Would a 'better' router solve my BB troubles?

Norman-B

I'm with Talk Talk for 'phone and BB. I have a desktop downstairs, with the router sat near the PC. I don't have many problems with service to PC but I do if I take my laptop upstairs. Loss of connection/slow speeds etc.

I have spoken with TT and to be fair to them, they do try to improve things but the drop outs still happen on laptop (only when using it upstairs). Would it pay me to buy a better router?

Any advice welcomed.

pcombo

Nothing would make a talk talk line better unless talktalk spent millions upgrading all their equipment and unrestricting everything.

I'm with AOL for a temp peroid cant wait to leave only got activated 2 days ago.

kwikbreaks

Although you didn't mention it this sounds like wireless problems.

Try using http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider to find a free channel and alter your router settings to use that one.

Using HomePlugs is usually more reliable that WiFi but figure on spending ~ £60 for a pair of adaptors.

If this is wired and not WiFi then look at replacing your cable.

Norman-B

Thank you both for the replies.

kwikbreaks, what does a Homeplug do? Is this instead of a router? I will look at your suggestion of changing wireless channel.

Thanks

ps, do I download 'insider' onto the laptop or PC?

JJ_Egan

Homeplug use the electric sockets as a line to transfer the signal .

What may help is a range extender for the router .
http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=259

Talk Talk have nothing to do with the wireless range in your house . Its probably a budget modem router and a top of the range version may do better but wireless signals are more complicated than just pure strength .
I have a laptop gets good signal everywhere another one does not .Thats the cards in the laptops not Talk talk .
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessfaqs/f/wifilaptoprange.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-WiFi-Reception

http://blogs.technet.com/b/steve_lamb/archive/2007/08/10/poor-wireless-signal-how-to-improve-your-range.aspx


jje

victor2

Try repositioning the router slightly. Look at what the signal has to pas through to get upstairs and see if you can't reduce it somehow. I found that by moving my router a few feet downstairs, I got a stronger signal upstairs. Beats buying a new one!
I also read that putting a foil reflector behind the antenna on the router may strengthen the signal. Tried it, looked ugly and made no difference.

Norman-B

Many thanks for the replies! I will have a look later this evening as I'm now taking my grandson to watch Saints beat Blackpool in the FA Cup!

I really do appreciate the advice as I'm rubbish at all this.

kwikbreaks

Install InSSIDer on your laptop and check the channels in use where you intend to use it. Check near the router too - both ends need a good signal.

Homeplugs use the mains wiring to connect your equipment to the router. You'd put one in a socket near the router and run an ethernet cable to it and the other would plug into a mains socket near the laptop and again you'd connect with ethernet.

Buying a different router would be a(n expensive) gamble as would buying a WiFi extender IMO. Either may work but there is no guarantee. There is no 100% guarantee with Homeplug either but they will normally work just fine. 85Mbps Homeplugs deliver around 30Mbps which is faster than ADSL so would be OK. 200Mbps ones offer some future proofing as would the new gigabit ones.

Tinfoil reflectors can be made to work but you need to understand what you are doing.