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Forum Discussion
Extending wireless range of N600: Powerline 1000 vs. Nighthawk AC1900
My parents have a family cabin in the remote north woods of Minnesota that has broadband internet for the first time. We have a bunkhouse 140 feet away from the cabin that I'd like to work from this summer but the N600 (Model WNDR3400v3) signal in the cabin is too weak for effective work in the bunkhouse. Signal is adequate in the cabin. Laying an ethernet cable is not feasible (or at least I'd really like to avoid it). Could the Nighthawk AC1900 reach the distance with "adequate" signal for VOIP and internet browsing (primary priority) and streaming video (secondary priority)? The two buildings have line of sight with trees and shrubs between. I'm looking for the least complex solution possible to avoid calls from my parents when I'm not around ("why isn't wifi from the bunkhouse working again?"). Cost is less important.
What is recommended: Replace the N600 with a new router like the Nighthawk or Powerline 1000?
3 Replies
Nothing can beat Ethernet. No can really say whether the Nighthawk or Powerline will be better. Nighthawks have great range but going 140 feet between trees and at least two sets of exterior walls may be a challenge. Powerline performance is entirely dependent on the quality and layout of the AC wiring. The bunkhouse needs to share a circuit with the cabin for best performance.
How fast is your Internet service?
Thank you for the response! It is one AC circuit between cabin and bunkhouse. Current internet speed is slow - 15Mbps download by one measure via iPad today (from nontechnical family member). Putting in a Nighthawk AC1900 router with such meager internet spead is total over kill but if it can push the wireless signal 140 feet to the bunkhouse, I'm game. (I'll pay for higher tier service if available.)
Please confirm my thinking:
A. Nighthawk router should extend ~100' (depending on interference, walls, etc.) putting the bunkhouse at 140 feet in possible but uncertain range.
B. I won't notice the difference between PowerLine 1000 and 500 given the slow internet speed.
Therefore, go with PowerLine 500 since it's more likely to provide internet service in the bunkhouse and will save me some money.
Agree? Thanks again!
John
Agree with A. I'm not entirely sure about B. If you see a huge price differential then by all means try PowerLine 500 first. Switch to PowerLine 1000 if you find that performance doesn't meet expectations.
