Extending Comcast wireless network

[Jim Oaks]

Yesterday I got Comcast Blast cable internet, and had the modem/router (Xfinity SMCD3GNV) set up in my office in the basement at the east end of the house. The problem is that I don't get a signal strong enought to connect in the living room at the west end of the house.

I found a little information on Powerline adapters. If I understand correctly, one plugs in to an outlet near the modem with a cable conecting it to the modem. It sends a signal through the wire to another powerline in another part of the house. But then I'd have to hook my laptop up to it with a cable. I want to remain wireless. Could I plug a new router in to the 2nd powerline to broadcast a signal upstairs? Seems like a lot of additional equipment/money to get a good signal upstairs.

Is there a better option? Is it just that the Comcast modem is crappy?

 

[Jim Oaks]

Found (2) range extenders on Best Buy's site that just plugs in an outlet and seems to act like a repeater:

Netgear

Belkin

Reviews are mixed. Some say they're great, some say they don't work or won't stay connected.

Any input??

 

[martin]

If you could mount it on the ceiling in the basement it might help, and cost nothing.

 

[Doom's Day Custom]

Alot of times you can boost the signal in the setting of the router or turn on the afterburner in your receiver or boost the power..

 

[Die.Fledermaus]

Run a cat-5 cable to the other side of the house.

 

[4.0B2]

Search the Internet o ways to boost it. There are some write ups on how to make your own range extender.

I've seen a netgear extender used before. It worked pretty decent.

Personally I'd see about moving the router to a more central location or get a better router. What router are you running?

Oh you said lol.. What's the specs on that router? Basically you may need to tell them you want a split unit so you could run a better router. Something like the netgear n600. Dual band and n+ range.

 

[rboyer]

Those range extenders are a handy thing to have but sometimes they can be a pain to get working depending on your setup. You have alot of options though. Me personally, depending on the construction of your house I would consider running cat5 from your router to another router at the other end of the house. Or if it's possible, move the router/modem to a more central location in the house where the signal can spread over the place evenly. You might even be able to get away with buying a better wireless router and plugging it in right there next to the modem/router. If you get one that puts out a stronger signal it might cover the whole house. I'm just a firm believer in hardwiring as much stuff as possible. Having that wireless bridge between the router and extender just doesn't "feel" right to me.