Advice needed requiring shared accomodation internet options

ZombieTrev

Hi all. I just moved in to a shared accomodation above a pub. In my room, which is 2 floors above the pub (and the broadband router), my PC doesn't pick up the signal. My friend has a laptop which picks up 1 or 2 bars on their laptop, but only if you place it on the floor... I've spoken to the landlord and there is apparently nowhere else that the router can go.

As I need the internet quite regularly, I was planning to get another internet package from Virgin Media, but have been told that the area I'm living in (N7 postcode) isn't covered by fiber optic and so, I need to pay for a phoneline as well.

So, my questions;

Is there any way of improving the signal of the existing connection? Some kind of super airial or something?

The existing broadband is with BT... If I call them or have my landlord call them, is there anything they can do? Fit a 2nd router? Or offer a 2nd subscription at a discounted price?

If I go with the phone line internet with Virgin, the pub itself already has a phone line... Will Virgin try to take over that phone line? Or will they install a new one? And if they do install a new one, will there be any extra charges for that other than installation?

Lastly, is there anything I've not thought of that could solve my problems? Would another ISP be better than Virgin?

Sorry for all the questions, but I really want to get this sorted asap.

Thanks in advance for any replies Trevor

stilltheone

Edimax EW-7711IN WiFi 802.11n 32-bit PCI Adapter £12.83. Perhaps you can make up an extra long extension cable for the aerial.

GRM

Put a Wireless Repeater on the 1st floor - think of it as a bridge between your PC and the router.

kwikbreaks

If you wanted an additional broadband you'd need an additional phone line and use that for it. You couldn't order your own ADSL on somebody else's line anyway. You'd need permission to have the extra phone socket fitted. You'd also probably be looking at a 12 month minimum contract and a room over a pub doesn't really sound like a long term home TBH.

You'll probably be better off trying one or other of the two options already mentioned. As the path is vertical you'll need to set the router antenna and your own horizontal as there is a signal null immediately above (or below) a vertical antenna. It may be worth just adjusting the router antenna first and see if it's any better if it isn't going to upset anybody.

Another possibility would be a 3G dongle but they have low usage allowances, can be very picky about where they'll work, plus they are not cheap.

ZombieTrev

Accessing the signal from downstairs is definately the ideal scenario so have just had a look into wireless repeaters. In all honesty though, all of this is new to me and the amount of options seems quite intimidating. They are relatively expensive and I do not want to buy 1 that doesn't work with the router downstairs (which is a BTBusinessHub by 2WIRE) or transmit the signal far enough... Can anyone reccomend one ideally from a place that I can take it back to if it doesn't work? Argos would be ideal. Thanks for all the help so far. Am using a 3G dongle at the moment, but it's certainly not ideal. Trevor

GRM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003UZFSDG/ref=asc_df_B003UZFSDG3755040?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&!!!!!googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B003UZFSDG

£18.

ZombieTrev

I still don't really know what any of that product description means :P will it definately work with the BTBusinessHub by 2WIRE?

I'd much rather buy 1 from a high street store like Argos that accepts returns, but I can't see any in their catalogue... Do Argos even sell them?

Amny help = greatly appreciated

kwikbreaks

Amazon accept returns. Branding is irrelevant - any 2.4GHz 802.11g/n piece of kit will work with any other. If the router works at all with your laptop it will work with that repeater. Only poblem you'll have is stopping somebody pinching it.

GRM

It will work with the 2Wire router.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6759544/c_1/1|category_root|Office%2C+PCs+and+phones|14418968/c_2/2|14418968|Wireless+networking|14419015/c_3/3|cat_14419015|Modem+routers|14419018.htm is overkill for what you need but it can also operate as a wireless bridge. £33.

The £18 one from Amazon will probably be easier to configure if you don't know your PPPoA from your WPA2 ;-) Can also be sent back under the DSR regs.

ZombieTrev

I just bought the Asus RT-N13 from Argos. I am going to make another post asking how I get that to relay the signal from the 2Wire router downstairs, so please reply there. It will be called...

'Help required setting up wireless router as a range extender'

Please explain things as simply as possible as I am a self confessed noob. Cheers Cheers. Trevor