Best router wireless signal

southwell · 26-03-2008, 13:07

Hi,

My mate has Virgin BB and constantly seems to lose signal on his ps3 and xbox, his laptop isn't too bad, but it's not brilliant, he does get 18mb on it though. What router has the best signal strength? Preferably N compatible.
I looked at the Belkin N1 but am unsure which is best.

Thanks

Cerberus · 26-03-2008, 13:14

For improved signal you can get an N router. I won't recommend one particular manurfacturer as all of them are pretty good.

If you having trouble with wireless signal, why don't you try homeplugging it?

All it is, is a patch lead from your router to a plug that sits in normal plug socket and the room that has the PS3 or Xbox in, also has a plug with a patch lead connected to either the Xbox or PS3. It's basically a way of sending the internet through your mains electricity.

Have a look through this lot. I think it could work out cheaper than buying a decent N router and N adapter.

Thanks to Zing for bringing Homeplug to my attention.

southwell · 26-03-2008, 13:17

Ah yes, homeplug. Im not sure if he will go for that but i may pursuade him, thanks for that. The only problem i can see is i would have to either get an access point or a hub/switch to run all the equipment, plus it kind of makes it a bit pointless having a wifi laptop.
Cheers

Cerberus · 26-03-2008, 13:24

If he already has a wireless router which I am assuming he has, then he will still have the option of being able to connect laptops, PC's & consoles wireless. It's just that homeplug will allow you to get a better quality of service by allowing him to connect his lappy/PS3/Xbox by hardwire through his mains electric.

You won't need to update/buy anything new (just the homeplug kit).

What router does he currently have?

These are quite cheap. £19 a plug - FlaVes85 - HomePlug - 85Mbps. 3 pinned UK plugs, works with any access point and router.

That's a £38 solution for networking through your mains electric. Now compare that to buying a new N router which can set you back £70.00+ notes and then a N adapter which can set you back a further £40.00+ notes, I'd say that the homeplug option is a bargain.

danielf · 26-03-2008, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by southwell

Ah yes, homeplug. Im not sure if he will go for that but i may pursuade him, thanks for that. The only problem i can see is i would have to either get an access point or a hub/switch to run all the equipment, plus it kind of makes it a bit pointless having a wifi laptop.
Cheers

Home plug wireless extender:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132745

Use the homeplug protocol to get to the room you want to be, and go wireless from there. I've got one, it's brilliant.

southwell · 26-03-2008, 13:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Home plug wireless extender:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132745

Use the homeplug protocol to get to the room you want to be, and go wireless from there. I've got one, it's brilliant.

Now i like that! Possibly a bit pricey for him but ill throw the idea his way, cheers!

danielf · 26-03-2008, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by southwell

Now i like that! Possibly a bit pricey for him but ill throw the idea his way, cheers!

It is pricey, but I'm so glad I got that kit. Wifi was hopeless in my house (Router in the upstairs study, virtually no signal downstairs. I had trouble streaming mp3s). I got this bit of kit and the whole of the goundfloor has a solid wifi signal. I recommend it.

southwell · 26-03-2008, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerberus

If he already has a wireless router which I am assuming he has, then he will still have the option of being able to connect laptops, PC's & consoles wireless. It's just that homeplug will allow you to get a better quality of service by allowing him to connect his lappy/PS3/Xbox by hardwire through his mains electric.

You won't need to update/buy anything new (just the homeplug kit).

What router does he currently have?

These are quite cheap. £19 a plug - FlaVes85 - HomePlug - 85Mbps. 3 pinned UK plugs, works with any access point and router.

That's a £38 solution for networking through your mains electric. Now compare that to buying a new N router which can set you back £70.00+ notes and then a N adapter which can set you back a further £40.00+ notes, I'd say that the homeplug option is a bargain.

I like the idea, and tbh i think thats going to be my new setup at my house!

But unless i can get everything plugged in it wont stop the problem in total. If someone can confirm that i can connect a switch or such to the other end of the homeplug then it would be an absolute bargain.

Cerberus · 26-03-2008, 13:35

Zingle? ^^^

I am sure you would be able to.

Druchii · 26-03-2008, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by southwell

I like the idea, and tbh i think thats going to be my new setup at my house!

But unless i can get everything plugged in it wont stop the problem in total. If someone can confirm that i can connect a switch or such to the other end of the homeplug then it would be an absolute bargain.

If it's just standard networking gear that gets a bit clever when sending over power lines, a switch would be no problem, hell even a router should work across it

southwell · 26-03-2008, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druchii

If it's just standard networking gear that gets a bit clever when sending over power lines, a switch would be no problem, hell even a router should work across it

Yep, thats what i thought, just wanted to confirm as ive had no experience with homeplugs, not sure how clever they are. Anyway, i think it's a good route to go down, he wasn't too fussed about plugging in the system he uses at the time, so it might just be a case of installing the plugs!

tweetypie/8 · 26-03-2008, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Home plug wireless extender:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132745

Use the homeplug protocol to get to the room you want to be, and go wireless from there. I've got one, it's brilliant.

have to agree on that one.