Author Topic: Wireless repeaters  (Read 17042 times)

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Offline Bird

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Wireless repeaters
« on: July 10, 2013, 10:46:51 AM »
Anyone got any experience with them for home?

Few models listed here (was a google search)
http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/networking-hardware/07-repeaters-range-extenders/f/3827.aspx

I have the internets coming in at the back right corner with the modem/router/firewall, and need to get better signal upstairs at the front left of the house...

I've looked at running cable under the house, and the house has been extended over the years, and cant get up the wall where I need to :( I could get it thru the roof maybe, but in my peak physical condition I aint gettin up there.

Thoughts?
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Offline areyonga

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2013, 10:52:27 AM »
They are the go, makes life easier, the only downside is they have to be plugged in and turned on which is another way the power companies will win but they work well.

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Offline Bird

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2013, 10:56:22 AM »
They are the go, makes life easier, the only downside is they have to be plugged in and turned on which is another way the power companies will win but they work well.

Trevor
any recommendations on models etc? I do like Netgear stuff... never had issues with it.
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Offline Kangaron

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2013, 11:03:19 AM »

Offline Goose

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2013, 11:07:11 AM »
I do wireless networks for a living. Most domestic wireless problems are the cause of these 3 issues:

Domestic WLAN products have cheap wimpy antennas on both router and the client (laptop). Upgrade the antennas if they are replaceable or removable. It depends on the device. Jaycar or your local PC store is where to start. Even just upgrading the antennas one device will help.

Poor antenna position. Align as appropriate or relocate the router to a more central spot. A decent sparky can move for your ADSL line to a better spot in the house in about 20 minutes. If you can't relocate the router, then get the sparky to run a CAT5 cable from the router (most routers have 4 network ports in the back for this) to where you need connectivity (like in an office, bedroom or near a TV). Again this will take the sparky 30 minutes tops and probably be cheaper than a new device. Wired networks beat wireless a million times out of a million.

Channel crowding. Periodically change the wireless channel on your router to see if it improves.

Buying a repeater may seem an easy way out but it doesn't really address the underlying issues. Any of the above 3 fixes are also going to be cheaper than buying a new device. Plus you don't have the headache of managing that extra device.

Offline weso

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Wireless repeaters
« Reply #5 on: July 10, 2013, 11:07:35 AM »
Dlink or netgear is the go


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Offline areyonga

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #6 on: July 10, 2013, 11:19:05 AM »
Dlink or netgear is the go


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Offline Bookleaf

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2013, 11:33:39 AM »
As mentioned by GOOSE, rather than trying to run a cable yourself, get the sparkie to do it for you at time of initial installation.
Most probably cheaper than buying a pair of repeaters, and with a better result.
Improve it further with a better antenna once the router is repositioned.
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Offline Bird

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2013, 11:34:13 AM »
I do wireless networks for a living. Most domestic wireless problems are the cause of these 3 issues:

Domestic WLAN products have cheap wimpy antennas on both router and the client (laptop). Upgrade the antennas if they are replaceable or removable. It depends on the device. Jaycar or your local PC store is where to start. Even just upgrading the antennas one device will help.

Poor antenna position. Align as appropriate or relocate the router to a more central spot. A decent sparky can move for your ADSL line to a better spot in the house in about 20 minutes. If you can't relocate the router, then get the sparky to run a CAT5 cable from the router (most routers have 4 network ports in the back for this) to where you need connectivity (like in an office, bedroom or near a TV). Again this will take the sparky 30 minutes tops and probably be cheaper than a new device. Wired networks beat wireless a million times out of a million.

Channel crowding. Periodically change the wireless channel on your router to see if it improves.

Buying a repeater may seem an easy way out but it doesn't really address the underlying issues. Any of the above 3 fixes are also going to be cheaper than buying a new device. Plus you don't have the headache of managing that extra device.

You are 100% correct, wired is better.. I have 2 and 3/4 boxes of Cat 6 at home sittin there.
Do you think I can get someone to come and run it for me? No electricians in my area are interested in small jobs. If it isn't a new housing estate basically you can GAGF, or the quote you a new house price, even if you agree, they never show.

Optus will come out and move their outlet for me for - $250


Thus looking at this option.
Leading at moment...
http://www.ht.com.au/part/Y4066-NETGEAR-WN2000RPT-Universal-WiFi-Range-Extender-wireless-network-extender/detail.hts
« Last Edit: July 10, 2013, 11:35:53 AM by Lost »
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Offline eman

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2013, 11:46:57 AM »
Are there any apprentice's in your area that could run the cable?

I've used the Netgear Range Extender, results were less than satisfactory, would frequently lose the connection to the main wifi network even though it was in range.

Another option is a PowerLine adapter. I've installed one of these for the boss and it's been working fine for over 12 months. If there was an issue I definitely would have heard about it!
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Networking/Range-Extenders/NENP204

Offline noel_w

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2013, 12:36:55 PM »
Asus have been getting some rave reviews about their AC range of stuff. https://www.asus.com/Networking/RTAC66U/ and have the added bonus of being able to use 2.4 and 5Gig ranges at once on different SSID's.
Maybe get a couple of these and bridge them.
I have used the cheap TP-Link access points in "point to multipoint" bridge mode at home out to my garage/workshop and work a treat. Cheap as, as well.
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Offline areyonga

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #11 on: July 10, 2013, 12:45:53 PM »
Dick Smith have wifi extenders available at the moment for $49 and you only need one
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Offline Goose

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #12 on: July 10, 2013, 01:20:16 PM »
No electricians in my area are interested in small jobs. If it isn't a new housing estate basically you can GAGF, or the quote you a new house price, even if you agree, they never show.

I totally know your pain. Most tradies struggle to make a living on small domestic jobs. You could possibly offer to pay 2 hours minimum labour, even if the job is less. Or try and bundle it with some other electrical work to make it more worthwhile, or ask around at your local TLE / John Turk showroom for an older guy who does small jobs. Maybe see if you can find an electrician in your neighborhood and just knock on their door. Dunno... its hard to get them out.

Offline Goose

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2013, 01:22:55 PM »
You are 100% correct, wired is better.. I have 2 and 3/4 boxes of Cat 6 at home sittin there.
Do you think I can get someone to come and run it for me? No electricians in my area are interested in small jobs. If it isn't a new housing estate basically you can GAGF, or the quote you a new house price, even if you agree, they never show.

Optus will come out and move their outlet for me for - $250


Call a local TV antenna guy. They always do small jobs and make a living running cables through walls. Just don't tell them its a cat5 cable till they get there. Once you've got the cable run through the wall 90% of the job is done.

And another option may be to just ask the telstra, foxtel or optus guy if they will run the cable for cash if you supply materials. If you see one working nearby in a pit or on a pillar on the street just ask em... they might just do it for $100 never know.

Don't forget when buying cable to get about 50% more than what you need. So if you measure it as a 20m run 30m or more to be safe.
« Last Edit: July 10, 2013, 01:28:08 PM by Goose »

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2013, 02:04:13 PM »
Yes, cable wins 100% of the time, but not always an option.
I have an Apple Airport Extreme at home as an extender. Works very well, possibly because most of the devices that connect to it are Apple.
It has USB ports on it, so I can connect a printer and a hard drive for extra network storage, which you can make accessible from the interweb.
It also has options for 2.4 and 5Ghz PLUS the bonus of Guest wifi, which gives access to the internet for friends etc, but they cannot access your local data or other networked devices.

You also have to remember, your wireless speed will only ever be as fast as the slowest device connected to it. Some of the older i products are slow...
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Offline Kangaron

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #15 on: July 10, 2013, 04:41:17 PM »
Have some fun, make a cantenna.

Offline Bird

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #16 on: July 10, 2013, 04:43:27 PM »
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Offline evolution

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #17 on: July 10, 2013, 04:50:49 PM »
Hey lost,
would something like this work in your application?
http://www.buymesmart.com.au/products/5724-tp-link-tl-pa211-kit-200mbps-powerline-ethernet-adapter-kit-mini-size-homeplug-av-twin-pack.aspx?gclid=CPWUrtaqpLgCFcRbpQodRDIAvw

I know Im obviously a bit behind the times, but these were sent out for me by iinet for when my FetchTV was sent out to run the internet to the box.
I now use these for the main computer and I don't find it noticeably slower than a direct cable to the modem?

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Offline Kangaron

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #18 on: July 10, 2013, 05:23:06 PM »
I hadda look that one up.

http://www.cantenna.com/whatsa.html


Funny thing is they work, a mate uses a large fruit can and throws his net across the backward to his garage.
Can make one for less than $30

Offline Bird

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #19 on: July 15, 2013, 01:03:27 PM »
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Offline Kangaron

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #20 on: July 15, 2013, 01:49:53 PM »
Don't forget to post the results M8.

Offline baldheadedgit

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #21 on: July 15, 2013, 03:44:12 PM »
Has it arrived already ????

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Offline Bird

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #22 on: July 15, 2013, 03:54:22 PM »
Quote from: baldheadedgit
Has it arrived already ???

yep..  sittin on me desk.. :D

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Offline baldheadedgit

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #23 on: July 15, 2013, 04:01:54 PM »
Oh Shit.! settle down now.  ;D

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Re: Wireless repeaters
« Reply #24 on: July 15, 2013, 04:11:24 PM »
Hey Lost, you must still be on BHG's list  :D
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