Network Weak link?

MeDownYou · June 5, 2015

So my current configuration for my internet is this:

I was wondering what the weak links are in my network and what should be worked on next. It seems to me that the router and the modem are probably the main concerns at this point, What benefits could I expect if i switched either other both of them out for something else?

I'm considering putting my current router on the end of my purple line and buying a new router to replace it since the range and the speeds out of it aren't that great.

*note to consider I'm in an isolated area.

Goose Legs · June 5, 2015

So my current configuration for my internet is this:

I was wondering what the weak links are in my network and what should be worked on next. It seems to me that the router and the modem are probably the main concerns at this point, What benefits could I expect if i switched either other both of them out for something else?

I'm considering putting my current router on the end of my purple line and buying a new router to replace it since the range and the speeds out of it aren't that great.

*note to consider I'm in an isolated area.

First off, if your wireless clients are able to support bands greater than Wireless G (assuming they're made within the last couple years) you will see a pretty big jump in wireless performance, provided that you're able to mount your access point in an area that has line of sight to your wireless clients.

You can replace your current router with a new one, but if you want to continue using your current one in a second location, just be sure to turn off DHCP and NAT, and set it into bridged mode. If you are planning on using the wireless functionality, make sure the two routers are set to different wireless channels.

As for your modem, are you able to receive the advertised speeds you're paying for from your ISP? You could try upgrading it (just check with your ISP what modems they recommend for compatibility) there shouldn't be too much of a difference between them, but sometimes newer models have additional features that older ones lack. (Cable modems, in particular are an excellent example of this with channel bonding and such).

MeDownYou · June 6, 2015

First off, if your wireless clients are able to support bands greater than Wireless G (assuming they're made within the last couple years) you will see a pretty big jump in wireless performance, provided that you're able to mount your access point in an area that has line of sight to your wireless clients.

You can replace your current router with a new one, but if you want to continue using your current one in a second location, just be sure to turn off DHCP and NAT, and set it into bridged mode. If you are planning on using the wireless functionality, make sure the two routers are set to different wireless channels.

As for your modem, are you able to receive the advertised speeds you're paying for from your ISP? You could try upgrading it (just check with your ISP what modems they recommend for compatibility) there shouldn't be too much of a difference between them, but sometimes newer models have additional features that older ones lack. (Cable modems, in particular are an excellent example of this with channel bonding and such).

I don't get the advertised speed from them, yet then again they have too many people on the line and don't even maintain their infastructure(the whole thing was down for 2 days last month) and the modem is from 2001.

Thanks for the tips on multiple router configuration it really helps (yes all my devices support b/g/n)

Goose Legs · June 6, 2015

I don't get the advertised speed from them, yet then again they have too many people on the line and don't even maintain their infastructure(the whole thing was down for 2 days last month) and the modem is from 2001.

Thanks for the tips on multiple router configuration it really helps (yes all my devices support b/g/n)

Bleh. I know that feeling.

Does your ISP offer modem rentals? One thing you could try (this might be a shot in the dark but...) you could rent a new one for a month and that could give you the opportunity to make sure the problem is on the ISP's end, rather than yours. 14 years is quite an impressive lifespan for a modem, and this test can potentially rule out faulty equipment.

What kind of internet access do you have? Cable? DSL? Satellite?

MeDownYou · June 6, 2015

Bleh. I know that feeling.

Does your ISP offer modem rentals? One thing you could try (this might be a shot in the dark but...) you could rent a new one for a month and that could give you the opportunity to make sure the problem is on the ISP's end, rather than yours. 14 years is quite an impressive lifespan for a modem, and this test can potentially rule out faulty equipment.

What kind of internet access do you have? Cable? DSL? Satellite?

Well, its actually wireless shot directly to my house from a local grain elevator >.<

hits the point then travels via cable into the modem I believe

oh, the modem is technically not ours - but we had to pay for it up front...shady business much.

Goose Legs · June 6, 2015

Well, its actually wireless shot directly to my house from a local grain elevator >.<

hits the point then travels via cable into the modem I believe

oh, the modem is technically not ours - but we had to pay for it up front...shady business much.

Hmm, interesting.

It would be worth finding out how the internet connection is performing at the source plant. If their network is performing significantly better than yours is, your problem might be between the transmission equipment. Again, if all of this was installed 14 years, ago, wireless signals have been MUCH improved since then in terms of speed, reliability, and security. You mentioned that the internet dropped out for two days at your location last month, by chance, was it raining during that time?

A possible solution could be to replace the transponder and your receiver with a newer set. Below is a suggestion which are known to work with a range of about 1km, possibly more if you don't have too many other competing networks between you and your target.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-NanoStation-locoM2-2-4GHz-Outdoor/dp/B004EGI3CI/ref=pd_cp_147_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=174WW7PF5WJW8TAJG18B

If you do decide to replace the transponders, make sure you're able to install them on the outside of both buildings and that they have a direct line of sight to each other.