Is it worth buying a better Router

HollyandCo

Hi

I generally have decent wifi speeds about 150 download and about 30 upload.   My problem I think is the signal from the router (its a Nokia courtesy of the internet provider.  I have just bought a TV for another room - the TV is only about 8 or 9 meters from the router in the next room. But after I key in the internet password to connect the TV via Wifi but the TV times-out whilst trying to connect.

The router doesn't have a WPS button and also, if I ever need to change the router password, I have to ring up the company and tell them the password so they can change it.   I asked why and they said we don't like customers messing around with the routers?

I understand I can buy a booster but this seems extreme when the house is relatively small.  Also in order to use a booster, I would only be able to put the booster about 3 metres away from the current router.   I noticed on line, another customer of the same internet provider said the standard issue routers aren't very good.

Neil_Jones

Sky by any chance?

The wi-fi on a lot of Sky routers is crap.

But the alternative, if you can run a cable under the floor or round the skirthing board maybe, is a network wired connection.

HollyandCo

No, its a new company in the south west.

forgotmyname

If they will not let you change the password will they give you the login information for your own router?

Some ISP's tell you to change the password on the router right away. Seems strange they will not let you do that.
They can easily reset the password if you ever need to return the router.

RumRat

No ISP should have any control over your router password. Change providers as soon as you can.

HollyandCo

RumRat said:

No ISP should have any control over your router password. Change providers as soon as you can.

It does seem strange.

They told me not to reset my router too.  When things go wrong, the first thing previous IS Providers say is 'have you tried resetting the router'.

So my question still is, should I be looking to purchase a better router so the signal travels further?  I live in a smallish house so buying extenders seems silly as I'd have to place the extender about 3m from the router.

getmore4less

Will they let you connect your own router?

Can you change the settings on their router  to disable the routing and wifi?

Olinda99

From a purely technical point of view, if the WiFi signal is not reaching the other room then yes, you will have to buy a better router (or move the router so that it is more mid-way between the rooms, or buy a booster)

Norman_Castle

Try temporarily moving the router. If that helps look to permanently re locate it. Also try changing router channels and try both 2.4 and 5ghz if an option.

TimSynths

I raised mine up from off the floor to chest height- made a big difference.

Norman_Castle

TimSynths said:

I raised mine up from off the floor to chest height- made a big difference.

Mines above a door. Put there temporarily while building work was being done and stayed because it worked well. Most furniture, radiators etc are in the lower half of the room so being higher should help avoid these.