[kakiana]

I have an Xfinity SMC Networks router. I have minimal wireless signal in parts of the house, and NONE downstairs in the basement, where the Smart Tv is. I know nothing about extending that signal. I am frustrated and need help before I buy any sort of equipment to solve this problem. Thank you in advance.

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Hi Kakiana

There are some Wireless range extenders but they cut the bandwidth in half.

My suggestion is take a look to the Powerline solutions like this for example you can extend the network using the power line and if you want wireless on the room that is far there are kits with wireless in one end.

Edit: Example of Network Diagram.

Edited by SleepyDude, 06 January 2014 - 03:39 PM.

[SleepyDude]

Hi Kakiana

There are some Wireless range extenders but they cut the bandwidth in half.

My suggestion is take a look to the Powerline solutions like this for example you can extend the network using the power line and if you want wireless on the room that is far there are kits with wireless in one end.

Edit: Example of Network Diagram.

Edited by SleepyDude, 06 January 2014 - 03:39 PM.

[AdvHomeServer]

Xfinity charges about $7 / month for cable modems. They charge $0 if you own it.

Comcast has a website that lists compatible cable modems. Find it and print the Docsis 3.0 models. Docsis 3.o refers to a standard that allows high speeds. Docsis 2.0 cost a little less but max out at slow speeds by today's standards. Amazon has a lot of Docsis 3.0 cable modems that support Comcast. Motorola seems to make the ones most people buy. Comcast needs to know the MAC address or some other number. I think they need one off the box and I think I once read it may be different from the one on the modem. Go figure. Save the box. Call Comcast and they will allow the new modem on the network. They cost much less than $100.

Routers are a different matter. Look at reviews at Amazon and decide on what you need. More expensive models have stronger radios. Routers are a good example of getting what you pay for. Find a model that users say work well in a big house and the signal doesn't drop often. My personal favorites are Asus and Netgear. Prices local are about the same as over the internet for popular routers. A few that have popular support are discounted heavily. I have no idea of their quality.

Netgear AC routers have a built in client bridge mode if you pair certain models together. This could help you move some work onto the 5GHz radio for media purposes. Dedicated media bridges are a hit or miss proposition. 5GHz has a shorter range than 2.4GHz and is more susceptible to walls.

Powerline can help get the signal downstairs. Some people dislike powerline. I find no problems with in in my house but your house may be different. Buy local if you want to try it so it's easy to return if it doesn't work well.

Advanced Home Server

Edited by AdvHomeServer, 24 January 2014 - 09:12 AM.