Rangemax Next range from Netgear

HLK

Hi

I have a Netgear based wireless networks at home based on the WGT624 cable router. We now really need to move our12 year old out of the lounge with his XBOX 360 live usage and also to get him a better signal for his desktop upstairs - he watches streamed viseo and chats to pals. The house is fairly large with thick walls., At the moment we can get a signal on the desktop ( via a wireless PCI) card the signalis weak and liable to dropping.

Currently I am considering either replacing the router with a Rangemax NEXT WNR834B ( or 240) product or adding a Rangemax NEXT WN802T access point.

Has anyone got experience of these products or can suggest a solution. I am not necessarily look for a bargain basement type of fix - just something that works and gives us some peace.

Thanks in advance.

Zagu

Have you tried changing protocol? 802.11b should give you a bit more range.

IEEE 802.11

HLK

The router is currently running auto 108mbps..

Auto 108 Mbps - All 802.11g, 802.11b and NETGEAR 108 Mbps wireless stations can be used.

HLK

albertross wrote:

A small change of position of the router, or angling the aerial can sometimes make a difference.

Also, if you have other routers in the area, changing channels might help.

We have tried a laptop in the bedroon and the signal is weak no matter where we place it. I Just checked it and the signal is aroun 25% and getting around 8mbps.

HLK

mmm would be difficult .. the setup is in an office ar the back of the house and the bedroom albeit also at the back .. is diagonally opposite.. failing having a load of kit in the hallway.. I can see how we can move it.

The router is linked to the main pc with an ethernet cable. and I can't really reposition this..

We also have solid floors so no carpets to hide any cables at all.

We have had 3 years out of this setup with very few problems other than pc upstairs not being used because of signal. So replacing it with more powerful stuff isn't something I am adverse to .. as long as I can get what I need from it.

Yazza

Have you considered using a wireless bridge with a Homeplug adapter (or the Netgear equivalent)? Then the signal would run through the mains circuit of your house - the latest kit has speeds in excess of 100mbps...

HLK

Yazza wrote:

Have you considered using a wireless bridge with a Homeplug adapter (or the Netgear equivalent)? Then the signal would run through the mains circuit of your house - the latest kit has speeds in excess of 100mbps...

Would this work for both the xbox nad a pc or would I have to buy 3 plugs ? The XBOX 360 had a MS gaming adapter plugged into it at the moment and this works well downstairs. Also does this mean effectively I have a wired network rather than a wireless one ?


Thanks

HLK

Going back to my original post .. has anyone has experience of the Netgear Rangemax NEXT WNR834B ( or 240) product or adding a Rangemax NEXT WN802T access point.

thanks ?

Yazza

HLK wrote:

Would this work for both the xbox nad a pc or would I have to buy 3 plugs ? The XBOX 360 had a MS gaming adapter plugged into it at the moment and this works well downstairs. Also does this mean effectively I have a wired network rather than a wireless one ?


Thanks

OK from what I understand, you have two "simple" options, which are possibly cheaper and definitely easier than putting extra cables in under the flooring, in the ceiling, etc....

Firstly, the wireless bridge option (up to 85mbps) - the wireless range extender is a device which gets plugged into the wall, where the appliance is, be it your laptop/PC/XBOX. This is the wireless bit, and that will communicate wirelessly with your device, and send the signal back through the mains to the router, which will be plugged into a special "home" wired plug device. Hope that makes sense. In essence, you're extending the range of your wireless router, through the mains circuit, which is useful in larger/older homes (with thicker walls). This kit is from Netgear and is called WALL-PLUGGED RANGE EXTENDER - WGXB102

Second option, which is more expensive (newer technology) is to use the WALL-PLUGGED HD ETHERNET STARTER KIT - HDXB101
Again you have two devices, one for your router and one for the XBOX and this time it will be a fully WIRED connection, up to 200mbps. But through the mains circuit - no unsightly wires...

For both options, you can buy a separate adapter for any additional device (eg your PC).
I've chosen examples from the Netgear website (I can recommend their products), but I'm sure there are other vendors out there too.

HLK

Yazza wrote: »

OK from what I understand, you have two "simple" options, which are possibly cheaper and definitely easier than putting extra cables in under the flooring, in the ceiling, etc....

Firstly, the wireless bridge option (up to 85mbps) - the wireless range extender is a device which gets plugged into the wall, where the appliance is, be it your laptop/PC/XBOX. This is the wireless bit, and that will communicate wirelessly with your device, and send the signal back through the mains to the router, which will be plugged into a special "home" wired plug device. Hope that makes sense. In essence, you're extending the range of your wireless router, through the mains circuit, which is useful in larger/older homes (with thicker walls). This kit is from Netgear and is called WALL-PLUGGED RANGE EXTENDER - WGXB102

Second option, which is more expensive (newer technology) is to use the WALL-PLUGGED HD ETHERNET STARTER KIT - HDXB101
Again you have two devices, one for your router and one for the XBOX and this time it will be a fully WIRED connection, up to 200mbps. But through the mains circuit - no unsightly wires...

For both options, you can buy a separate adapter for any additional device (eg your PC).
I've chosen examples from the Netgear website (I can recommend their products), but I'm sure there are other vendors out there too.

Hi - for health reasons I have not had chance to act on any of the advice given here till now. Thinking of getting the netgear WGXB102 extender. We have 2 separate ring mains - one for upstairs and one for down.. can anyone tell me if this will 'cross' the ring mains from router donstairs to upstairs room. Sorry if a dumb question! Thanks

tankard_2

HLK wrote: »

We have 2 separate ring mains - one for upstairs and one for down.. can anyone tell me if this will 'cross' the ring mains from router donstairs to upstairs room.

Good question HLK. I've just read your thread as I have the same problem as you with old house and thick walls, sending wireless signal from wired pc downstairs to pc with usb adapter upstairs. Far too much drop out.

I've been looking at this:http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=2043NETGEAR WPN824 RangeMax Broadband Wireless MIMO-G Router

I wonder what yazza thinks...