[pjg]

Hi

I have Sky Broadband with an oldish (Netgear?) router of theirs, capable of b and g class wi-fi. This is at the front, ground floor of a terraced house.

I have a number of cat6 ethernet cables distributing hard-wired internet around the house, but I'd like to improve wi-fi coverage at the back/upstairs of the house - and also add n-class wi-fi to my network. I also have a USB3.0 1TB external hard-drive I'd like to add to the network.

So I'm looking for a combo network switch/USB3.0 capable (but 2.0 might be OK)/n-class wi-fi extender that would connect to the main router via ethernet. Is there on piece of kit that can do this? Can it extend the wifi zone using the same wifi name and password?

[Nigel Goodwin]

For a range extender I've had great success with the Edimax EW-7228APn, and it also provides 5 Ethernet sockets as well (it's a VERY versitile device). For your USB requirement you could plug an Ethernet/USB unit in one of those sockets, Belkin do such a unit - but it's NOT fast!.

[flagpole]

there is very little consumer level kit that is going to give you the speed it seems like you are hoping for over usb. usb 2 is theoretically 480Mbps. over your wifi network you aren't even going to be nudging that.

for wifi coverage. my inclination would be to disable the wifi on your sky router completely and put a wireless N access point like this or this in the middle of your house somewhere.

[Brush Master]

Originally Posted by flagpole

... my inclination would be to disable the wifi on your sky router completely and put a wireless N access point like this or this in the middle of your house somewhere.

My inclination would be to use what you've already got, and add to it. Forget "range extenders" or high performance antennas; simply get yourself a suitable second WiFi router and place it near the opposite end of your house, opposite from the first one. Configure both to use the same SSID, same security preferences, but different channels (5 apart).

[flagpole]

Originally Posted by Brush Master

My inclination would be to use what you've already got, and add to it. Forget "range extenders" or high performance antennas; simply get yourself a suitable second WiFi router and place it near the opposite end of your house, opposite from the first one. Configure both to use the same SSID, same security preferences, but different channels (5 apart).

well that would have been my suggestion too. except that the old sky routers are shit.

i would not suggest a range extender or performance antennae. they have their place but not here.

the same SSID is usually a good idea but it doesn't work so well when you are mixing g and n networks. The OP specifically asks for N speed. (and you don't need a second router. the DHCP will be handled by the router/modem you need a wireless access point if you use a router, unless you specifically configure it as a WAP your internal IP will change and you wont be on the same subnet.) some mobile devices, iPad for instance, don't handle the changeover very well so if he moves from the lounge the ipad will hang on to a weak g signal until it drops completely.

putting the second WAP at the opposite end of the house is daft. only half the useful signal is actually in the house. same with the one he already has. you have to devices both sending half the signal in to the house one of which is running at g speeds. what is wrong with one device covering the whole house at n speed? my solution requires no more equipment than yours and offers several advantages.

are you assuming that i didn't know about setting up two APs with the same SSID? i just don't think it's the best option here.

[cp2]

Have you considered asking Sky for a router upgrade to the new N version?
Granted they will probably charge for it but it might increase your range/ speed without further complications.

[flagpole]

Originally Posted by cp2

Have you considered asking Sky for a router upgrade to the new N version?
Granted they will probably charge for it but it might increase your range/ speed without further complications.

it's a good solution. there's a lot sky will do if you threaten to leave.

[pjg]

Originally Posted by cp2

Have you considered asking Sky for a router upgrade to the new N version?
Granted they will probably charge for it but it might increase your range/ speed without further complications.

Yes, that's an option. But I'm hanging on for an automatic router upgrade when Fibre comes to my street (it's on our local exchange, so hopefully on the street soon...) so don't want to pay for a new router now. Could threaten to leave, I suppose...

Thanks for all the other tips so far - anything else? Maybe it's not worth doing anything until the Fibre upgrade... but not clear quite how long I'll need to wait for that.

[flagpole]

it probably wont be long for fibre if it's at your exchange. they are pretty quick once the exchange is done then it's usually just the time it takes to do it. are the workmen in your area? could you ask them?

if we are price sensitive you can pick up an N Lite access point for about £20 and just plonk it somewhere on the wired network

[Brush Master]

Originally Posted by flagpole

...are you assuming that i didn't know about setting up two APs with the same SSID? i just don't think it's the best option here.

Of course did I not assume your ignorance. You are well known here as a knowledgeable contributor, chill out.

I do assume that OP's problem is, in part, related to reach. Switching to a centrally located 802.11N access point will improve the situation, but may not be sufficient. My house is a standard end of terraced house (with your usual set of extensions top and back). I find that I need one AP on each of my three floors for a decent coverage.

Since you inform me that the Sky device is daft, it will be best to go with your suggestion. More access points can always be added later if the single central AP is found insufficient.

[oilman]

Why not just add high speed router without modem to existing and diasble wifi and dchp on main router modem. Enable wifi on high speed router. Connect rest of network to high speed router. High speed router needs static ip and to be set as dhcp server.

This way router connected to internet is unchanged. No point changing as internet not fast enough.

I am set up this way. All internal wire at speeds up tp 1
Gigabit/s and wifis at300+ mbps. System speed is now often limited by pc speed.

[Desolate one]

If you are looking for extended wi-fi coverage not wired then a wireless extender(repeater) is what you would go for to boost the wireless signal.

Alternatively you could use homeplugs main router into homeplug one downstairs and another upstairs connected to an access point and any wireless clients connecting to access point upstairs.

Just options to consider

[flagpole]

Originally Posted by Desolate one

If you are looking for extended wi-fi coverage not wired then a wireless extender(repeater) is what you would go for to boost the wireless signal.

Alternatively you could use homeplugs main router into homeplug one downstairs and another upstairs connected to an access point and any wireless clients connecting to access point upstairs.

Just options to consider

the OP's house is wired with cat6.