Author Topic: Extending Wireless Modem Range (Read 4592 times)

Sowhat · « **on:** October 26, 2012, 12:51:36 PM »

I have the standard Verizon FIOS modem. How do I extend its reach, up three flights? Its pretty weak. Thx.

joesmoe · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2012, 01:14:44 PM »

Probably be better off to just buy your own wireless router and use it instead of the one that's built into the modem (disable the one in the modem).

Look for a high powered wireless access point.

rots5 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2012, 01:15:54 PM »

Quote from: joesmoe on October 26, 2012, 01:14:44 PM

Probably be better off to just buy your own wireless router and use it instead of the one that's built into the modem (disable the one in the modem).

Look for a high powered wireless access point.

or you can add it to the actual router so its like you have 2 (i do this in my parents house have the n300 attached to the verizon one s well)

njmacman · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2012, 02:40:44 PM »

WHich access points work best with a D-link dir-655 (wireless n 300)? I could use the signal just a little stronger for my bilevel apartment. Thanks.

moto · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2012, 02:59:04 PM »

Are there any routers that cost under $100 dollar's that is string enough for 3 floors?

joesmoe · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2012, 04:15:34 PM »

You really get what you pay for with routers these days, its all pretty competitive.

I use an apple airport extreme and it works great, though it was like $150 iirc.

For $100 you could probably find something. Be prepared to try a couple different ones at that price point before finding one with adequate range.

L'Chaim · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2012, 03:28:57 PM »

You could try change the settings so that it should transmit with more power,

Sowhat · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2012, 05:25:49 PM »

L'Chaim, what do you mean, which setting should I try to change? And how do I access the settings?

Sowhat · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2012, 05:36:29 PM »

and for those that suggested doubling up the mpodems, how do I do that? Thx.

L'Chaim · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2012, 05:51:11 PM »

Quote from: Sowhat on November 04, 2012, 05:25:49 PM

L'Chaim, what do you mean, which setting should I try to change? And how do I access the settings?

Go to 192.168.1.1 and check the router for the username and password (usually on the sticker).
Change transmit power to 100%. GL

Moishebatchy · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2012, 06:20:13 PM »

Quote from: L'Chaim on November 04, 2012, 05:51:11 PM

Go to 192.168.1.1 and check the router for the username and password (usually on the sticker).
Change transmit power to 100%. GL

The problem with that is that if the client device isn't as strong, the access point will be talking to the wall. It doesn't matter if it hears the AP loud and clear, if it can't respond. You need an AP that can pickup the weak response, too.

joesmoe · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2012, 08:20:34 PM »

Quote from: Moishebatchy on November 04, 2012, 06:20:13 PM

The problem with that is that if the client device isn't as strong, the access point will be talking to the wall. It doesn't matter if it hears the AP loud and clear, if it can't respond. You need an AP that can pickup the weak response, too.

Not completely true, some WAP's have better antenna and more sensitive radios.

Name Changed · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2012, 08:27:24 PM »

Setup a repeater.

Put DD-WRT onto any compatible router.

Moishebatchy · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2012, 05:41:04 AM »

Quote from: joesmoe on November 04, 2012, 08:20:34 PM

Not completely true, some WAP's have better antenna and more sensitive radios.

Did you read which post I quoted? The poster was talking about boosting transmit levels on a regular access point. My point was precisely what you are saying - that you often need an access point that is better to begin with, not just a regular access point with souped-up transmit power.

L'Chaim · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2012, 06:27:19 AM »

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Quote from: Moishebatchy on November 05, 2012, 05:41:04 AM

Did you read which post I quoted? The poster was talking about boosting transmit levels on a regular access point. My point was precisely what you are saying - that you often need an access point that is better to begin with, not just a regular access point with souped-up transmit power.

I 100% agree with you, but it's very possible that it would be enough for him.
You never go wrong with trying first.

Moishebatchy · « **Reply #15 on:** November 05, 2012, 06:41:12 AM »

Quote from: L'Chaim on November 05, 2012, 06:27:19 AM

I 100% agree with you, but it's very possible that it would be enough for him.
You never go wrong with trying first.

I didn't say he shouldn't try. I just warned what the potential pitfall could be.

Yeki89 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2012, 07:40:54 AM »

Quote from: Name Changed on November 04, 2012, 08:27:24 PM

Setup a repeater.

Put DD-WRT onto any compatible router.

i have a friend that did that, works like a gem.

BAHayman · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2012, 08:31:16 AM »

Just going to point out that if you use two routers in wireless repeater mode, you will only get half speed on the second router. If you can, you are better off connecting the two routers via an Ethernet cable.

Sowhat · « **Reply #18 on:** November 18, 2012, 06:01:16 PM »

I finally got around to looking at this. My router doesnt have a % usage, it has 11 channels. Verizon suggested changing the channels to find better reception, but so far its still weak. Do I need a new modem/router? Any specs I need to look for?

Sowhat · « **Reply #19 on:** November 18, 2012, 06:02:56 PM »

check that. I saw the post re raising the transmission to 100% as being on the advanced options page. I checked that and its 100%.