Wireless Extenders..

Chives · 26 Dec 2011 at 12:34

Hi there,
Currently got a netgear router on the second floor of my house however I find that due to the thick walls in my house the signal simply does not reach downstairs. So I think a wireless extender is what I need, just wondering if I need a specific one due to having a cable router (Virgin media) and was wondering how you set them up (Are they wired directly to the router or?) also wondering if you people had any specific one you would recommend. With several new laptops and an iPad now being in the household this has become an issue aha, thanks in advance for replies

Ben Cole · 26 Dec 2011 at 12:50

I tried a couple with poor results.

I now have
a second router connected to the first using homeplugs(Mains). DHCP off on the second router.

World really well for me.

Deleted member 77746 · 26 Dec 2011 at 13:29

Home plugs?

Ben Cole · 26 Dec 2011 at 14:16

You know, the things that you plug in to mains sockets to use them as network connections.

DragonQ · 26 Dec 2011 at 14:43

I've only used one in a situation where I wanted the internet to be available in a separate building with a separate electrical system (so no homeplug adapters). Works fine.

Chives · 26 Dec 2011 at 15:20

Hmm, I always thought that homeplugs were for wired only, ie you just plug your ethernet cable into them.. So will they extend the wireless to whichever room they are in?

Ben Cole · 26 Dec 2011 at 15:22

Cable from router to Mains, then at the other end from the mains to another router.

You then have another wireless network to connect to.

MagicBoy · 26 Dec 2011 at 15:38

Buy a homeplug wireless extender. The far end homeplug has an AP in it. The Devolo one's work well in my experience.

Chives · 26 Dec 2011 at 15:52

MagicBoy said:
Buy a homeplug wireless extender. The far end homeplug has an AP in it. The Devolo one's work well in my experience.

Is there a cheaper solution? Had a quick google and the solution you talk about seems to be about £90

MagicBoy · 26 Dec 2011 at 16:02

Bob's own brand are cheaper, but they tend to last 12-18 months then burn out.

Chives · 26 Dec 2011 at 16:04

MagicBoy said:
Bob's own brand are cheaper, but they tend to last 12-18 months then burn out.

Hmm. Would you say homeplugs are the only solution? Wireless extenders not really any good or?

kona786 · 26 Dec 2011 at 19:48

Ben Cole said:
I tried a couple with poor results.

I now have
a second router connected to the first using homeplugs(Mains). DHCP off on the second router.

World really well for me.

+1

I have 2 dlink 615's connected via homeplugs on a 50MB virgin connection - great wirless connection throughout the house.

MikeHunt79 · 26 Dec 2011 at 19:55

I've used an Apple Airport Express in the past to extend wireless range and it works for me