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WIFI strength

3 replies

laydeestardust · 19/02/2010 20:11

I'm really hoping someone can help-I'm very rubbish at all things computer!!

Basically, we have 3 computers-one in the living room which has the router (?) and runs the internet and cable tv.

DS2 has a downstairs bedroom and his internet connection is fine-DS1 has an upstairs room and it says his internet connection is "fair"-he finds that the internet keeps cutting out during you tube etc and also he can't get BBC Iplayer to work-both essential for a 17 year old!!

We also used to struggle to get tv reception in that room if that's of any significance.

Is there anything I can do to boost the internet strength in his room?

sorry if I've used all the wrong terms and sound like an idiot -posting on Mumsnet is about as computer savvy as I get!

Thanks for helping

OP posts:
liamsdaddy · 20/02/2010 12:53

How good your wifi signal is depends on:

  1. if there is someone else on the same Wifi channel close to you - the wifi program on the laptop should tell you what other networks are around. 1, 6 and 11 are popular channels, being on something else is a good plan. Most likely suspect!

  2. if you have a cordless phone, these sit on Wifi channel 6 apparently and can cause dropped connections - but DS2 would get that too.

  3. lots of metal in the way! pipes, appliances, conduit, etc. Although I'd expect that to degrade the connection, not make it drop.

One method could be to run a CAT-6 ethernet cable from the router to DS1's room.

WebDude · 20/02/2010 16:39

Another way would be to use 'data over mains' adaptors - acts as if you have run a cable from one room to another, but there's only an extra 'adaptor' to plug into the mains in each room, and an ethernet cable to go from the adaptor to the router or PC depending on which end.

Unfortunately, not a cheap option (you could search for 'powerline' and 'starter kits' as there are sometimes 2 units plus ethernet cables for quite a bit less than 2 individual units.

A quick hunt shows prices in the 40 to 60 pounds area (for 2 units as a starter pack). Cat5 cable (even at 20p to 50p a metre, would be much cheaper and is reliable, but would need quite a lot of effort {and some drilling} to link 2 rooms, but the beauty of the HomePlug type units is that you can move an adaptor to another room in 2 minutes, unlike a wire that goes along the curtain rail, out through the door frame, up to the second floor, etc, etc.

I can vouch for them being reliable, and its what I've recommended to some clients if they have endless problems with wi-fi.

In one case the laptop in the kitchen would not connect/ 'see' the router - the router was in their corner 'computer room' and line of sight, but about 60 to 70 feet away. No good reasons I could think of to block signals - did not work even with doors open both ends!

The adaptors, whether they are made by HomePlug, Devolo, Solwise, Netgear, or other firms, usually come in a range of speeds. The earliest were 14 Mbps, then they brought out 85 Mbps and now there are 200 Mbps (for audio+video transmission eg from a blu-ray player in the lounge up to your bedroom).

Nowadays the 85 Mbps are sometimes cheaper than the 14 Mbps. The speeds are the maximum (under excellent conditions) and it should be expected that the connection speed could be lower - but in many cases it could be higher than the internet connection.

On the basis you have Virgin Media, however, it would be possible to use several 14 Mbps units to limit the speed for a single PC, so that one member of the household cannot 'hog' the link. EG 50 Mbps Virgin connection, split with 14 Mbps units so DS1 and DS2 can each use a max of 14 Mbps.

Have just seen faculty-x offering a promotional price of under 35 on a twin pack. On Amazon there's an 85 Mbps twin pack a bit closer to 30 pounds, which is a bit nicer than having to find 50 quid!

laydeestardust · 21/02/2010 10:28

Thanks for the advice people!

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