Router Or Range Extender?

[GalacticRuler]

In my house, the only source of WiFi is the ISP-provided Xfinity modem. In my two story house, the WiFi on the second floor has a significantly poorer connection. Because of this, I would want to get either a router or range extender. Would it be better to get a range extender to put on the second floor, or get a router to put on the first floor to give off a stronger signal?

[Oshino Shinobu]

Your ISP provided unit will be a router/modem combo if it is just one device. As such, you don't need to and probably shouldn't, add another router to the network (running multiple routers on the same network can cause issues, particularly with ISP provided units from my experience). What you want is an access point, which is a device dedicated to providing a wireless signal, not performing a whole range of functions like modern router units do. You get more for your money because it's a simpler device as it has less functions to deal with. 

 

Range extenders kind of suck, as they pick up a weak signal and then send out a stronger one. What this does is increase the range, but decrease the bandwidth, so you may be able to connect to the network, but it will not resolve any speed/bandwidth issues. In fact, it would make them worse. 

 

A pair of dedicated APs would be the best option. One downstairs and one up so you have good coverage. You could try a single AP first and see how it works. I would personally recommend the Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Pro, or the AP AC LITE if you're not willing to spend that much money. There's also a LR version if you really need the extra range. 

[Aleks NE]

10 minutes ago, GalacticRuler said:

In my house, the only source of WiFi is the ISP-provided Xfinity modem. In my two story house, the WiFi on the second floor has a significantly poorer connection. Because of this, I would want to get either a router or range extender. Would it be better to get a range extender to put on the second floor, or get a router to put on the first floor to give off a stronger signal?

 

 

I got a BT powerline extension, i got ethernet and wifi extended, I would totally recommend it. It was dirt cheap too.

[Sokol1an]

I have that same problem but in my basement it runs very well.

[The Benjamins]

I am using a Comcast router modem in bridge mode (allows you to use your own router), which is attached to my wired router, which has a AP attached.

[Donut417]

4 hours ago, GalacticRuler said:

In my house, the only source of WiFi is the ISP-provided Xfinity modem. In my two story house, the WiFi on the second floor has a significantly poorer connection. Because of this, I would want to get either a router or range extender. Would it be better to get a range extender to put on the second floor, or get a router to put on the first floor to give off a stronger signal?

If you dont have phone service, then do your self a favor. Buy a modem and a new router. That will solve much of the issue. Comcast's modem/Router's suck ass. I have heard WiFi performance is just horrid on them. Plus, buying a modem will save you about $120 per year. Because that Modem/Router is not free. 

[GalacticRuler]

On 4/6/2017 at 3:23 PM, Donut417 said:

If you dont have phone service, then do your self a favor. Buy a modem and a new router. That will solve much of the issue. Comcast's modem/Router's suck ass. I have heard WiFi performance is just horrid on them. Plus, buying a modem will save you about $120 per year. Because that Modem/Router is not free. 

I have landline phone service in my house, so sadly I cannot do that. 

[Donut417]

20 minutes ago, GalacticRuler said:

I have landline phone service in my house, so sadly I cannot do that. 

You can, but its a lot hard to get a Digital Voice modem. Some areas they are sold at Best Buy some areas they are not. You need to check Comcast's supported device to find a suitable modem. If not, you might consider putting that fucker in bridge mode if they can. OR save your self some money can cancel the phone service portion. We used to have Comcast digital voice then moved to Cellular only house.