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Best WiFi Extender

jfields

jfields

Where did all my money go?
Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
16,281
OK..... Question for my geek friends. What’s the best WiFi extender system in your opinions?

I have several dead or weak spots in my home where the signal drops dramatically, or in the case of the master bedroom, I can’t even get my iPhone to find the signal. Then there’s my cigar lounge. My smart TV is less than 30 feet from the Verizon Fios router, but with only one wall obstacle the speed drops from 150 mbs, to about 40 mbs. It’s causing streaming problems with Amazon Firestick and sometimes Netflix gives me connection error messages. My home isn’t huge at about 3500 square feet, but it’s really spread out. I’m not familiar with the terminology, but I’m guessing I’m going to need a system of extenders that talk to each other in what I figure is a series of them.

Was looking at something like these, but I don’t want to skimp and find there’s something a lot better out there. Guessing I’ll need about four or five of them for optimal coverage.
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...3762IBw&lsft=gclid:COD59f2F19wCFQyqswodF1EAyw

I appreciate any help and links to good pricing deals.
 
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Oh, and get the Netgear WiFi Analytics app for your phone from the app store (free). It's pretty handy for figuring the issues out.
 
If you’re ok with spending a few hundo on some new equipment check out Google Wifi. I have 3 pucks 2 of which are wired to a gigabit switch in a 3000 square foot home . No dead spots anywhere. You can add more to the mesh network if you need to. I love it.

ETA: Set-up was a snap, literally was about 5 minutes or less. I use a little port forwarding for a few things but that was super easy too. All managed through the google WiFi app.
 
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As @jbfurdog stated above, Mesh is the way to go.

I have the NetGear extender and it's great for getting my garage on a network, but there's lag issues with my FireTV, so keep that in mind.
 
Ditto on mesh hardware, many of the top end routers have it now. Also, I'm a big believer in hardwired. If possible, I'd hardwire the TV if it's that close.
 
The Google mesh system looks pretty cool, but for me, the lack of ports means I'd need an ethernet switch for the main unit. I've got my PC, the wife's PC, the NAS storage, and a BluRay player (adds 'smart' to my older plasma TV) all connected with good old fashioned wires to the router.

George nailed it; you don't beat wires. I totally get the convenience of wireless, but having lived in a home with CAT5A dropped in every room and connected back through a gigabit switch....well, it's faster. Believe it.
 
I've got a TP link router / wireless node that's taking care of things just fine. One of the little Netgear range extenders that's not stellar, but working as needed. No upgrades required at this time.
 
I'm not a techie by anyone's imagination. I was having problems in my Mancave with buffering of Netflix and Amazon even with a wifi extender. So I went to Bestbuy and asked them what my options were. I ended up buying a gadget that uses the household wiring system as a network wiring. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-XAVB101-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B001AGM2VI . It works great.
 
Hardwire that chit.

Seriously - ezpecially the TV's.

Even if you use x-10 extenders (cat 5 thru the phone line) - it will be faster than wireless.


oh - and what he said - though you can get some inexpensive ones for under $20 - if you catch a sale.

Undegreed said:
I'm not a techie by anyone's imagination. I was having problems in my Mancave with buffering of Netflix and Amazon even with a wifi extender. So I went to Bestbuy and asked them what my options were. I ended up buying a gadget that uses the household wiring system as a network wiring. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-XAVB101-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B001AGM2VI . It works great.
Click to expand...
 
I lucked out....AT&T uverse offers extenders that create a Mesh network...I ordered 2 for about 4600 Sq ft on 3 floors, between the router and the extenders my speeds and connectivity now rock. They were also like 30 bucks on promo.....now $49.99

https://www.att.com/accessories/specialty-items/att-smart-wifi-extender.html#sku=sku8150271

May be too late but....

good write up for FIOS:
http://jimmymacsupport.com/get-better-wifi-verizon-fios/


Fios offers something similar.....but its $99....
https://www.verizon.com/home/accessories/fios-network-extender
 
Oh, I should also point out that the PC's, the Netflix connection, and my NAS server are all connected with good old CAT5E and happly running along at a GbE. Phones, printer, other stuff use the wireless connection.
 
I just got the Netgear Ac 1200 from Amazon. So far so good, no complaints.I plugged in at the pool house approx 40 feet away. It made a difference.
 
So, my house was built in the 80’s and has zero Ethernet/CAT5 cabling. What do you recommend then?

Looks like the Google Mesh version requires cabling?

Someone said a mesh system is out there that uses the house wiring to boost the signal. Does that mean the 120 Volt wiring?

Wouldn’t be too hard to hardwire the smart TV in my cigar room where I spend the most of my time. It’s close to the Fios router. The rest would be a major undertaking.
 
Anytime in networking that you can wire the device, you will be better served. Google WiFi only requires the main unit to be wired. The other units will repeat the signal and connect back to the main unit. In wireless networking whenever you repeat a signal it becomes degraded and slower.

I’ve never used the device that uses the electrical wireing but yes it uses the 120v. Those devices just plug into the wall outlet like you would plug in a lamp.
 
John, you'd be surprised at the wiring possibilities. I'd contact a local low voltage wiring specialist and get them out to your house and ask their advice on running some CAT5. Worth the time and effort to get a second or third opinion.

CAT5 connections just rip, and will be faster and better than wireless, every time. For TV's and Netflix links, I'd say it should be very high priority to hard wire them.

JMHO, YMMV, etc.....
 
jfields said:
So, my house was built in the 80’s and has zero Ethernet/CAT5 cabling. What do you recommend then?

Looks like the Google Mesh version requires cabling?

Someone said a mesh system is out there that uses the house wiring to boost the signal. Does that mean the 120 Volt wiring?

Wouldn’t be too hard to hardwire the smart TV in my cigar room where I spend the most of my time. It’s close to the Fios router. The rest would be a major undertaking.
Click to expand...


You can wire it yourself.

Call me if you want to discuss.
 
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