Wi-Fi Extender sockets

[AndyPRK]

I purchased one of these years ago. BG? It seemed to be slow, (N300) so I disabled it over 2 years ago.
Just tried to re-enable it by pressing the button 3 times and it appears dead.

I just wondered if there were any recommendations for other USB extender sockets, or should I just replace it with a normal MK socket with 2 USB outlets ?

My download is only 70Mbps. (and 40 Mbps when I considered it slow), so I'm not expecting too much.

Any other recommendations for WiFi extenders? I'm considering

a) BT black plug in thing.
b) EE White extender ( like a router) But these are £50 and big.

 

[Rodders53]

What is the existing router-modem-wifi point make and model?

Some can support mesh wifi add-on units to work with existing WiFi.

Alternatively a WiFi mesh system with main unit wired to router (and router wifi disabled) could be the way to go? But may well be more than you seem to wish to spend.

Extending wifi without a wired backhaul (ethernet cable or, powerline on same ring main) can be flakey -- as the extender box needs a good wifi signal from the router to work from... chicken and egg. Which is why meshes with 2, 3, 4+ units can be placed to work ok (even they are better with wired backhaul to the modem router where possible.

I use an old Tenda mesh for our wifi for what that is worth.

 

[ETAF]

i had various extenders in various houses - in the end i purchased a Tp-Link - DECO MESH system form John lewis , as i happen to be in it at the time and had it for years and works great all over the house and in garden now

TP-Link - which i know is a good make from the many years i was in computing and networking
just need to find the one i had or its replacement - watch for an edit

i purchased the older version of these (£180) many years ago

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www.johnlewis.com

seems TP-Link now have many versions , i think when i purchased only 1 other version , which did not have good reviews

TP-Link

Deco Mesh provides your home with an integrated, comprehensive mesh Wi-Fi solution, no matter the size of your home or your internet access type. Flexibly create your whole home mesh Wi-Fi system and enjoy a seamless network experience.

www.tp-link.com

i purchased 3 units system
i just plugs into the LAN of the router

I know my son in London - they offer mesh as part of the fibre deal to ensure coverage around the home

 

[AndyPRK]

Turning the mcb off and on has got some life back.

Need to use iPhone to setup, not Win11.
Once setup, I get a fast flashing blue light (which I think means its not connected to router)

 

[ericmark]

I was dead against power line Wi-Fi extenders, however it seems my Sky boxes use it, and I no longer play radio so why worry? It seems to work, so if not broke why fix it.

 

[AndyPRK]

Existing router is an EE smart hub plus (few months old)

There is just one dead spot , so wanted to put the booster in the middle. I think it use to do the trick in terms of WiFi range when first installed.
However I was never convinced the phones switched between the WiFi networks in a sensible way (signal strength) Have to do it manually.

When I got 'Fibre' it seamed to cause interference with that router, and things seamed better off in the main house with it switched off.

Can't really be connecting things with ethernet cabling sadly.

 

[ETAF]

Can't really be connecting things with ethernet cabling sadly.

Not even a MESH hub next to the router - then you just plug the others in

however, check its not already included in the EE plan you have , i know my son as mentioned it was included in the plan , but when they installed the fibre router - they did not install the mesh repeater and he had to contact them to get it , as it was part of his plan

 

[AndyPRK]

Yeah I could do that.

EE like to charge a monthly sub for WiFi extenders.(not a fan of subscriptions) I was hoping to pick one up off eBay and get it to work!

 

[ETAF]

yes, but they do say , if not part of plan, then amonthly subscription, hence why i suggested you check the plan

check its not already included in the EE plan you have ,

sure you can get something off ebay (i dont use ebay anymore , too many issues in past)

 

[AndyPRK]

Not included in the plan. I renewed in May. And I was specifically looking for it.

Anyway, I've got the BG socket working again. On the same SSID. Getting 10Mbps in Kitchen which is adequate. (nothing without repeater)

Think I need to put it back to another SSID, to prevent closer devices to it connecting to the wrong thing (so then can run at a faster speed)

Will monitor over the next few days and see if I get annoyed with it)

 

[ETAF]

wont it just go onto the same SSID and act like a repeater

 

[Rodders53]

I was dead against power line Wi-Fi extenders, however it seems my Sky boxes use it, and I no longer play radio so why worry? It seems to work, so if not broke why fix it.

Not sure that is true... $ky Q afaik uses its own 'mesh' type hidden wifi to connect the Q minis to the main box. Main box ideally wired, or Wifi or Powerline connected to modem-router.

My mesh units allow device(s) to be connected via ethernet cable and then (hidden) wifi to other units and then to the router. A bit like Philips hue devices and zigbee to the Hue hub.

https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Broadband/Sky-Q-Mesh-or-Powerline/td-p/4525133

EE like to charge a monthly sub for WiFi extenders.(not a fan of subscriptions) I was hoping to pick one up off eBay and get it to work!

EE/BT modem should be capable of connecting to suitable Mesh devices when purchased and operate as proper mesh rather than a wifi extender... Their own Community (if there is one still) may be able to affirm if particular ones are compatible with the latest modem and how easy it is to do.

https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Broadband-Landline/EE-smarthub-plus-and-TP-deco-Mesh/td-p/1350946 suggests that EE lock their routers down somewhat to make things more difficult than they need to be. But just one quick look by me on that Community, so more research (by you) may be needed.

Separate SSIDs and wifi channels may help with existing extender --- but switching won't be as seamless as a mesh is supposed to be (but not all portable devices are made equal and some may still choose / hang on to the poorer signal with mesh as much as with separated networks). Fixed devices (TVs, wifi power controls, smart speakers) could be readily set to the 'correct' one of course.