WiFi

Anybody have any insights on how to get a wifi signal to extend throughout all (or most) of a 4-story brownstone? My router (linksys) only gets the signal to the back of the building on 3 floors with a weak signal on floor 3\. the router is on the first floor.

poise

in Other 13 years and 2 months ago

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citigyz | 13 years and 2 months ago

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www.BrooklynTechGuy.com can solve your problem. I used his services for the same problem and he was successful. He is high ratings on PSP etc.

ppwest | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I had the same problem for years. the extenders work, but really slow down the speed [which may not be an issue for you, but was for me]   in the end it turned out that upgrading my router to apples extreme fixed 99% of the problem, extended my range and a fairly strong signal. [but ideally, put in the center of your house… hard wiring another router is ideal if there is anyway to do that, even for 1 floor…

brucef | 13 years and 2 months ago

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As a network engineer, I am not the biggest fan of the “Wireless Revolution”, but I will make a few suggestions. A combination wireless router/switch performs multiple functions. Iit extends your network wirelessly, or through the wired switch ports. It also enables the sharing of your internet connection to multiple devices by network address translation (NAT). It accepts clients (or rejects them) based on rules you can define (for instance wireless devices that know the correct security password). It leases network addresses to approved devices and additionally enables local traffic (not over the Internet) Your situation is handled professionally by installing additional access points, hard wired to existing switch ports on your combo router/switch. These access points specifically are configured not to perform the roles listed above, to avoid conflicts where addresses are leased by conflicting DHCP servers. They will, however, enable additional wireless devices to join your network.

wyckoff | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I second the Apple approach – pretty idiot proof and easy to set up, (but a little less so if you are setting up with non-Apple PCs).  I have an airport extreme in my attic which pretty much covers the whole house except for one room (which happens to be the TV room), but using a set of powerline adapters and an airport express, I have full coverage.  I also have a second airport express which plugs into my stereo for streaming, but I don’t really need it for wifi otherwise.   So assuming the router you have was supplied by Fios or Cablevision, and you can’t or don’t want to ditch it, all you have to do is turn off the wireless feature on your linksys and plug the airport extreme into that router.  Airport extreme then becomes the broadcast signal to your house and/or to airport express units.

armchairwarrior | 13 years and 2 months ago

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place the thing in the center of your house both. this way it should reach both up down and front and back. other than that get extenders.

Sweet-Action | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I have an Aiport Extreme router on my parlor floor, close to the stairwell (going up 3 floors without doors). I added an Airport express in the hallway by the staircase on the top floor, and that seems to offer decent coverage for our whole house (including basement under out tenants apt on the garden level). I think the key is trying to keep the parlor level router as close as possible the vertical column of space going up the staircase. And really make sure it’s not being blocked by any metal or heavy material (dense bookcases etc). You could add a few Expresses around the house for total sturation. They are cheap, about $100 each.

JimmyLegs | 13 years and 2 months ago

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i have mine on the parlor floor and it seems to work fine on floor 4\. so maybe try it up a floor? how old is your router? It may be cheaper to get a new one rather than purchase extenders (also look up powerline adapters).

shahnandersen

in Other 13 years and 2 months ago

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Google: wifi range extenders.  There are dozens out there.