New -second hand- router.

Ekows10 · December 3, 2024

Hi.

I followed all the instructions on the pi hole tutorial (on float plane ) and a couple more up to date ones. Got everything working then found that my network provider locked down the functuions on the router they provided.

I'd like to buy a good 2nd hand one off ebay. What should I look out for? The router would have to be long distance rather than fast (lath and plaster walls between it and the furthest TV). Be configerable and a few years old to have a chance of getting it on ebay. Any suggestions greatfuly recived.

Thanks.

Donut417 · December 3, 2024

8 minutes ago, Ekows10 said:

locked down the functuions on the router they provided.

Your provider likely provided a Modem/Router. You dont want to hook two routers together. See if their box support bridge mode. That essentially turns the router portion off.

10 minutes ago, Ekows10 said:

What should I look out for? The router would have to be long distance rather than fast (lath and plaster walls between it and the furthest TV). Be configerable and a few years old to have a chance of getting it on ebay. Any suggestions greatfuly recived.

Thanks.

Id at least find something thats WiFi 5, but if you can swing it WiFi 6 would probably be a better option, WiFi 7 is technically out, but those are likely going to be expensive. As far as range goes, thats going to be heavily dependent on your area, how many WiFi networks are in range and the building materials of your home. No one is going to be able to say for sure if a router has "Long Range". 2.4 Ghz is built for range and penetration but not for speed. 5 and 6 Ghz are built for speed but not range and penetration power. You might consider a Mesh system if a single router has trouble.

Ekows10 · December 4, 2024

20 hours ago, Donut417 said:

Your provider likely provided a Modem/Router. You dont want to hook two routers together. See if their box support bridge mode. That essentially turns the router portion off.

Id at least find something thats WiFi 5, but if you can swing it WiFi 6 would probably be a better option, WiFi 7 is technically out, but those are likely going to be expensive. As far as range goes, thats going to be heavily dependent on your area, how many WiFi networks are in range and the building materials of your home. No one is going to be able to say for sure if a router has "Long Range". 2.4 Ghz is built for range and penetration but not for speed. 5 and 6 Ghz are built for speed but not range and penetration power. You might consider a Mesh system if a single router has trouble.

Ok nice that gives me something to start googling.

If 2.4 could do a single 1080p netflix stream it might be a solution. I'll google the specs.

Thanks.

Donut417 · December 4, 2024

3 hours ago, Ekows10 said:

Ok nice that gives me something to start googling.

If 2.4 could do a single 1080p netflix stream it might be a solution. I'll google the specs.

Thanks.

A couple of things. The further from the router generally the slower the connection. Secondly 2.4 Ghz is used by other things other than WiFi, so all the networks around you and those devices will cause interference. As there are only 3 channels on the 2.4 Ghz band that dont overlap, this limits you greatly. The more devices the slower it will be. Third, the official standards are all Bull shit in the real world. All the WiFi standards are tested in a lab under the ideal conditions, they dont take in to account for interference of the real world. So take those numbers with a grain of salt. Especially the "Speed" listed on the routers box. Because many times the Router might be able to do X speed. But your device is limited to Y speed.

As long as you have a half way decent signal and not a lot of 2.4 Ghz devices around you probably will be fine. If your current router is kinda working out for you then this new one would probably do fine. Putting the router in a high up place is also a great way to increase range, as it spreads the signal out.