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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: MakersMarc on December 14, 2021, 10:12:44 PM
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So I have good speed and unlimited data on my infinity WiFi. It’s great for uploads/downloads but when streaming Qobuz to my laptop, in a separate room, or a DAP, I get dropouts and lose signal. I rent what I’m sure is a pretty basic modem from xfinity. Is there a cost-conscious way to improve connectivity? That mesh thingamajig? Thanks!
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how big is your place? building materials? ie drywall, plaster etc? current router?
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I'd suggest trying a wifi extender. I purchased a tp-link on Amazon for 22$ and it worked out great. Easy returns there if it doesn't provide you with the same results.
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I have a TP Link mesh router system and it works very well with great signal throughout our house. It plugs into the modem/router tower thing comcast gives you.
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If you do not already have one get a mesh system with Wifi 6 (802.11ax) protocol.
I went from 802.11N to a mesh 802.11ax using the Orbi RBK753S and watched my wifi speeds at least double.
You might also do some research on the modem you are renting to make sure that it handles gigabit speeds adequately. It should since it came from them but you may walk into a local B&M and make sure there is not a newer model available for free.
Edit to add that I also have Xfinity Gigabit and unlimited data
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im a big cheerleader for hardwiring
I suspect your issues are wifi related with high bandwidth draws like HD movies and audio
I get dropouts on my wifi in an out building from time to time when Im listening to anything north of 24/96. Not always but from time to time
I run a semi-pro wifi setup. Unifi EQ. Ubiquiti
Simple things to try if you havent already.
Login to your router and adjust the channels that your 2.4 and 5Ghz SSIDs are running on. Many times they are just left as is and everyone is on the same channels (not really an issue if your neighbors aren't too close).
So long story longer it might not be the pipe leaving your house (modem) but the LAN/wifi traffic inside your prem
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im a big cheerleader for hardwiring
Run ethernet if you can.
Otherwise, extenders or mesh systems would be a probable fix.
The main difference is that when you are logged onto an extender, you can't just walk around the house and stay logged in.
On a mesh system, the nodes hand off wifi users from one to another as they move around, giving constant connectivity.
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I got one of these a couple years ago and it's worked pretty well to get a much more consistent signal out in my garage:
https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX6120/dp/B014YN7LVE/
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This works for me:
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Hardwired is the best by far. Cat6 everywhere you can run it.
For home network WiFi, Ubiquit UniFi or Aruba InstantOn hardware has the best performance and security. Hardline run to each access point.
Next very good option is a mesh network, but be very careful about brands. The typical consumer brands often have severe vulnerabilities that may not get patched quickly. That's why brands like those above are far superior.
WiFi 6 / 802.11ax hardware is unnecessary unless most or all of your wireless devices support it. Even then, a high-quality device with good 5 GHz radios will outperform a cheap consumer-grade one with AX.
A range extender is the least good option, as it has the potential to slow down devices that access it. They are half-duplex devices. It's a band-aid that can help, but It's far better to actually fix the problem
Before you buy new hardware, you need to locate your router / access points where they can work their best. If you can locate them centrally on each floor, that's your best bet.
Instead of letting your router / AP automatically choose channels, set them manually. Use a WiFi scanner app (I recommend Ubiquiti Wifiman) to look at what 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels are being used nearby, and set your channels to less crowded places. If you have multiple APs, set them to use channels far away from each other.
Look at your antenna orientation. Mast antennas on WiFi devices are not omnidirectional; they radiate a toriodial (donut) pattern with the antenna poking up through the middle. If you have a device with multiple antennas, you can aim them in different directions at right angles to each other to strategically "aim" those toroids in different horizontal or vertical patterns.
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Instead of letting your router / AP automatically choose channels, set them manually. Use a WiFi scanner app (I recommend Ubiquiti Wifiman) to look at what 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels are being used nearby, and set your channels to less crowded places. If you have multiple APs, set them to use channels far away from each other.
Great advice, Volt.
My one comment on all that is that most routers in the wild are probably set to automatically choose, so if you scan at different times, you might get very different free channels nearby, depending on the other routers choosing relatively vacant frequencies.
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Instead of letting your router / AP automatically choose channels, set them manually. Use a WiFi scanner app (I recommend Ubiquiti Wifiman) to look at what 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels are being used nearby, and set your channels to less crowded places. If you have multiple APs, set them to use channels far away from each other.
Great advice, Volt.
My one comment on all that is that most routers in the wild are probably set to automatically choose, so if you scan at different times, you might get very different free channels nearby, depending on the other routers choosing relatively vacant frequencies.
That may be, but my experience is that setting your own fixed channels for your APs still offers greater stability and performance even when you can't control what other people's devices are doing.
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That may be, but my experience is that setting your own fixed channels for your APs still offers greater stability and performance even when you can't control what other people's devices are doing.
I can believe that. Thanks for sharing your wisdom/experience.
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Yeah forcing channel 1, 6 , or 11 will help on 2.4! Always choose one of the those to stop overlapping. Can't control the neighbors on auto but it will help for sure! If you're on Android use WiFi Analyzer to check channels.
I agree about wiring cat 5e or 6 where you can but that isn't always an option. Mesh setups are great and WAY better than a traditional extender! I wired my house for cat 6 and use a 2 mesh set up with wired backhaul so both floors get max speed. All devices are hardwired where they can be and the only thing on 2.4 is my daughters old laptop (no 5ghtz) and my logitech remote hub (again no 5ghtz).
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Yeah forcing channel 1, 6 , or 9 will help on 2.4! Always choose one of the those to stop overlapping. Can't control the neighbors on auto but it will help for sure! If you're on Android use WiFi Analyzer to check channels.
1, 6, and 11 are the ones which don't overlap.
In USA there are only eleven channels available on the 2.4 GHz Wireless N band (802.11n), and the only three which don't overlap are the two on the ends and the one right in the middle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11n-2009 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11n-2009)
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Yeah forcing channel 1, 6 , or 9 will help on 2.4! Always choose one of the those to stop overlapping. Can't control the neighbors on auto but it will help for sure! If you're on Android use WiFi Analyzer to check channels.
1, 6, and 11 are the ones which don't overlap.
In USA there are only eleven channels available on the 2.4 GHz Wireless N band (802.11n), and the only three which don't overlap are the two on the ends and the one right in the middle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11n-2009 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11n-2009)
yep, mistake on my part
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Thank you guys, most appreciated!