Upgrade wifi hub or add extender?

[mattie]

Hi all

I've got a smart TV in an upstairs bedroom that keeps losing network connection due to weak wireless signal (thick walls in house). My macbook gives a signal strength of 20%, whatever that means, and also loses network regularly so it's not a problem with the TV.

I've got a BT Home Hub 5, is there any value in upgrading to a different router or should I look at an extender?

I note that some wifi extenders use powerline connection, with a device plugged near the router, are these better bets than the single unit devices which presumably just receive and boost a wireless signal? I worry that these simple 'boosters' will also struggle if the signal is weak.

For the powerline adapter, I have a spare ethernet port on the router, and could feasibly put the adapter next to the router (there is a spare plug socket I can use.

All advice gratefully received.

 

[Mr Blonde]

Direct cabling is always best but if you don't want them around your bedroom then powerline wifi extenders would be the best way to go initially I'd say. Yes, the right router would boost the signal but it'll still be downstairs. With the powerline wifi extenders you'd be guaranteed a strong signal as the access point would be in your bedroom. Some come with a clone button too making joining your existing network a doddle as well.

 

[mattie]

Great, many thanks.

Looking at a tp-link starter kit, assume they're all much of a muchness at this price point (Around the £40 mark)