Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2017 November 24

= November 24 =

A more powerful router
I have a small home network which is serviced by Netgear WNDR4500v2 router. The devices is located in my office and all computers are clustered nearby. The problems begin when the receiver moves away. For example Neato vacuum cleaner. It often stops when I take it down to the basement, however the cellphones will work everywhere. So, I am thinking that perhaps installing a more powerful router will help. I will appreciate suggestions. Thanks, - AboutFace 22 (talk) 02:02, 24 November 2017 (UTC)


 * A more powerful router is not the answer. Wifi is a 2-way communication. Your Neato will also need to transmit a more powerful signal. You would do better with a "wifi range extender". 196.213.35.146 (talk) 06:13, 24 November 2017 (UTC)
 * Far from correct. As anyone who has every used multiple different APs will tell you, the quality of the AP can make a very big difference to the signal strength (and therefore connection reliability) in different locations with the exact same device. And that's without even considering stuff which may or may not be supported by the device but which could be unsupported by the router. If you don't believe me, I suggest you take a read of any decent AP review site. https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/ is a good one. Note that getting an extender to compensate for a very poor AP is often a bad idea since you're increasing interference possibilites. (I'm not saying that the OP's AP is bad, I have no idea.) It's better to ensure you have a quality AP before you start looking at extenders. Nil Einne (talk) 06:23, 25 November 2017 (UTC)


 * It may be you have interference. Some cordless telephones, not mobile phones, and baby monitors for example will stop Wifi working properly. It could also of course be your neighbors Wifi in which case getting a stronger signal is just signal wars, so yes in that case an extender would be preferable. Dmcq (talk) 12:43, 24 November 2017 (UTC)

Thank you much. --AboutFace 22 (talk) 16:06, 24 November 2017 (UTC)
 * Also, your cell phones working in the basement doesn't really mean anything with regards to your Wi-Fi. Cell phones use different radio frequencies and modulation techniques. The properties of radio waves vary considerably with frequency. Also, Wi-Fi uses unlicensed frequencies that are prone to interference since anything can legally put out RF on those frequencies. One of the two main bands used by Wi-Fi, the 2.4 GHz band, is the same used by microwave ovens, and hence microwave ovens running can noticeably degrade nearby Wi-Fi networks. --47.157.122.192 (talk) 09:17, 25 November 2017 (UTC)


 * Think this is a case where the theory is simple but practical applications often fall short of perfection. As the problem occurs in the basement it is unlikely to be interference from a neighbour (though not impossible). Is the ceiling of the basement made from steel reinforced concrete?  That may enough to attenuate the signal. Sometimes just using a sheet of ordinary aluminium cooking foil, can bounce the signal down the steps to where it is needed but that is not a practical long term solution but it can provide evidence  that even  a more powerful router may not help. They lowest cost way I would tackle this, is to ask around friends and neighbours who have a teenage son who is willing to come over with his own "wifi range extender" and see if he can find your best  low-cost solution.  If the router is over or near the basement, just running a coax cable down with  a rubber duck on each end may work. Thus acting  as  'passive repeater' . Seemingly over simplistic but often works.  Aspro (talk) 20:33, 25 November 2017 (UTC)