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bratdawg423's avatar
bratdawg423
Star
Dec 20, 2021
Solved

WiFi Extender

Hi, I have Internet through Spectrum, and recently changed from their router to an R6700v3, as their new routers only broadcast one SSID for both bands. It gave me too many issues with smart plugs, l...
  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Dec 21, 2021

    You get good speed outside the building. The metal walls are blocking.  Pretty normal for metal exteriors. They're great at blocking wifi. 

    option? 

    actually use 2 extenders. But mount the first one outside the building and connect an ethernet wire to it that you run inside the building. connect the 2nd extender inside the building and connect the ethernet wire to it and set it up in access point mode. 

    That'll allow you to have the speed the exterior device is having but hardwired to the inside. You might just want to put the exterior one in a weatherproof enclosure. 

FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Dec 20, 2021

Try the extender at 30-40. 

 

Any chance to run a CAT6 cable to the shed from the man house area? 

bratdawg423's avatar
bratdawg423
Star
Dec 20, 2021

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately there is no easy way to run a cable. There is a screened in patio right behind the router, and a couple of cement slabs inbetween, one of which the shed is sitting on. Also, no place to put an extender part way as the only other electric is in the shed. I hate to get something without knowing if it will improve the signal, but thinking perhaps extenders have improved over the last nine years, just not sure which would work best with the router. But I'm an old fart so maybe something I'm not grasping! :-) 

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 20, 2021

    So the 2.4ghz band is the band that broadcasts the furthest and through the most materials.

    Bad news is that its a slow network. 

    And extenders need a decent signal to function off. 

    So before upgrading to a different extender, I'd first take a phone/laptop and stand where the extender is. 

    See if you can get a decent 5ghz signal at that point and then test the speed to see what you get. (and post it back here)

    A lot will depend on that speed. If its high enough, a decent dual band extender might help. 

    If its lower, then you might need to go to a triband extender to preserve the wireless backhaul speeds (dual/single bands drop throughput 50%)

    If its to low, then you're going to need to look at a different method of getting a signal to the mancave. Whether that be powerline, using MoCa adapters, or even a point to point system. 

    • bratdawg423's avatar
      bratdawg423
      Star
      Dec 20, 2021

      Thanks, I just went out with my phone, and standing outside the door, I get about 145mb on the 5ghz. Of course once I go inside, I can't get 5ghz, only 2.4, and that is only 4 to 5mb. If I open the door, I can get about 18mb so obviously the aluminum and the walls block plenty. Though I have gotten around 8 to 9mb through the extender with the door closed but it is not consistant. I'm open to suggestions, though I fear the right answer may be be difficult. Would a mesh W6 router be any better? Thanks again!