Router range extenders questions

[mike2rc]

I need a range extender for my Linksys Wi-Fi Router E2500 in my office for my laptop downstairs. I’m looking at these 3 Linksys extenders. They range from around $55.00 to $120.00 for the Linksys AC1200.

I know having the extender hard wired to the router is best but can they be set by Wi-Fi if the extender is near my office door? Also, is the AC1200 High-Gain a substantial increase over the cheaper models?

I average 35-40 Mbps on my hard wired desktop in my office and only around 6 Mbps on my “old” laptop downstairs soon to be replaced. My house is about 1800 sf and I’m the only person using laptop and iPhone Wi-Fi.

Also, I am able to stream Netflix to my Sony Blue-Ray with no problems. I’m looking at this ASUS N550JK-DB74T 15.6" Multi-Touch Notebook: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_windows.html which I hope will have better Wi-Fi than this 3 plus year old Lenovo. I should wait to see what the new laptop gets before I buy a new range extender. I don’t mind paying for the AC1200 High-Gain if I can get close to my hard wired desktop.

Here's 3 Linksys models I've viewed:

Linksys RE1000 Wireless-N Range Extender:
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-AC1200...range+extender

Linksys AC1200 MAX Wi-Fi Range Extender with High-Gain Antennas:
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-AC1200...range+extender

Linksys N600 PRO Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE4000W-FFP) (plug-in):
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Wi-Fi-...range+extender

Any info on the performance of these (or other) extenders with a new laptop would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[Train]

I use this with my laptop in trailer parks, motels and the like.
http://www.amazon.com/EnGenius-Wirel.../dp/B000CSQVJ4

By the way, the 5dB antenna can be replaced with a 9dB which will double the signal strength.

[mike2rc]

By 9dB are you talking about a stronger router?

Also, I saw antennas for the E2500 that looked like they screw in...there's place for that on the router.

I take it the EnGenius Wireless LAN USB 2.0 Adapter is hard wired and stays somewhat close to the router?

Thanks,
Mike

[mike2rc]

I see the 9dB is an antenna...thanks!

[mike2rc]

Does the 9dBi antenna attach to the router or is soldering needs?

[Train]

The adapter plugs into the usb ports in my laptop.
Now a external antenna on your router will work wonders for the signal strength from you router.

Using WifiInfoView
http://nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html

In the RSSI column the lower the number the better.
-70 my onboard wireless can not connect, use the adapter and the signal is now a -30 and I get 24MB/sec downloads.
My experience in a RV park through the walls of a trailer.

A 6dB antenna would in theroy, double your signal strength, 9dB triple it.
So a antenna, parallel to the floor would sure help get the signal downstairs. Worked to get son's upstairs.

[mike2rc]

Thanks! How does the external antenna attach to the router? I've viewed the attachment and don't see where it goes on my E2500? I'll look again. I'm stopping by best buy today. "Some" of the reps know what they're talking about and don't push a new Apple Airport on you...LOL.

I'll also see what Wi-Fi strength gets with my new ASUS laptop gets tonight.
Mike







e

[Midknyte]

How does the external antenna attach to the router? I've viewed the attachment and don't see where it goes on my E2500?

The E2500 doesn't have external ports for antennae.

If it did, they would looks something like this:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/media/im...%20Antenna.PNG

I know having the extender hard wired to the router is best but can they be set by Wi-Fi if the extender is near my office door?

Note that wireless repeating cuts the bandwidth in half. That's one of the reasons wired is preferred.

[Train]

Power-line adapters are devices that turn a home's electrical wiring into network cables for a computer network. They come in handy when you need to bring the Internet connection to a far corner in the basement where Wi-Fi signals can't reach. A power-line connection is generally also more reliable than a wireless connection. With speeds up to 500Mbps, it's also faster.

http://www.cnet.com/topics/networkin...line-adapters/

[mike2rc]

Thanks for the power-line adapter info Train. I went to Best Buy just for info. He did mention I could upgrade my E2500 to some around the $129.00 range which may not require a range extender. It wasn't a push to buy a new router, just a suggestion since I'm the only Wi-Fi user in the house.

The power-line adapter sounds like a good alternative and cheaper. My router/Charter Surfboard modem is also on the office floor which I now know is not good. So I have some office house keeping to do today.

Mike

[Train]

10 tips to help improve your wireless network

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2933867/en-us
One of those might help out.

[mike2rc]

Do power-line adapters work in any house or newly built homes?

It looks like a range extender will work best for me.

[Train]

Any house.