WiFi recommendation.

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Guy 13

WiFi recommendation.
« on: 4 Mar 2014, 01:21 pm »
Hi all.
I hope I am at the right place?
We have a WiFi unit, so that my wife can use her iPad in the bed.
She prefer to play games on line, instead of doing her wife's duty...
In the bedroom...
In the bed...
Get it? :lol:
Now, I bought a Grace Mondo table Internet Radio,
but I want to use it on the upper floor (My office)
which is seperated by a 12" thick armoured concrete,
therefore the radio waves don't go thru that floor.
Thenperson that sold us the WiFi unit said it was the most powerfull unit available
and he recommended a slave unit as a receiver and then transmitter.
What brand - model would you recommend?
We have now this unit:
Linksys Wireless - G 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps
Waiting for your comments.

Guy 13


Doublej

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Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #1 on: 4 Mar 2014, 03:29 pm »
I would try a wireless n router if the Grace has wireless n. Plan B is more complicated. You can use Ethernet over power line to get the signal through the concrete and the add a wireless device on that floor.

nigelnaim

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #2 on: 4 Mar 2014, 03:50 pm »
You could also try a wireless extender.  http://support.linksys.com/en-us/support/rangeexpanders/RE1000

bacobits1

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #3 on: 4 Mar 2014, 06:47 pm »
I have that exact Linksys extender and it works quite well.

mcgsxr

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #4 on: 4 Mar 2014, 06:53 pm »
Wireless extenders can be useful, as they do in fact allow for wireless where none was before - but be aware that they affect throughput by 50%.

Whether or not that will affect you, will depend on what you are streaming (ie how much bandwidth you need).

I'd move to wireless N, and use powerline adapters to get through the wall.

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #5 on: 5 Mar 2014, 06:41 am »
I would try a wireless n router if the Grace has wireless n. Plan B is more complicated. You can use Ethernet over power line to get the signal through the concrete and the add a wireless device on that floor.
Hi Doublej.
My Grace Mondo can work with the wireless WiFi.
Ethernet over the power lines, everything will have to be 230V.
(Vietnam : 230V./50Hz.)
I have to look into that with computer's stores.
Thanks.

Guy 13

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #6 on: 5 Mar 2014, 06:42 am »
You could also try a wireless extender.  http://support.linksys.com/en-us/support/rangeexpanders/RE1000
Hi nigelnaim.
That's another option that I will have to investigate.
Thanks for the link.

Guy 13

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #7 on: 5 Mar 2014, 06:50 am »
I have that exact Linksys extender and it works quite well.
Hi bacobits.
I've been told by a local computer store that the unit I have is a good one.
It was given to my wife by one of her (Boy) friend
and he got it from his friend living in the USA.
If I buy a second unit (Same make/model)
and put it on the up-stairs floor in my office as a receiver from downstairs signal
and as a transmitter to the Grace Mondo which will be within a few feet, it should work.
My HP laptop gets a 2 to 3 on 5 signal from the downstairs WiFi, now with that second WiFi unit, I think I should be O.K. ?

Guy 13
 

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #8 on: 5 Mar 2014, 06:56 am »
Wireless extenders can be useful, as they do in fact allow for wireless where none was before - but be aware that they affect throughput by 50%.

Whether or not that will affect you, will depend on what you are streaming (ie how much bandwidth you need).

I'd move to wireless N, and use powerline adapters to get through the wall.
Hi Mr. Thunderbird.
Oups... Excuse me, Mr. mcgxr.
What do you mean by:
{{but be aware that they affect throughput by 50%.}}
Do you mean it might be buffering often.
Excuse my ignorance when it comes to computer's language.
Another problem is that the computer store don't take returns
once the unit has left the store.
I don't know how I can be sure it will work ? ? ?
I am not sure of the price, but I think it runs around 100 USD.
Thanks for the info.

Guy 13



Doublej

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Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #9 on: 5 Mar 2014, 12:23 pm »
Guy13,

The linkys is a good unit but it's last generation technology as it does not support the latest wifi standard which is called "n".

You should be able to get a 230 volt ethernet over powerline adapter. Many are them are voltage selectable. If you do go this route you could also use a Grace USB-ethernet adapter that would allow you to use a cable between the poweline adapter and the the Mondo.

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #10 on: 5 Mar 2014, 12:38 pm »
Guy13,

The linkys is a good unit but it's last generation technology as it does not support the latest wifi standard which is called "n".

You should be able to get a 230 volt ethernet over powerline adapter. Many are them are voltage selectable. If you do go this route you could also use a Grace USB-ethernet adapter that would allow you to use a cable between the poweline adapter and the the Mondo.
Hi Doublej.
What would be the advantage of having a USB-ethernet adapter
(Which I don't have and therefore,
I have to buy and wait for someone to bring it to me)
and a cable between the power line adapter and the the Mondo?
This might not be a big problem, but I don't like to leave the wallwart
(Or whatever you call it) plug 24/24, I usually unplug-it after use.

Guy 13

nigelnaim

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #11 on: 5 Mar 2014, 12:40 pm »
Guy13,

The linkys is a good unit but it's last generation technology as it does not support the latest wifi standard which is called "n".

You should be able to get a 230 volt ethernet over powerline adapter. Many are them are voltage selectable. If you do go this route you could also use a Grace USB-ethernet adapter that would allow you to use a cable between the poweline adapter and the the Mondo.

Doublej,

 I am not understanding the comments re the Linksys unit does not support Wireless N.  The link I provided was for the Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender and as the product name would suggest, it does support  IEEE 802.11n. 

Doublej

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Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #12 on: 5 Mar 2014, 07:24 pm »
Doublej,

 I am not understanding the comments re the Linksys unit does not support Wireless N.  The link I provided was for the Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender and as the product name would suggest, it does support  IEEE 802.11n.

I was referring to Guy13's existing router. It's only a G router.

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #13 on: 6 Mar 2014, 12:00 am »
Hi all.
We have the cable, but it's only for the TV.
For the Internet is an ADSL via telephone line.
Next week, my wife will sign a contract with a new provider
and they will up-grade the line with a fiber optic line.
When that's done,
I will see what direction I will take for the WiFi.
Thanks for all the information,
this will help me in choosing the right unit.

Guy 13

mcgsxr

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #14 on: 6 Mar 2014, 02:54 am »
A wireless access point is typically wired to the router with Ethernet.  Thus any device that connects to the wireless access point ultimately uses a wired connection to the router.

In comparison a wireless extender uses the router's wireless bandwidth to connect to other devices.

I added a wireless access point in my own system, as I wanted better overall wireless through my home, and was able to run Ethernet back to my router.

Not a huge deal if you only have a few wireless devices on your network.  As a father of 2 girls, I am seeing proliferation of wireless devices!

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #15 on: 6 Mar 2014, 06:39 am »
A wireless access point is typically wired to the router with Ethernet.  Thus any device that connects to the wireless access point ultimately uses a wired connection to the router.

In comparison a wireless extender uses the router's wireless bandwidth to connect to other devices.

I added a wireless access point in my own system, as I wanted better overall wireless through my home, and was able to run Ethernet back to my router.

Not a huge deal if you only have a few wireless devices on your network.  As a father of 2 girls, I am seeing proliferation of wireless devices!
Hi mcgxr.
I am lost with all those new (To me) tech words,
so I will use my own words to explain what I want to do.
I have a box (Make: Thomson Model: Speedtouch 510)
in which my computer is (Hard wired) connected,
then the WiFi on a table nearby is also (Hard wired) connected to that same box.
That box get it's signal from the ADSL telephone line.
Now, I know that the signal from the WiFi reach the floor upstairs, because my laptop works, even if the signal id 2 or 3 on 5.
My question is:
If I have a second WiFi on the floor upstairs, the signal should be stronger, therefore my Grace Mondo Internet radio should work.
I will only have my laptop and Internet radio working from the WiFi on most of the time, they might not work at the same time.
I am sure getting a WiFi unit here in Vietnam should be easy and not that expensive.
Does that makes sense?

Guy 13
   

Doublej

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Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #16 on: 6 Mar 2014, 12:05 pm »
I came up with a great (or horrible) analogy for wireless. It's like a person shouting to each other. The louder a person shouts the easier it for other to hear. Some people have better hearing than others, so they can hear the shouter better.

Linksys Wireless router = shouter; Call her Lien
Mondo= Name of the person trying to understand shouter; Call him Mondo
Wireless repeater = a third person between the shouter and person trying to understand the shouter who. This person repeats what the shouter says; Call her Cara. Cara will typically have better hearing than Mondo. Her voice is as loud as Lien.

Now on to the situation:


Mondo can't hear what Lien is shouting.

Option 0.
Have Lien move closer to Mondo. Could you relocate the Thomson and Linksys boxes in the house to have them closer to Mondo?

Option 1.
If you replace Lien with a person that has a louder voice  (e.g. replace your Linksys router with a wireless n router which has a louder voice) then Mondo may be able to hear what is being shouted.

Option 2.
You could put Cara between Lien and Mondo. She will listen to what Cara shouts and repeat it to Mondo. Since her voice is as loud as Cara's but she is closer to Mondo, Mondo may be able to understand what Cara shouts.

Option 3.
Perhaps Lien is just too far away from Mondo or Cara. Neither can hear Lien. Mondo can't read. Lien could write down what she wants to communicate to Mondo and have it carried to Cara who shouts it to Mondo. This is the Ethernet over Powerline to a Wireless repeater to Internet Radio solution.

Option 4.
Instead of shouting Cara could write down what she wants to communicate to Mondo and have it hand carried to Mondo. Mondo reads it. This is the Ethernet over Powerline option to a wired connection to the Mondo.

Option 0 is the simplest if it works as you don't need to buy anything, then 1, 2, 3, 4.




Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #17 on: 6 Mar 2014, 01:52 pm »
I came up with a great (or horrible) analogy for wireless. It's like a person shouting to each other. The louder a person shouts the easier it for other to hear. Some people have better hearing than others, so they can hear the shouter better.

Linksys Wireless router = shouter; Call her Lien
Mondo= Name of the person trying to understand shouter; Call him Mondo
Wireless repeater = a third person between the shouter and person trying to understand the shouter who. This person repeats what the shouter says; Call her Cara. Cara will typically have better hearing than Mondo. Her voice is as loud as Lien.

Now on to the situation:


Mondo can't hear what Lien is shouting.

Option 0.
Have Lien move closer to Mondo. Could you relocate the Thomson and Linksys boxes in the house to have them closer to Mondo?

Option 1.
If you replace Lien with a person that has a louder voice  (e.g. replace your Linksys router with a wireless n router which has a louder voice) then Mondo may be able to hear what is being shouted.

Option 2.
You could put Cara between Lien and Mondo. She will listen to what Cara shouts and repeat it to Mondo. Since her voice is as loud as Cara's but she is closer to Mondo, Mondo may be able to understand what Cara shouts.

Option 3.
Perhaps Lien is just too far away from Mondo or Cara. Neither can hear Lien. Mondo can't read. Lien could write down what she wants to communicate to Mondo and have it carried to Cara who shouts it to Mondo. This is the Ethernet over Powerline to a Wireless repeater to Internet Radio solution.

Option 4.
Instead of shouting Cara could write down what she wants to communicate to Mondo and have it hand carried to Mondo. Mondo reads it. This is the Ethernet over Powerline option to a wired connection to the Mondo.

Option 0 is the simplest if it works as you don't need to buy anything, then 1, 2, 3, 4.
Hi Doublej
 :lol: :lol: :lol:
I love your way of making something like that,
look so simple and at the same time, so funny.
Option 0
Cannot do !
Wires will be crossing the living room and Guy 13 will trip on the wires, because Guy 13 does look where he put his feet...
And my boss said: NO ! :nono:
Option 1
According to the computer salesman,
the Linksys is the most powerful unit you can get.
Option 2
Now where talking.
I think I will go with that option.
It's easy for me to put Cara between Lien and Mondo
and it's not too expensive and I am sure it will work.
Option 3 and 4
For no real justified reason, I don't like the idea.
Therefore, I will go with option 2.
So not I have to go to the computer store to buy a Cara
or maybe I can buy it via Amazon and my wife's aunt could bring it with her when she comes to Vietnam the first week of April.
Well thanks for your help, you made my day, even if now it's 9pm.
Thanks a zillion times.

Guy 13
 

Guy 13

Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #18 on: 6 Mar 2014, 02:15 pm »
Hi all and Doublej.
I went on Amazon and Cisco websites and I was wondering which unit format I should pick.
They have the G and the N and the N+
They say the N+ is well suited for Internet music.
What do you think.
I saw a unit very similar to the one I have for only 48 USD on Amazon.
Decision, decision, decision....

Guy 13

Doublej

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Re: WiFi recommendation.
« Reply #19 on: 7 Mar 2014, 02:38 am »
Guy,

First, never trust a salesman. It might be the powerful unit you can get from him or it might have been the most powerful at the time you bought it but given that it is only a G router I can confidently state that it is not the most powerful router out there.

Since the Linksys router you have does not support the N protocol, buying a N protocol repeater won't help you.

If you post links to the products you are considering and I'll let you know what I think....but I still think Option 1 (replace the existing Linksys router with a new wireless N router) is the best approach. If for some reason that doesn't solve the problem you should be able to take it and turn it into the wireless repeater you will need by installing open source firmware (called DD-WRT or Tomato) onto it. It's not hard to do but you do need to follow the directions precisely.