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Forum Discussion
Router to EX7000 using just 2.4 - or just 5?
Hi, just wanting to get some thoughts before I start with this tomorrow.
Router is in house, EX7000 is in shed approx 20-30m away. I think by default the EX7000 uses both 2.4 and 5 bands simultaneously to link to the router and to broadcast it's own new SSID.
I see there is the "Fastlane" option.
I am thinking about: (on the router) using 2 SSIDs - a 2.4ghz for general device connection, then a separately named 5Ghz SSID that is exclusively for linking to the EX7000. Then having the EX7000 create is new extended SSID also on 2.4Ghz only.
That way all devices are connected on 2.4GHZ only (both router and EX7000), and the 5GHZ is exclusive to linking the EX7000 to the router.
The main purpose of the network is to access a fibre connection capped at 100mbps. No modern or fast devices on the network. Some of the devices (old phone) can only connect via 2.4.
Thoughts?
4 Replies
20-30m going from internal to a home to an external building might stretch the distance. Its not that far but the problem tends to be the exterior walls of homes/buildings. Plus outbuildings tend to be made form things like tin/metal. They block wifi really well.
I'd test your signal from inside the shed. Easiest way to get a real test
Hardwire a pc/laptop into the extender. Then turn on fastlane and test the speeds in each mode to see which works the best/most capable for your setup. If the shed is just being used for some smart devices, then your idea might be fine. If you're needing more bandwidth for things like streaming/gaming/work from home in the shed, it might need a different setup to get a good signal to the shed.
The cladding on both buildings is timber. The EX7000 has been used successfully in the past (setup by someone else) for the same purpose with a Netcom router - I just don't know how well it worked and I'm aiming to make it better. All the devices that will connect to either network are smart devices, laptops, etc. The shed may on occasion host someone working from home (laptop).
Good idea re: hardwiring my laptop to test speeds, I'll do that - will take the guess work out of it.
Sounds fine if the router allows the 2.4G and 5G to have different SSID. (Orbi routers do not.)
It might be a good idea to confirm that the router 5G signal will be strong enough at a distance of 20-30m.
Would want to configure the 2.4G channels to be different on the router and EX7000.
It might be a good idea to confirm that the router 5G signal will be strong enough at a distance of 20-30m.
nzben007: Check the signal strength of 2.4 GHz first. 2.4 GHz has a longer range than 5 GHz, so if 2.4 GHz doesn't give a good connection then 5 GHz won't either. You can test this on your phone using the free Ookla (speedtest) app. Disable mobile data during the tests, just to make sure you are checking the wifi connections.
If 2.4 GHz does reach, then test 5 GHz using a (newer) phone/tablet or a laptop that supports both bands.
If 2.4 GHz doesn't reach, then you'll need a different approach. Powerline networking is one possibility.
