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Question

no wifi signal to tv

Mar 17, 2018 4:42PM PDT

I have a Samsung PN60F8500 smart TV several rooms away from my modem/router/computer. I've been told that I could use a 2nd modem in the TV room to get a signal strong enough to do some streaming, etc. independently of my computer setup. This true? Can it be any ol' cheap modem?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Further details...
Mar 17, 2018 4:48PM PDT

Sorry, forgot to say that I can't get cable here. So, using DSL. Also, if it matters, a DirecTV DVR is on the TV. Reception great.

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Answer
Google "using a router as a WAP".
Mar 17, 2018 4:50PM PDT

Should sort you out.
Dafydd.

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Answer
Can a 2nd DSL modem be a solution?
Mar 18, 2018 12:03PM PDT

Thanks Dafydd for the suggestion about using a 2nd router as an access point, but that's not what I'm after. My question is about using a 2nd modem. Here's more clarification:

For me, using the computer at one end of the house and watching TV at the other end is an either/or situation. I'd like to get a strong wi-fi signal to my TV independent of the modem/router at the computer. That all will be turned off if I'm watching TV. (Otherwise it becomes a power vampire).

So, my question is: can I use a 2nd DSL modem (and I mean modem, not router) in my TV room to get wi-fi to the TV? Someone suggested this to me but I don't know if it's truly possible. My smart TV is a Samsung PN60F8500. I have a DirecTV DVR on the TV and I'm using DSL because cable isn't available.

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Yes, but the monthly costs are too much for most.
Mar 18, 2018 1:00PM PDT

When we install a second DSL or Cable Modem this means the ISP will have to supply a second connection or account. This usually doubles the monthly cost of your internet connection.

Your wallet, your choice.

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Answer
Use a repeater
Mar 19, 2018 8:38AM PDT

I would suggest avoid a second modem since you already have one modem/router from where you get the internet.
Use a repeater midway to boost the signal that comes from your modem/router to your Smart TV room.
To keep the signal strength strong and consistent, make sure there are fewer obstructions like walls.
Because wireless signals travel through the atmosphere, they are susceptible to different types of interference than standard wired networks. Interferences weaken wireless signals.

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Can I use house wiring to transmit wired or wireless signal?
Mar 21, 2018 12:30PM PDT

By "repeater" I assume you mean extender. Which I've tried but but those durn immovable walls remain the problem. However, it's possible I can get somewhere with a 300 Mbps Range Extender that employs house wiring to send the signal through the house. Such a device comes in two parts: a transmitter that picks up wifi from the router (or plugs into a port) and plugs into a wall socket; and a receiver in the TV room that would plug into a socket and cables to the LAN input on the TV. These things are around $60. Does anyone reading this have any experience with this type of device?

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Yes. I have deployed Powerline networking.
Mar 21, 2018 12:41PM PDT

It's one of the best solutions when dealing with thick walls. That would be concrete, metal or other RF obstructions.


I haven't used the newest of models since we only do this when it's called for but here's an example unit from Amazon. I like this design since it gets us both wired and WiFi where it's needed. There is a caveat about "sides" of the powerline but that's all on the web so I pause and share the model I might pick up today.

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Powerline-N300-Starter-XWNB5201/dp/B009WG6K66