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Multiple routers in one household to boost wifi?

redapple
Newbie
Posts: 1
Registered: ‎16-06-2019

Multiple routers in one household to boost wifi?

Sorry if this has already been answered!

 

Basically, my current wifi router is set up downstairs, directly to the phone line, but when I'm upstairs trying to connect other devices, i'm struggling to get much signal and what signal i do get is very temperamental.

 

I bought a plug in wifi extender, but soon i'll have a PC that i'll be using to stream upstairs and thus needing a better connection upstairs, and what i have at the minute isn't really working and keeps cutting out (unsure whether it's the main plusnet router or the plug in extender).

 

Long story short, is there any way to set up a second router upstairs, or another way to get a more reliable signal throughout my house to support streaming? I can't directly connect my PC to the router via ethernet cable in its current location due to distance, and i need the main router to stay where it is as the TV and speakers are plugged directly into it.

 

Thanks in advance! 

2 REPLIES 2
ChrisWoods
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Registered: ‎11-08-2015

Re: Multiple routers in one household to boost wifi?

I used to mock them, then I tried them, now I recommend them in situations like this. TP-Link powerline ethernet adapters (homeplugs) will sort your problem out nicely - A pair can be had for about £25 from anywhere, even ASDA!

I stuck the TL-PA4010KIT in at my mum's house, one located near to the router and the other by their smart TV.

If you're short of sockets, the slightly more expensive TL-PA4020PKIT will mean you don't effectively lose two sockets. Try to avoid running them off extension cables if possible.

The AV standard for homeplugs means they're broadly interchangeable between brands, and you can buy and add additional adapters to the network as you wish, just pairing them as you go. (The TP-Link packs come pre-paired.)

 

I'd also buy a small Netgear Prosafe gigabit 8-port switch for your upstairs setup (GS108UK - £23 from BroadbandBuyer - https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/products/824-netgear-gs108uk/) or TP-Link's knockoff, the SG108 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TL-SG108-8-Ports-Ethernet-Wall-Mounting/dp/B00A121WN6) for a few quid less.

I use a Netgear GS108 and it's run flawlessly for years, except for a couple of times when it's needed a power cycle. Not bad for about ten years 24/7 operation.

 

This is preferable to running a second router, as if you do that you'll likely be doing a dual NAT (or repeating wireless networks, itself problematic). Running multiple routers causes all sorts of port forwarding and PAT issues down the line. Plus, if your wireless signal is weak upstairs already, you'll get compromised speeds even if you manage to get a wireless repeater working - just no point. I've tried it and given up on it for those reasons.

Homeplugs operate on the physical layer (transposing RF on the power cabling) and present to the devices at either end like a run of cable. They work just about everywhere with no noticeable loss of speed, except if you have the world's oldest house wiring.

 

You can also buy powerline adapters which have a built-in wifi AP/repeater - but these use the wired connection to feed the their wireless AP, which is immediately better than trying to receive a weak or interference-prone signal from downstairs. You might want to add one of those at a later date if you've got wireless devices upstairs.

dvorak
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Re: Multiple routers in one household to boost wifi?


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