No upstairs wireless connection

Gladys_Friday

Just use it downstairs. Very MSE that.

cyclonebri1

GunJack wrote: »

however, the move to MER authentication will even preclude the user/pword

OP, first thing to d is download inssider to a laptop, and check for wifi interference from other nearby routers and change your channel if needs be

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

Hi and thanks to all for the replies. Just to answer a few I have tried to move the router with no improvement, even hanging it from the curtain rail.:D

There is also a loss of signal to some extent to the laptop if used in the next room to the router downstairs. The laptop is brand new, infact the 1st 1 purchased after xmas was returned as the problem was even worse with that 1.

I have downloaded the latest version of the wireless driver for both that 1 and the present Lenovo with no later version available.

I have used insider and tried all chanel options, again no use.

Physically running another cable would be a very last resort so maybe the mains route is the best option????

The above actions I've taken are at the limit of my comp expertise, :o, so any direct links to a specific product would be appreciated.

Oh, and I did try a usb plug in booster thing, again no better.
Thanks all

cyclonebri1

robmar0se wrote: »

Hello, Just to summarise, the agreement signed with Sky does actually prohibit the use of a router other than that supplied by Sky (unless they have recently changed their agreements) - I know people do use other routers, and I've not heard of anyone being "struck-off" by Sky - so I suppose it depends how risk adverse you are. There are programs available to crack the Sky user passwords.

Secondly there is no guarantee that another router would solve the problem, though hopefully it would.

There two options, (i) range extender similar to this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006BBYXPA/ref=asc_df_B006BBYXPA6896370?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&!!!!!googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B006BBYXPA - located at a point where it can boost the signal sufficiently.

Or (ii) homeplugs which use the electrical wiring system to transmit the signal around - you plug one in near the router, and a second (or more if necessary) where you need it; the latter can also be wireless enabled so that a number of machines could use it upstairs. http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline.htm

Ok, replied before I'd read your links, cheers.

So how does a range extender such as the linked 1 connect into the system??, again excuse the ignorance.

cyclonebri1

Gladys_Friday wrote: »

Just use it downstairs. Very MSE that.

I am prepared to pay to get er'indoors out of the way a little earlier though;);)

Darren_G

I remember my mum had this problem with her router. At the time, I searched the internet and found an 'antenna modification' - not really a mod, but a site with plans you could print off to make your own reception booster out of card and tinfoil. The site was backed up with scientific tests for several designs/shapes and the resulting booster simply slotted over the existing antenna. It worked for my mum's situation.

Just done a quick google search and can't readily find it, but it would definitely be a 'moneysaving' way of trying to get a better signal before spending any cash on wireless repeaters or network over mains solutions!

Edit: Don't you just hate it when you find what you are looking for right after posting! Don't think this was the original site I got it from, but this is definitely the booster I made for my mum: link to parabolic antenna booster

Hope that helps

cyclonebri1

Darren_G wrote: »

I remember my mum had this problem with her router. At the time, I searched the internet and found an 'antenna modification' - not really a mod, but a site with plans you could print off to make your own reception booster out of card and tinfoil. The site was backed up with scientific tests for several designs/shapes and the resulting booster simply slotted over the existing antenna. It worked for my mum's situation.

Just done a quick google search and can't readily find it, but it would definitely be a 'moneysaving' way of trying to get a better signal before spending any cash on wireless repeaters or network over mains solutions!

Edit: Don't you just hate it when you find what you are looking for right after posting! Don't think this was the original site I got it from, but this is definitely the booster I made for my mum: link to parabolic antenna booster

Hope that helps

Don't think that will work with the sky/sagem router though, the antennae is integrated ,ie, internal to the unit so no external connection possible, ;)

robmar0se

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Ok, replied before I'd read your links, cheers.

So how does a range extender such as the linked 1 connect into the system??, again excuse the ignorance.

In layman's terms it takes a weak signal and amplifies it, so you could go from one bar to 5 bars.

However you said in a subsequent post that you even had a poor signal in the next room. To see if the range extender would do the job, take the laptop and try and find the furthest point that you can get a signal (where there is a 13a socket, ie to plug in a range extender), if its not even half way the probably the range extender is not a viable option. So maybe the powerplug/ homeplug would be better? If you have an older house with thick walls, or a modern one with foil backed plasterboard you may get signal probs

Darren_G

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Don't think that will work with the sky/sagem router though, the antennae is integrated ,ie, internal to the unit so no external connection possible, ;)

The concept works with internal antennas too, it would just look a bit 'Heath Robinson' as the reflector(s) would have to be positioned around the router and there would be a little more trial and error getting the best signal unless you know precisely where the internal antennae were located within the unit. If they are 'dead centre' or each corner, the booster Could simply sit on top of the box

cyclonebri1

It is an older house with very dense walls, it's quite big too. And also it has a loft conversion with masses of steel rsj's, they can't help, and also the downstairs cielings were lowered by 9" as they were 9ft high, plus 9" x 2" roof/floor timbers for the upper deck. ie, the downstairs ceings are about 19" thick in total with insulation/sound deadening in between.

The more I explain the less likely any form of booster seems likely to help.

I did eventually search the sky forum and the number of people who have exactly the same issue is unbelievable, and the feedback from sky is dismisive to say the least.

So total change of tack.
I can probably run a cable from the existing router externally and under the eaves, (dormer bungalow) and into the upstairs bedroom.

What type of cable/fitment do I need???????, and yes I really am that green in these areas:D:D

Darren_G

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

What type of cable/fitment do I need???????, and yes I really am that green in these areas:D:D

The cable you would need would be RJ45 or 'Ethernet' cable. You woul dbe able to get it at sufficient lengths from screwfix, toolstation or an electrical wholesalers.

But, assuming you have mains power to all the rooms around the house where you would use the computer, then you might be better off just buying a network over mains kit - the 'sender' would be plugged into a mains socket near your router and connected to one of the free ethernet ports, and the 'receiver' could be plugged in to any other socket in the house on the same circuit and connected to the network port on your pc/laptop.

Or.. ditch Sky and its restrictive policies for a provider that gives you the freedom to use the type of router that meets your needs!