Slartibartfast
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2004
- Messages
- 7,280
Hi all, I could use some advice on networking in my apartment. I have some weird constraints and I'm trying to figure out the best way to go.
I'm using an old N300 dual-band router. The internet comes into the apartment at the back, but all the electronics are at the front. I can't move the router any closer, and in between the router and the rest of the apartment is a big metal, mirrored closet door. So the signal isn't great: my gaming PC only connects at 56 - 75mbps, and the 5ghz signal is pretty much worthless unless you're in the bedroom.
The gaming PC's wifi adapter is a decent AC1200 adapter with two ~3" antennas.
I also live in a medium-density residential neighborhood. This building is only 4 units, but its surrounded by 4 unit buildings on all sides.
Which of the three options make the most sense?
1. Powerline. This seems like the best, but the concern is that I don't think the router and the gaming PC are on the same circuit, and there is conflicting info as to whether that matters. Also, I've read they can have issues with powerbars - do the passthrough adapters work ok with a powerbar plugged into them?
2. Repeater / range extender. Definitely the cheapest option, I could just get an N300 repeater and plug it in about halfway between the router and the gaming PC. But I haven't been able to figure out if that would actually give me a speed boost, or just extend the range.
3. New AC router. In theory the AC speed boost and beamforming would be an improvement, I'm just not sure how much of an improvement. I also think the old router might be dying: if I set the wifi speed to 300mpbs my devices will connect to it and the Internet, but netflix and other services never connect. So I have to keep it set to 120mbps.
Things that are not options:
1. Moving. I know that one of you will suggest it
2. Moving the router.
3. Drilling holes through walls or running ethernet through them.
What do you think? Any advice would be appreciated
I'm using an old N300 dual-band router. The internet comes into the apartment at the back, but all the electronics are at the front. I can't move the router any closer, and in between the router and the rest of the apartment is a big metal, mirrored closet door. So the signal isn't great: my gaming PC only connects at 56 - 75mbps, and the 5ghz signal is pretty much worthless unless you're in the bedroom.
The gaming PC's wifi adapter is a decent AC1200 adapter with two ~3" antennas.
I also live in a medium-density residential neighborhood. This building is only 4 units, but its surrounded by 4 unit buildings on all sides.
Which of the three options make the most sense?
1. Powerline. This seems like the best, but the concern is that I don't think the router and the gaming PC are on the same circuit, and there is conflicting info as to whether that matters. Also, I've read they can have issues with powerbars - do the passthrough adapters work ok with a powerbar plugged into them?
2. Repeater / range extender. Definitely the cheapest option, I could just get an N300 repeater and plug it in about halfway between the router and the gaming PC. But I haven't been able to figure out if that would actually give me a speed boost, or just extend the range.
3. New AC router. In theory the AC speed boost and beamforming would be an improvement, I'm just not sure how much of an improvement. I also think the old router might be dying: if I set the wifi speed to 300mpbs my devices will connect to it and the Internet, but netflix and other services never connect. So I have to keep it set to 120mbps.
Things that are not options:
1. Moving. I know that one of you will suggest it
2. Moving the router.
3. Drilling holes through walls or running ethernet through them.
What do you think? Any advice would be appreciated