extend wifi signal?

worto03

Hi,

I currently use homeplugs to extend the network around the house but I've recently purchased an Advent Vega android tablet that will only connect to the network using wifi.

I get strong signal in one half of the house but weak signal in the other half of the house.

The only option I can find so far is to buy another router that supports WDS and set that up in the lounge to boost the signal but I was wondering if there was anything simpler I could do as under the TV I have a 4 port homeplug and a media center all on the same network is there any sort of dongle RJ-45 or USB that I can plug into the media center or spare port in the homeplug adapter that will repeat the signal to the room with the homeplug in?

cheers - hope that makes sense...
worto.

Inner_Zone

You could plug a cable router into the homeplug, turn off the DHCP on the new router give it a different IP address in the same range as the first router and the same subnet and then connect your Android tablet via Wi-Fi.

Chunks

Would one of these or something similar work?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/WiFi-Ethernet-Home-plug-adapter/dp/B002QAEF76/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294759324&sr=1-4

I have bad signal problems in my house (and am no expert) but digital signals in general either work or not don't they? Even a poor signal gets the job done.

Good luck,

Chunks.

Inner_Zone

Was not aware of those, but you need to have compatible home plugs to use them.

Chunks

IZ is right of course. I assume from the Amazon write up that compatible solwise home plugs and the wifi 'repeater' work in tandem. On further research, and should the existing kit not be compatible, perhaps an upgrade is necessary?

On the face of it it will work. Ties up electric sockets of course and will use power, which is the hidden cost of such solutions.

I use a similar solution produced by Netgear. You could make toast on the units once they are fired up so I hate to think how much juice they use. Works like a charm mind you and with no impact to transfer rates.

cheers

Chunks.

worto03

Thanks for the info guys - I was kind of hoping there was something simple that would do what I wanted but I just hadn't heard of it.

I'd never heard of the 11g WiFi Home plug adapter you linked to but for £30 I may as well get another router and stick it on there, I also have no idea if it would work with my homeplugs - I should be able to pickup an old wireless router for around £20 anyway.

I'll keep looking but if nothing else comes up I might just wait until I see a cheap router or catch a decent 2nd hand one.

Cheers,
worto.

Inner_Zone

This one get good reviews and with super saver delivery comes in just under £20 and is new.

worto03

That looks like it has some potential (ugly looking thing but it'll be behind the tv anyway) It says in the spec that it 'Supports WDS wireless network extension' and my router is this one 3com office which has a WDS settings section in the wireless section.

So I should be able to just plug this new one in, connect it to my homeplug and enable WDS on both routers?

Is it that simple?

Thanks,
worto.

edit - oh and I may have to give the new router an IP address that doesn't clash with anything else like my current router.

SandLake

I upgraded my router to a Netgear DGN3500 'Wireless N' router and the coverage is much better. I asked questions as to whether wireless N improved range (for wireless N transmitter to wireless G receiver and never got much of a response but it has definitely improved. I am not advocating the Netgear router (Yes it is good) but in my opinion any wireless N router should help!

hc25036

There is a new aerial replacement that has had good reviews in the magazines for extending the range of WiFi simply (http://speednets.co.uk/buy/). Not really moneysaving, but could do the job if Homeplugs are not working.

Inner_Zone

Bridging routers from different manufactures does not always work.

My suggestion still stands us it as an AP. I did mention giving it an IP address different from your first router.

Never seen a router beauty contest, but I guess Netgear would win that one and Tenda be runner up?:D