Would I benefit from a wi-fi extender(s)?

Answered
Keith
  • Edited

Hi:

My wireless Linksys router is located upstairs in my computer room and my NODE (N130) is located a floor below,maybe 10 feet away.Most of the time my wireless signal according to my Node is usually 3 bars(Good),but sometimes it goes to yellow(Fair) and this low signal(yellow) has not caused any real problems as far as drop-outs,per se,but I would like to get the best signal I can get,so would a Wi-fi extender(s) work in this case?

I am looking for something that is "plug and play"....what do you recommend?.....I listen to AMZ and Radio Paradise.

Existing router HAS to stay where it is and also the wireless connection(no cable wanted).Thanks,Keith

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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • Official comment
    Mark T.
    Sr. Support Crew Member

    I would recommend considering an Ethernet powerline adapter instead of a Wi-Fi extender as it creates a stable and reliable connection that is best for streaming high-resolution audio. Unlike a Wi-Fi extender, which can create a separate network that is not seen by the original network, an Ethernet powerline adapter extends your network through your existing electrical wiring, creating a direct and reliable connection between your router and your Bluesound NODE.

    If you really would like to use a cable-free setup, you can also consider a mesh network. One thing to consider when using a Wi-Fi mesh network is that the devices have a tendency to automatically switch from one mesh node (the closest one) to another (the farthest one), depending on which one provides the strongest signal at any given time.

    While a Wi-Fi mesh network is designed to provide optimal coverage and speed, there may be situations where the system may select a node that is farther away, resulting in a weaker signal. This can happen when the signal between the device and the closest node is weak due to interference or obstacles such as walls, furniture, or other obstructions. In this case, the mesh system may choose to connect to a node that is farther away but has a stronger signal, rather than the closest node with a weaker signal.

    Hope this helps and thanks for #LivingHiFi

  • Keith
    • Edited

    Thanks. My router is in my main computer room,so if I went with an Ethernet powerline adapter,all I need to do is plug the unit into the wall and run a short (4feet)physical ethernet cable from my router to the adapter.

    Will it still work close to the router or does it need to be further away...my NODE is located downstairs,basically under where the existing router is and maybe 10 feet across.

    I think they come as a pair,one cable from router to adapter and another adapter (downstairs) via ethernet cable into my NODE downstairs?

    So that's two adapters and two ethernet cables?.Thanks,Keith

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  • Mark T.
    Sr. Support Crew Member

    They do come in pairs - Amazon.com : powerline adapters
    Router - Ethernet Cable - powerline adapter (second floor) and then on the main floor, powerline adapter - Ethernet Cable - Bluesound NODE.


    Here's a quick video regarding powerline adapters, see if this fits your needs.
    (1) How Does Powerline Ethernet Work? - YouTube

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  • Keith
    • Edited

    Thanks,but maybe I would be better served if I upgraded my wireless router to a more stronger one?Thanks,Keith

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  • ALI NAQVI

    Not sure about whether a different router would improve things as I'm not an expert, so Seppi or Bluesound will give you a more authoritative answer. I've been using BT disc extenders (from a BT router) for a year now, since I bought my POWERNODE, and have had only very rare resilience or signal quality problems. As Mark says Powerlines are probably more resilient but (as I understand it) you need to make sure your router and Node are on the same circuit/fuse box as otherwise it won't work! Or that's what I've been told, so don't take my word for it. 

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  • Keith

    Yeah,I have read good and bad about extenders,etc,but right now my signal strength on my NODE (N130) is in the GREEN,3 bars(good),so not really looking to upgrade quite yet.TV in front room,maybe 30 feet from wireless router 'acts up' a bit(buffering) once in a while,although signal strength is "excellent",so not sure if it's signal related,or something else.

    I think that if I do anything,it will be a newer wireless router,bot lot's out there to choose from....not sure sure how much quality or high tech I need,as I don't want to go overboard and get some feature that I won't need.

    I need it for streaming audio and TV(3),computer,Ipad,laptop,no gaming,plus it needs to have a small footprint.Thanks,Keith

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  • Seppi Evans
    Hi-Res

    Powerline adapters can work wonders or not at all, if you can buy one and easily return if it does not work for you then go ahead and give it a go as they are simple. Just a case of using the wall socket and not an extension and having a free Ethernet port on your Router. I have had them working on a split fuse board, not fast but enough to make music play which was the intended purpose.

    The Wi-Fi in a router can legally only produce a given limit and hindered by walls, people, metal fail insulation etc. so an upgrade probably won’t help at this point but in the future when newer technologies are available in both the router and clients then it’s a different matter.

    I try and hardwire with Ethernet if possible but also use a mesh Wi-Fi system. Having worked in IT for far to long and not wanting to fiddle with my home network I now use a system by Plume, not cheap and requires a yearly subscription but I literally have not had to do anything with my Wi-Fi signal for years apart for when I had a power cut and just needed to turn everything off and on again in the correct order.

    Setting a mesh Wi-Fi systems up is easy just as long as you turn off Wi-Fi on the existing router and don’t try and set them up as another router. 

    Keith, as your Router is not physically far from the NODE you may want to experiment with the Wi-Fi channels it uses, in the configuration webpages there will be settings relating to Wi-Fi, make a note of what it’s currently using and then try channel 1, 6 or 11. Give it a few minutes and then see what the BluOS app reports in signal strength.

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  • Keith
    • Edited

    Seppi and Mark T:

    Thanks for the always informative explanation,but to be honest,right now,GREEN signal strength on my NODE is good enough for me,so I think I will just play like I have been and if it bothers me enough cutting in and out,then I may do something.Thanks,Keith

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