Improving internet connectivity using antenna extensions?

[lightshade]

Hi. I recently bought a wifi 6 capable router which has better range than my previous router and I now have internet connection in my room. However, the smart linking option on the router defaults my connection to the 2.4GHz channel. After running around my house testing internet speed and connectivity, I deduced that the signal loss is highly likely due to a thick concrete wall (with steel embedded inside) that separates my pc with the router. 

 

I have explored some options to remedy this. My parents don't want me to lay Lan cable across the living room; there seems to be significant interference when I use a home plug; I don't want to buy a network extender or repeater because I don't think they can really punch through my walls; and mesh seems too expensive an option after I have purchased my new router. 

 

I am considering the idea of using an antenna extension to bring my pc's antenna outside of my room, where the signal strength is much better, which requires a 5m antenna cable. I haven't found a clear article if this is a suitable solution, apart from that the signal strength would fade along the antenna. Would like to know your opinions on this forum!

 

My hardware is:

Router: TP link Archer AX20

Wifi: Motherboard wifi - ASUS TUF B550m plus gaming wifi 

 

Thank you LTT community in advance!

[curiousmind34]

I would personally recommend a powerline kit, which uses your electric wiring to carry an internet signal, if I were you I would look into it.

[curiousmind34]

 

Just now, curiousmind34 said:

I would personally recommend a powerline kit, which uses your electric wiring to carry an internet signal, if I were you I would look into it.

Here is an explanation better than what I could give:

 

[Windows7ge]

If they won't let you run a network cable across the living room have you consider running a cable through an attic or outside/around the house?

[lightshade]

Yes I do have a powerline kit. However, there are some interferences when I use it. I occasionally get dropouts and I think it might be due to old wiring or that my electrical cables are stretched some distance before it reaches me. Either way, I am not impressed with the 10Mbps signal I am getting when I use it. I would prefer the 100Mbps signal I get from stepping right outside my room; I tested this with my phone, Samsung Galaxy S10. 

[AbydosOne]

2 minutes ago, curiousmind34 said:

I would personally recommend a powerline kit, which uses your electric wiring to carry an internet signal, if I were you I would look into it.

OP already mentioned he tried powerline ("home plug"), and I don't blame them for disliking it. They have wildly varying latency and throughput, even in absolutely perfect conditions.

 

If you happen to have coax jacks near the router and in your room, there is MoCA (which works well in the aforementioned scenario).

[lightshade]

4 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

If they won't let you run a network cable across the living room have you consider running a cable through an attic or outside/around the house?

Unfortunately, I stay in an apartment. There is no attic available. The furthest I can get with a network cable from my computer is to the living room, with the router at the opposite end. 

[lightshade]

10 minutes ago, AbydosOne said:

OP already mentioned he tried powerline ("home plug"), and I don't blame them for disliking it. They have wildly varying latency and throughput, even in absolutely perfect conditions.

 

If you happen to have coax jacks near the router and in your room, there is MoCA (which works well in the aforementioned scenario).

I just looked up what this means and if I am not mistaken, this refers to the old TV line that runs through the house. If that is how MoCA works, then I cannot use this too. The old TV lines only run into my parent's room, not mine. Thank you for the suggestion!

[Alex Atkin UK]

2 hours ago, lightshade said:

I am considering the idea of using an antenna extension to bring my pc's antenna outside of my room, where the signal strength is much better, which requires a 5m antenna cable. I haven't found a clear article if this is a suitable solution, apart from that the signal strength would fade along the antenna. Would like to know your opinions on this forum!

That may or may not work.  The problem with WiFi is its a very weak signal so you get a lot of signal loss in the cable, any gain from extending the antenna may be lost in the cable, but likewise it might very well be better, impossible to know without trying.

 

A mesh WiFi system is likely much better but an expensive solution, if you have a power outlet somewhere where the signal is stronger.

[Falcon1986]

@lightshade

 

You seem to have very few options and, while a coaxial extension should work in theory, you have to consider @Alex Atkin UK’s advice. The cables themselves carry a certain amount of resistance, so it makes sense that the longer the cable, the more resistance you’re going to get which worsens signal reception.

 

What might be a better investment is a USB WiFi adapter. That way you can position the adapter exactly where you need it and hopefully get a decent signal.