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Question

Help with making wifi signal stronger

by Dec 24, 2012 2:15AM PST

My router/gateway from AT&T is in my basement. so upstairs its a really weak signal. I just changed the channel 11, and the mode to 802.11g. What else can i do? there is no antenna and i have an extra router up stairs if something can be done with that.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Answer
Not much
by Dec 24, 2012 4:07AM PST

Not much. Some routers can be configured as repeaters, but it's kind of a case by case thing, so you'd have to look at the other router to see if that would even be an option.

Changing the channel only helps if there is some kind of interference, like from a neighbor's router, and generally speaking 11n has a wider coverage area than 11g. So, really your only options would be to move either the router or the upstairs computer (or both), or run an ethernet cable from the router to the upstairs computer.

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Answer
I find repeaters to rarely help.
by Former Forum moderator Dec 24, 2012 4:24AM PST

I have used the "Router as a WAP" solution many times and that can help.

Just wondering, with all the warnings to not put wifi routers in basements, why was that advice ignored?
Bob

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Basement
by NM122 Dec 26, 2012 5:27AM PST

I had to place it in the basement becasue that where the ATT guy said would be best and only way i could work it so i have internet connection for my xbox 360

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The next ATT person may change that advice.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Dec 26, 2012 10:16AM PST

My bet is they did that because it was convenient.

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Answer
Wireless-N could help
by Dec 24, 2012 4:31AM PST

Does the router in the basement have a socket to plug in a network cable? If so, get yourself a WAP (Wireless Access Point) with wireless-N and connect it via cable to the AT&T box. Wireless-N has a greater range than G and is faster too.

Good luck.

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Good idea.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Dec 24, 2012 4:42AM PST

But my old 802.11g routers went further than my new 802.11n router. That claim seems to be hit and miss.
Bob

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