Wi-Fi Extension advice sought

Domenico · 2-12-2019 04:38:46

I have a BT Smart Hub Router (working with 300Mb broadband) in an Ground Floor understairs cupboard, which provides a decent enough signal to run most tech in the House however, I have a Hive Thermostat in my First Floor Bedroom which keeps dropping its connection to the Router. My Son has an XBox in his First Floor Bedroom and has no issues, but I'm considering getting something that improves the signal received upstairs.

I have a BT port in my Bedroom which I (presumably) can hard-wire from and am considering a Wi-Fi extender in the room to wire to, alternatively, have this extender work without a hard-wire (and just pick-up the Router signal).

Could anyone recommend (i) Wi-Fi Extender Product and (ii) whether I should cable from the port or just rely on the signal alon from downstairs? Thanks

Greg Hook · 2-12-2019 04:38:47

Wi-Fi extenders that connect to your existing Wi-Fi and extend it are all crap. Not worth bothering with.

A couple of possible options:
Powerline adaptors with Wi-Fi (one would be connected via Ethernet to your router, the other where ever you want.
Additional router setup as an access point and use the wireless of that.
Consider a mesh wi-fi system (expensive).

Domenico · 2-12-2019 04:38:48

Thanks Greg, interesting perspective on extenders. Lots of good reviews on (dirty word approaching) Amazon, had me convinced. Would I purchse a normal router and set-up using a laptop? Please forgive Layman intellect.

Greg Hook · 2-12-2019 04:38:49

The trouble with WiFi extenders that simply clone the existing Wi-Fi signal and they are often very flakey and the speeds are not great.

If you got another router (anything will do really from the last few years, second hand for example), you connect it up, then connect via web browser and configure it that way. Turn it into an AP and go from there. It would result in two Wi-fi networks though, but at least you would have two strong networks for the various parts of the house.

Domenico · 2-12-2019 04:38:49

Cheers Greg. I'm going to search for a you tube video for support in getting this set-up. If you could suggest a link, I'd appreciate it?

Eddy555 · 2-12-2019 04:38:50

Tenda Nova mesh WiFi are great value - worth a look
Tenda Nova MW3 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Pack of 3: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories Tenda Nova MW3 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Pack of 3: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories www.amazon.co.uk Tenda MW6 Nova AC1200 Whole Home Wi-Fi Mesh System (Pack of 3): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories Tenda MW6 Nova AC1200 Whole Home Wi-Fi Mesh System (Pack of 3): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories www.amazon.co.uk
A few of my friends have the MW3 and are very pleased with them. My folks installed the MW6 and that's fixed a load of issues with WiFi (they had extenders which were a pain).

mushii · 2-12-2019 04:38:51

Your best bet would be trying to get a Cat5e / Cat 6 cable from where your router is to your loft. This would then allow you to install a wireless access point (any flavour) on your first floor providing additional wifi coverage. Failing that look at any of the Mesh Wifi Products.

Domenico · 2-12-2019 04:38:51

I've been recommended BT Wi-Fi discs to create a mesh network. As I have a BT Smart Hub 2, would this be a suitable solution?

mushii · 2-12-2019 04:38:52

Domenico · 2-12-2019 04:38:53

Thanks

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