh systems there is still some variation on how easy they are.
I recommend reading through this review for a good overview: LINK
It IS likely possible to fix your wifi issue with a cheaper extender or AP solution but you have to decide how much tweaking/setup/configuration you are willing to do. Although it is also possible that you could spend that time/money and still end up with wifi deadspots.
My personal experience is with Plume wifi which is why I recommend it. It is the most flexible of the mesh systems due to the small pod design which can be plugged in wherever needed. Also, phone calls from wife/family while I am traveling asking why the wifi doesn't work have dropped to zero which was a big consideration for me.
The bottom line: I can now stream 4k anywhere inside or outside my home with no issues at all and can always add more pods/move them around should my needs change in the future.
Posted on 11/21/17 at 9:12 pm to Dav
I had an older ASUS dual band router and was thinking of replacing it with a mesh system like Google's. Instead I went with a better router (Netgear AC 1750) and am really happy with it. I have solid coverage throughout my house at roughly 2100 sq ft even with less than optimal router placement. I've heard really good things from friends/co-workers about the mesh systems, but I think you pay a bit of a premium. If you can swing the cost, then go for it and you'll likely be set. I could have afforded to go that way, but am happy I saved about $180 for more than adequate performance and features.
Posted on 11/21/17 at 9:32 pm to lsuzog
quote:
I had an older ASUS dual band router and was thinking of replacing it with a mesh system like Google's. Instead I went with a better router (Netgear AC 1750) and am really happy with it. I have solid coverage throughout my house at roughly 2100 sq ft even with less than optimal router placement. I've heard really good things from friends/co-workers about the mesh systems, but I think you pay a bit of a premium. If you can swing the cost, then go for it and you'll likely be set. I could have afforded to go that way, but am happy I saved about $180 for more than adequate performance and features.
This.
A really nice router solves 90% of wifi issues, and is usually cheaper than mesh. Mesh will be great in 5-10 years, but the tech isn't there for multi-4k streaming/gaming/etc.
A nice router+a not as nice router covers my entire property with solid wifi, including a basement and backyard.
FWIW, I think sometime down the line mesh will be built in to devices like echos and what not, most likely bouncing signals from a better central router. Making mesh-dedicated devices themselves obsolete. Never skimp on a router it's now the most important non-built in household item outside of the refrigerator, air conditioner/heater, television and oven.
This post was edited on 11/21/17 at 9:33 pm
Posted on 11/22/17 at 6:12 am to Freauxzen
For everyone with a story like yours there is also someone who went with a better router and still had some wifi deadspots. It doesn't matter if your wifi signal goes down the street if something in your home is producing some interference between your 4k tv and the router.
My personal experience contradicts your statement. I do this everyday.
I'm not trying to be an arse in this thread but there is some serious misinformation being passed as fact here.
quote:
Mesh will be great in 5-10 years, but the tech isn't there for multi-4k streaming/gaming/etc.
My personal experience contradicts your statement. I do this everyday.
I'm not trying to be an arse in this thread but there is some serious misinformation being passed as fact here.
Posted on 11/22/17 at 8:01 am to humblepie
Is a Mesh System better than a good traditional router with wired APs?
Posted on 11/22/17 at 8:05 am to LSUtigerME
the best method is to try to determine WHY you aren't getting good coverage. Is it something in your house that is causing disparities? Is it router placement? Is your router on a busy Channel?
IMO, I'd try to identify WHY I'm not getting what I expect prior to just spending money. A quick google search can give you some things to look for. Do that first. Then, it will help you to see if a mesh system, new router, adding an access point, etc. is the best option for you.
IMO, I'd try to identify WHY I'm not getting what I expect prior to just spending money. A quick google search can give you some things to look for. Do that first. Then, it will help you to see if a mesh system, new router, adding an access point, etc. is the best option for you.
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