Cheapest way to boost wifi signal? Extender or Router?

[pete6032]

We have an Xfininty 2 in 1 cable modem and router on the first floor of house. Computer is in the basement and the wifi is spotty. What is the best way to get wifi down there? I can buy a WD My Wifi range extender for $35, or can I buy another router that uses DD-WRT? I have no experience with DD-WRT. What would be the cheapest option? All I'm looking to do is extend the wifi downstairs. Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Buying a Wirelss Router.

Flashing it with DD-WRT, or Tomato is the best cost effective/technical solution.

What to buy?

Depends on your Network Clients and environment.

 

[smitbret]

Are you talking about using the router as an AP?

If so, try this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122275

 

[pete6032]

So I was just digging through my stuff and I have a Linksys e4200 lying around not using it. I see I can install DDWRT on it. Looks fairly straight forward, anyone have any advice on a build to install? All I need it to do is boost my current wifi signal so I can get it in the basement.

 

[CA19100]

Is this on a desktop machine?

If so, and the wireless card has a detachable antenna, you might just consider getting a better antenna. I swapped this in, and my signal got dramatically better:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034CQSKW

 

[smitbret]

So I was just digging through my stuff and I have a Linksys e4200 lying around not using it. I see I can install DDWRT on it. Looks fairly straight forward, anyone have any advice on a build to install? All I need it to do is boost my current wifi signal so I can get it in the basement.

I'd recommend running a wire to the basement and connecting the e4200 as an AP by turning off NAT and DHCP.

 

[JackMDS]

I'd recommend running a wire to the basement and connecting the e4200 as an AP by turning off NAT and DHCP.

+1

Technically this is always the best solution.

Using Access Points or Wireless Cable/DSL Routers as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[Red Squirrel]

I'm a big fan of Unifi, they are cheap and have great range, and if you need more range you can add multiple APs to act as one network so it auto hops from AP to AP if you move around the house. I have not played with multi AP setups myself but I heard good things about it.

 

[ElFenix]

i had great success using a cheap powerline network kit and cheap USB powered travel router to extend my wireless to a lower floor.

 

[Homerboy]

I was just coming here to post the exact same question.

I have AT&T UVerse with their router sitting in my basement. Signal is fine on the 1st floor, but in the upstairs bedrooms, on hand-held devices, the signal sucks. I have a a cat5 line running to the 2nd floor already and planned on tossing an AP onto that line.

I guess my question is which AP?

 

[Homerboy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156232

something like that?

 

[pete6032]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm looking at these two options with power outlet networking.

TP Link 200 mbps outlet network

vs.

TP Link 500 mbps outlet network

Aren't both of these capped at 100 mbps since they both have 10/100 jacks?

 

[LinkTECH]

router

 

[ch33zw1z]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm looking at these two options with power outlet networking.

TP Link 200 mbps outlet network

vs.

TP Link 500 mbps outlet network

Aren't both of these capped at 100 mbps since they both have 10/100 jacks?

If they're 100Mbps full duplex connections, then they're effectively 200Mbps. for a $5 price difference, just get the 500Mbps model.

 

[ch33zw1z]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156232

something like that?

That will work just fine. If you have a spare router, you can turn that into a WAP, and that will give you 3 wired ports to use as well.