Using a wifi range extender
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Using a wifi range extender
04-11-2014 1:43 PM
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The extender works pretty well when it is working, but does seem to suffer from frequent random disconnection. I'm wondering if this may be due to the router setup, as there is a power saving feature which I believe reduces the signal broadcast strength when not in use, and I'm not sure if the extender is seen by the router as a connected device. Is it worth me switching off the powersave option to see if this helps?
Secondly, I have been using the Wifi Analyser app on my tablet to see how the signal strength varies throughout the house. I have noticed that the wifi channel seems to change periodically, usually between channels 6 and 11. I thought the tg582n would check neighbouring signals and select the least used channel when powered up, and keep using that channel unless either changed manually or if rebooted, but it seems to change between 6 and 11 quite frequently. Can I force the router to use a particular channel, and if so can I choose one other than 1, 6 or 11 which it appears are used by many of my neighbours?
Re: Using a wifi range extender
05-11-2014 2:49 PM
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While I'm no expert in the of Wifi range extenders it does sound a lot like the channel switch on the Thomson could well be causing the drops in connectivity with the range extender. There is an option in the Thomson to manually set the channel so it could well be worth using the analyser you mentioned to find a quieter channel and then manually set the Thomson to this and see if the drops continue.
I suppose this all falls to the way in which the range extender manages a change in channels so as I say, I'm not that confident where the range extenders are concerned however it would be worth checking it with this simple test and hopefully it should help.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
05-11-2014 3:33 PM
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I checked the router settings yesterday evening. The Powersave facility was not active, and since I haven't changed it I can only assume this is the default. The channel section was set to automatic, but even so I was not expecting the channel to change unless the router was rebooted. Can you confirm whether or not when automatic is selected the channel will change in response to any interference from other router wifi signals?
In any event, I changed it to manual, selected channel 13 as this seemed to be the least used. So far, the range extender seems to be more stable, and I'll keep an eye on it and see if I can configure the Wifi Analyser app to record a log. The signal strength is measured in units of dBm, ranging from -10 to -80, and typically getting around 50-60dBm peak for the signal from the Thomson router and the Belkin extender, depending on location. When I get home I'll see if I can locate specifications for signal strength for both devices.
I'm hoping this would be an effective method of getting a better wifi from the TG582n without spending on a new router. The range extender was only £15. Another option would be to get homeplugs for around £20 and use one of the spare routers I seem to have collected. My ADSL version of the TG582n seemed to perform better for wifi, and I also have a Technicolor 585 which has an external antenna.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
05-11-2014 5:23 PM
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I've just had confirmation that the wireless channel should only switch on a reboot so this may not be the cause of the issue however a shift to a fixed channel could possibly help if the channel is more stable and there is then no chance of this being changed on a planned/unplanned powercycle of the equipment.
Let us know how you go with this and we can investigate further if you start seeing the connection dropping again.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
06-11-2014 9:46 AM
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Thanks for the clarification. I don't understand why the wifi analyser appeared to show changes in channel when the router hadn't been rebooted, but this may be an artifact of the app itself. If I find out any more I'll update the thread. It is apparent that changing to a manual channel selection and selecting channel 13 has improved the stability of the range extender.
Looking in more detail at the signal strength plots/dial of the wifi analyser app, I don't really understand the units or what is being measured. The units are negative values of dBm ranging from -10 to -100, where the strongest signal is the least negative. The difference in readings between the router and the extender is at most around 10-15 dBm, with a peak of -45dBm, depending on where in the house the readings are taken. The difference seems smaller than you would expect when next to either device, but I believe that there is a logarithmic element to the units. I'm sure there are contributors on this forum with much greater knowledge than mine who could clarify these results.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
06-11-2014 12:32 PM
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We've always had a dead spot in the kitchen and as I was using Devolo homeplugs I bought one of these and it's been superb.
http://www.devolo.com/en/Products/dLAN-500-WiFi
Obviously you need a Devolo homeplug near the router with a cable to get the broadband into the power-circuit but the unit is so small it just sits in a plug socket.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
06-11-2014 2:41 PM
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I chose a slightly different product: dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ for the 5GHz access; I'm in the process of trying things out with that, but I have to be careful not to disrupt the daytime working environment for SWMBO.
Using FTTC since 2011. Currently on 80/20 Unlimited Fibre Extra.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
06-11-2014 4:48 PM
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The problem is their front door is near their bedroom and as you enter, your phone connects to the Netgear.
Then you walk down the corridor to the living room where you expect a good signal from the TP-Link but the phone is still hanging on for dear life to the weakening Netgear signal.
You, therefore have to manually connect to the TP-Link which drops the Netgear.
To argue with someone who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead - Thomas Paine
Re: Using a wifi range extender
09-11-2014 11:05 PM
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Thanks for the advice/recommendation for the homeplug devices. I'm sure these are excellent products, but the extender seems to work satisfactorily and fulfils my needs. If the situation changes I'll be able to review this thread for advice.
Thanks for all the help.
Re: Using a wifi range extender
09-11-2014 11:31 PM
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Re: Using a wifi range extender
13-11-2014 10:12 AM
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Only £15 in Argos, and if it doesn't work you can take it back for a refund within 14 days. Got to be worth a try.
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