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Question

Router, Repeater, or better ISP?

by Oct 25, 2012 5:18AM PDT

Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read my discussion. Currently, I am trying to figure out if it would be benificial for me to purchase a new router, a repeater, or if my issue is my internet service provider for a current issue I am having, and for my home network i am working on.

Currently, I use the basic comcast home internet and cable service. I think I only get 20Mbps, and the router that it came with is a Netgear Wireless N-150 WNR1000 V2.

Currently, only my wife's computer, Nintendo Wii, my laptop, iPad, Xbox 360, and PS3 are connected over the network, but I am in the process of getting a computer I got my hands on to use a media server. In addition to the media server, I also am trying to fix up a computer for my mom (we all live in the same house) since she wants to be online as well.

Now for my current problem, the internet is kind of slow. Sometimes, even when my laptop is right next to the router in the family room, the internet is still slow as a snail, and when I get into backroom where my Xbox, and laptop normally stay, my connection drops sometimes. My wife doesnt have any issues because her computer is hooked in through an ethernet cable, but all the wireless devices in the house run slow.

I also see this as a potential issue in the future if more devices are going to be set up in the house, and since the server is going to be used to stream media throughout the house, I am trying to figure out what the best approach for this should be.

At the very least, 4 devices are going to be connected to the network at the sametime, but that will change to 6 once i get the server and my moms comp up and running. At most though, there's potenial for close to 10 or more devices on the network, including a buddy of mines and my sister in law who both frequent my house with there own devices.

Any advice?

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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Answer
Just one.
by Former Forum moderator Oct 25, 2012 5:37AM PDT

If you are connecting it all over WiFi you are going to learn an old lesson first hand. In short, get everything wired that you can or you will repeat an old lesson.

Also, you need to BANISH and FORBID all downloading on the internet. Configure your router to block TORRENTS and such because between that and having it all on WiFi = snails.

Bob

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Potential work around?
by WarMachineMK4 Oct 25, 2012 8:58PM PDT

Having everything on a wired connection i can see as possible, but not downloading? That may be a bit more difficult to do as my wife is constantly downloading things. Is there a work around that? Or will i just have to deal with snailing if she does decide to keep it up?

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When he mentioned Torrent ...
by Edward ODaniel Oct 25, 2012 10:55PM PDT

Bob was hinting at P2P file sharing of music and movies, he didn't mean small utilities, applications or the occasional download of something like one of the Linux ISOs for a Live CD or OS and application updates. P2P is a GREAT way to end up sharing not only your bandwidth but things you didn't realize others had access to.

You might mention to your wife though that most malware that ends up installed on a PC and causing problems results from downloading something "cute" like animated smiley faces or Windows themes from unknown sources.

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Helpful to know
by WarMachineMK4 Oct 26, 2012 2:32AM PDT

I will most definitely tell my wife this.

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Answer
The more devices sharing your network
by Oct 25, 2012 9:11PM PDT

the slower it will be. If there is streaming or downloading on one or more devices, it will be even slower. Not all downloading or streaming is bad. It depends on what it is. If you are going to have that many devices, get a better service and router.

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Answer
I found this solution by accident
by Oct 26, 2012 1:47PM PDT

It is called an Ethernet over Coax MOCA Network adapter. MOCA is an acronym for Multimedia Over Co-Axial. It is a technology that most cable companies are now using. Most rooms in homes are already wired with coaxial for their TVs.
The router and modem is on the 3rd floor and I'm in the basement. Running ethernet cable was a terrible option. I had an expensive wireless adapter that I would use to communicate with the router. (Belkin N750DB) I think I paid around $80 for it. The results were poor.
I saw this device mentioned while reading (mostly bad) reviews of power line adapter kits I was thinking of trying. http://www.actiontec.com/products/product.php?pid=192
I couldn't be happier! My internet speed screams.
http://www.speedtest.net/result/2267605693.png

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Answer
Wi-Fi Speed Counts
by Oct 27, 2012 12:15AM PDT

There is an easy fix to your problem. There does not seem to be a problem with your ISP. You answered that question when you mentioned that the directly wired devices have no problems. Your router is the culprit. If you check the Netgear website which list the speed and uses for your router you will see that your router is over taxed for what it can handle. Currently the max wireless speed is 150 mbps for the router you are using and that is for lite duty use. For the many wireless devices you are using 300 mbps is recommended and preferably dual band to balance out the load with older devices. This is especially true if you stream video (like movies) to some of these devices. I use to have the same problem years ago before I increased my wireless speed to handle slingbox, 4 wireless video cameras, tablets, blu ray players and desktops all connected to the Internet wired or wireless. Good luck with your fix!

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