Help getting Internet signal downstairs

[Jader88]

Right now I have my desktop computer upstairs and the Wireless router (Netgear N900) is hooked up to the cable router. The problem I have is the network signal is so weak downstairs that i barely have 1 bar. So i want to know what my options are. Should I

1. Get a Wireless repeater like this NETGEAR WN3500RP-100NAS Wall-plug or the Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Dual Band Range Extender Repeater

2. Get a Powerline plug like the Netgear XAVB5101 Powerline Nano500

3. Buy a new wireless Router for upstairs and use the old Netgear N900 as a repeater.

Whats my best option.

 

[JackMDS]

Each one of the options above might or might not work depending on the Environment and power-lines in the walls.

You can pick one and give it a try.

One option that you did Not mention and has a better chance than any of the above is to lay a cable from the main Router to a good spot downstairs. Install there a Wireless Router configured as an Access Point.

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

Configuration of the second Router should have the same SSID and security as the main Router, using a different channel 1 ot 11 (depending on the main Router) preferred.

 

[jimpz]

One other simple thing to try, picture a direct line from your router to the lapto down stairs.
Asides from a simple floor/walls, is there anything in between? like a chimney, ducts, brick walls, refrigerator, a lot of pipes, or something that could 'block the signal?
Unless your house is exceptionally big, a wireless router *should* cover 2 floors.
Try moving either or both (if you can) & see if you get a better signal.
Otherwise, as JackMDS suggests, if you can run a cable, that is your best bet.

JimPz

 

[Emulex]

1mm flatwire. can go out a window and back in. etc. love the shit. cat6 so you can run 10gbase-T for short haul (30 feet) if not bundled with other wires. the stuff is indoors but i ran 2+ years outdoors with no issues until the wife said NO MOAR wires hanging outside.
lol.