Wondered if any of the tech gurus on here could help me out. (sorry for the long post)

I currently have a basic wifi network consisting of an ADSL modem/router (Sky BB supplied) and this sends the wifi signal to a laptop and PS3. My problem is the patchy signal from the router. Unfortunately the modem has to be in the back upstairs bedroom as this is the only location that has a plug socket and phone socket in close proximity to each other.

I've just bought a set of homeplugs which I intend to use to make a wired connection from the modem down into the living room and wire my PS3. Ideally I want to improve the signal downstairs and into the conservatory.

I'm not sure if I need a wireless bridge, access point, extender or repeater etc. My plan was to get a wireless router, plug this into the downstairs homeplug and use this to extend the wireless signal. Would this work or am I going about it the wrong way?

Cheers

Wondered if any of the tech gurus on here could help me out. (sorry for the long post)

I currently have a basic wifi network consisting of an ADSL modem/router (Sky BB supplied) and this sends the wifi signal to a laptop and PS3. My problem is the patchy signal from the router. Unfortunately the modem has to be in the back upstairs bedroom as this is the only location that has a plug socket and phone socket in close proximity to each other.

I've just bought a set of homeplugs which I intend to use to make a wired connection from the modem down into the living room and wire my PS3. Ideally I want to improve the signal downstairs and into the conservatory.

I'm not sure if I need a wireless bridge, access point, extender or repeater etc. My plan was to get a wireless router, plug this into the downstairs homeplug and use this to extend the wireless signal. Would this work or am I going about it the wrong way?

Cheers

Wireless Access Point in Repeater mode would do what you want. Basically, it would take the wireless signal from the router, and repeat it on. Anything connected to the repeater gets all info sent back to the router via wireless. Laptops etc would grab the strongest signal, be it the router or repeater.

Or, place the AP centrally, and use it instead of the wireless on the router, and turn the wireless on the router off.

Surely adding one homeplug next to the router and another wherever you need extra access would be best?

However do you need wireless access in your laptop or can it plug in to a homeplug?

have you tried changing the channel on your router?

You could use another wireless AP with a different SSID without problem.

The homeplug is currently connected to the PS3. I really need an improved wireless signal downstairs for the laptop/DS/phone etc. The wife uses the wireless for work as well so needs access as various points downstairs.

Changed the channel to 6 and moved the router also. Have got a wifi analyser on my phone and it now suggests 14 may be the best channel. TBH i think the Sky supplied router is rubbish.

Foo> Could I set up another wireless AP and set it to the same SSID and WPA key as my current router?

do you have a baby monitor or similar or could your neighbours have one or something else like a wireless TV transmitter thingy. All these sorts of things use the same bunch of frequencies. We have a baby monitor which obliterates the wireless routers signal even when it is at the other end of the house and you have a laptop next to the router. I had a sky router (linksys one) and it was pretty good. Try changing the channel to 14 and see how you get on.

We have DECT cordless phone system. One of the phones is a bit near to the router. Got a detached house so I don't think I have too many problems with interference. For some reason I don't tend to have many problems picking up other wireless APs in the area. Will give changing the channel a go tonight and see if I can get the cordless phone moved this weekend.

Changed the channel to 6 and moved the router also. Have got a wifi analyser on my phone and it now suggests 14 may be the best channel. TBH i think the Sky supplied router is rubbish.

If it is the Sagem F@ST unit that looks like a mini sky box, then the wifi on it is so rubbish it could not fight its way out of a wet paper bag. I have switched back to using my old router instead of the sky supplied one.

Foo> Could I set up another wireless AP and set it to the same SSID and WPA key as my current router?

In theory yes, then which ever AP was offering the strongest signal your device would attach too.

As you already have the Home plugs, stick one next to the router, and the other in the livingroom, and plug a second AP into that with the same SSID and keys set (different channel though).

If it is the Sagem F@ST unit that looks like a mini sky box, then the wifi on it is so rubbish it could not fight its way out of a wet paper bag. I have switched back to using my old router instead of the sky supplied one.

In theory yes, then which ever AP was offering the strongest signal your device would attach too.

As you already have the Home plugs, stick one next to the router, and the other in the livingroom, and plug a second AP into that with the same SSID and keys set (different channel though).

Yeah it's the sagem one that looks like a Sky box. I know you're meant to use it according to Sky T&C but may just change it to a wireless N unit.

Yeah it's the sagem one that looks like a Sky box. I know you're meant to use it according to Sky T&C but may just change it to a wireless N unit.

I haven't read that in my Sky T&Cs, but as the wifi on it is so rubbish, I have decided that *can't* use it Currently using my Draytekm but not sure that is overly happy, so I might have to get something else :'(

I've given-up on wireless network due to everybody else in the neighbourhood having wireless and interfering with the signal. Also, i suspect my wireless set-up was hacked, at least once.

So I use 2 X devolo units which are equivalent to homeplug. No problems at all now.

I've located the ADSL modem/router so that it runs off the BT master telephone socket in the downstairs living room (Much better signal than running it of of an extension) and have a network cable link from one of the network ports on the router to a devolo plug unit in the sitting room. The computer is is connected through another mini Netgear router in the bedroom to a second devolo unit plugged-in into a mains socket in the bedroom.

I've found that the Devolo units don't like running off of some types of extension socket which have embedded heavy duty electrical smoothing and spike suppression electronics.

Nick

Edited 23 October, 201015 yr by Clunkclick

A properly setup wireless network should be perfectly secure, indeed WPA2 meets government security standards. As long as its configured right, uses an idependent channel to local networks it should work well.

At home, we are surrounded by nearly 15 networks yet our network still works as intended. Use a tool to examine what channels the surrounding networks are on and set yours accordingly.

A properly setup wireless network should be perfectly secure, indeed WPA2 meets government security standards. As long as its configured right, uses an idependent channel to local networks it should work well.

At home, we are surrounded by nearly 15 networks yet our network still works as intended. Use a tool to examine what channels the surrounding networks are on and set yours accordingly.

+1

As I've said before, I don't like these power socket networking kits, as data often isn't encrypted and can be seen by others in up to a 5 mile radius!

+1

As I've said before, I don't like these power socket networking kits, as data often isn't encrypted and can be seen by others in up to a 5 mile radius!

A lot of people dont realise how insecure these power adapter networks are, as you say anyone within a 5 mile radius on the same phase as your house can pickup the network signals. Because they have such a large range they are also not immune from surrounding network interference.

A lot of people dont realise how insecure these power adapter networks are, as you say anyone within a 5 mile radius on the same phase as your house can pickup the network signals. Because they have such a large range they are also not immune from surrounding network interference.

Sometimes mine won't work in my garage..... pretty sure that isn't over a 5 mile walk down the garden path , but suspect that is more to do with the "special" wiring which has been bodged in this (Victorian) house. I am slowly in the process of sorting it out though Maybe I should get a microwave link for the garage , although I always thought a fibre link would be rather cool... if I could get some cable is a suitably cheap price!