Looking to improve network!

[james12315]

Hi Guys,

 

My internet is decent at times. 30Mbps Down 8Mbps Up (Ethernet Cable) and 2.5Mbps Down 2Mbps Up (Wifi On HTC).

 

But recently I have been experiencing a large amount of downtime (In Wifi). At the moment I only use the Router/Switch (In one) that is provided by my ISP. I am looking to improve the wifi around my house and maintain speeds when there are multiple streams going at once (Video, Music, etc.).

 

My Wifi probably isn't set up correctly. What is the best way of reducing downtime? I may consider getting a new router if it is worth the money.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Samfisher]

Define downtime?  What are you experiencing on the WiFi network that you feel can be improved?

[james12315]

Define downtime?  What are you experiencing on the WiFi network that you feel can be improved?

The wifi isn't working or not having the ability to do anything. Also improved speed would be nice

[Samfisher]

The wifi isn't working or not having the ability to do anything. Also improved speed would be nice

The WiFi just stops working?  On 1 device or all WiFi devices at the same time?

[Oshino Shinobu]

Are you just losing WiFi connection, or is the WiFi actually going down? (as in, you can't even get WiFi right next to the router?) 

 

If the WiFi is actually going down, then getting a new router could be a good idea, using the existing one as a modem only (if it supports that mode). If you're just dropping the WiFi connection, then wiring an Access Point up is a good choice to increase the signal strength. It will require you to run a cable to it though, and you don't really want it close to your router, or it defeats the point in having it. 

[james12315]

The WiFi just stops working?  On 1 device or all WiFi devices at the same time?

 

Are you just losing WiFi connection, or is the WiFi actually going down? (as in, you can't even get WiFi right next to the router?) 

 

If the WiFi is actually going down, then getting a new router could be a good idea, using the existing one as a modem only (if it supports that mode). If you're just dropping the WiFi connection, then wiring an Access Point up is a good choice to increase the signal strength. It will require you to run a cable to it though, and you don't really want it close to your router, or it defeats the point in having it. 

Cannot get connection anywhere on all devices until you restart the router... It happens about once or twice a week

[Samfisher]

Cannot get connection anywhere on all devices until you restart the router... It happens about once or twice a week

Can you actually see the WiFi network, or does the SSID just disappear completely and you have no WiFi to connect to?

[james12315]

Can you actually see the WiFi network, or does the SSID just disappear completely and you have no WiFi to connect to?

You can still see the wifi network but doesn't work

[squirtle4287]

You can still see the wifi network but doesn't work

I'd check with the ISP to see if any cables are broken, or if they are just having outages.

[Oshino Shinobu]

Cannot get connection anywhere on all devices until you restart the router... It happens about once or twice a week

Does the wired connection still work when the WiFi is down?

[Samfisher]

You can still see the wifi network but doesn't work

An access point would fix your problem

[james12315]

Does the wired connection still work when the WiFi is down?

Yes

[james12315]

An access point would fix your problem

How much would an access point cost and how do I set it up

[JefferyD90]

internet speeds aren't a measure of your network. Not to include you haven't given us any info. Please provide more info with a more solid question and I can be of real service.

Hi Guys,

 

My internet is decent at times. 30Mbps Down 8Mbps Up (Ethernet Cable) and 2.5Mbps Down 2Mbps Up (Wifi On HTC).

 

But recently I have been experiencing a large amount of downtime (In Wifi). At the moment I only use the Router/Switch (In one) that is provided by my ISP. I am looking to improve the wifi around my house and maintain speeds when there are multiple streams going at once (Video, Music, etc.).

 

My Wifi probably isn't set up correctly. What is the best way of reducing downtime? I may consider getting a new router if it is worth the money.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Oshino Shinobu]

Yes

In that case, a new router would be my suggestion. Depending on how the ISPs work where you live, you may be able to buy a new router/modem combo unit from someone like ASUS. 

 

How much would an access point cost and how do I set it up

Anywhere from $30 to over $1000. Something like a Ubiquiti UniFi can cost around $80 and is very simple to setup. You plug in an ethernet cable (uses PoE), go to a configuration page and enable it, that's pretty much it. 

[Samfisher]

How much would an access point cost and how do I set it up

Depends on quality, but there are many on Amazon, take a look

 

Just plug it into your existing router and turn off the WiFi on the original router.  Set up the AP and that will be where you will connect your WiFi from now on~

[james12315]

In that case, a new router would be my suggestion. Depending on how the ISPs work where you live, you may be able to buy a new router/modem combo unit from someone like ASUS. 

 

Anywhere from $30 to over $1000. Something like a Ubiquiti UniFi can cost around $80 and is very simple to setup. You plug in an ethernet cable (uses PoE), go to a configuration page and enable it, that's pretty much it. 

What is the range on an something like the Ubiquiti UniFi? My house is quite long and thin

[Oshino Shinobu]

What is the range on an something like the Ubiquiti UniFi? My house is quite long and thin

The base model is around 400Ft and the AP-LR (Access Point - Long Range) is 600Ft.