Extend Wireless Range

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JAGGZ

58 posts

Master Geek

#204801 18-Oct-2016 12:30

Hi All

I have an Archer D7 AC1750 router installed in a motel complex, the router works well for what it is intended for and to extend the wireless range I have 2 x Ubiquity Nano M5 loco units (5Ghz) installed on rooftops in different locations. The units have a good line of site between the them, one is an Access Point the other is a Station, however I have a couple of weak spots that the Ubiqity units are not reaching one area is about 30 meters from the router and 25 meters from one of the Ubiquity units but not in line of sight, I am considering perhaps some sort of wifi booster or aerial that might feed off either the router or the Ubiquity unit just to boos the signal a little more.

My knowledge on these is not the best so I appreciate any ideas on what might might be suitable or as good way to get around this.

michaelmurfy

meow
13252 posts

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#1652807 18-Oct-2016 12:44

If you're going to provide Motel WiFi then do it properly.

1) Don't use WiFi boosters.
2) Ensure you're using client isolation on all AP's.
3) Ideally, do some cable runs from your router and install some Ubiquiti UniFi access points around the premisis. This will offer the best WiFi coverage.

Another way of doing this (if there is no way to do cable runs) is do wireless P2P between units and install a UniFi access point at the end (and ceiling mount these). Depending on where you're based I am sure somebody here can assist with a decent setup.

A common mistake of the places I've stayed at all try to do it as cheaply as possible however this is terrible for the guest. Do it right and do it well since if you have excellent WiFi then your guests will likely stay again (just ask @sbiddle).

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
Referral Links: Quic Broadband (use R122101E7CV7Q for free setup)

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kiwigeek1

637 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1652859 18-Oct-2016 13:50

remember most routers are only 50mwatts output on antenna.. you can hunt around for 1 watt ones to see

if one router will do that job.. also latest AC step up from wireless N is now out and new tablets taking advantage

ideally cable to rooms is the best way to go.. often people have their own portable wifi router/repeater they connect

to the cable (or wifi) of hotel room so they have wifi to all their devices in local range

any radio phones or mircowaves (ovens) in room kill wifi generally or slows it down

sbiddle

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#1652887 18-Oct-2016 14:02

What is the purpose of the UBNT link?

It really sounds like you need a complete reinstall with suitable equipment. The solution for WiFi is low powered equipment covering small areas, not "high powered" equipment. Every install I do now typically has a target of 1 AP per 2 rooms assuming I'm not installing inroom AP's in which it's one per room (the best solution).

You don't want a "WiFi Booster" or "WiFi repeater" and these should not be used under any circumstances unless you really know why they're so bad and can deploy them in a good environment.

JAGGZ

58 posts

Master Geek

#1652930 18-Oct-2016 14:42

Thanks everyone for your input, there are is some really, really good points which I would not have thought to consider, I think a complete re-install is a good practical solution and move forward from there, @ sbiddle the UBNT link was to get a link further down to the far away rooms that are not interconnected

richms

28187 posts

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#1652935 18-Oct-2016 14:50

No point having 1W AP's when people are using phones and tablets that will not get back to them.

1W makes sense when going to another 1W AP or similar. All that will happen with high power ones is people will see lots of networks with lots of bars of signal that will not work.

This sort of install really needs to be done by someone who is familiar with how much you can push thru the usually quite heavy materials that motels are made from, weather that is from APs across the carpark blasting in thru the windows or else in room ones etc, it is totally different to a home install.

People are totally non accepting of crap wifi nowdays, if you have a sign up saying you offer it and it is crap, prepare to be trashed on trip advisor and similar. I stayed at one place where I couldnt even stream a 480p youtube on the wifi. "its free" is not an excuse for being crap.

Richard rich.ms

kiwigeek1

637 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1652941 18-Oct-2016 14:56

But then what youre saying if 1 watt connects to a portable wifi in a room it will work?

I have a 1watt booster connected to a antenna on kitchen router and all my devices work well

even with microwave going.. goes thru brick wall now. (I have also a portable

wifi device that connects to it and relays ok to tablets)

if its a small motel maybe all one needs.

if go to norfolk island you know how bad wifi access is.. and how not to do it.

kiwigeek1

637 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1652955 18-Oct-2016 15:09

reading the reviews of the devices you use.. they used to replace wifi extenders like netgeairs

Im just wondering if could use the devices that connect to home poweroutlets if got no cabling to

move the lan signal to the weak areas then a wifi router to broadcast on a different band in those areas.. which probably have walls or double walls etc blocking the

signal.

https://www.cnet.com/news/top-five-power-line-adapters-when-wi-fi-fails-you/

although I see these are US maybe universal power ones exist

I originally purchased the Picostation which is also produced by Ubiquity. I used it as an access point and it worked really well. I have a shop/hunt club approximately a mile or so from my house and the Picostation wouldn't quite reach, but it did work really well and had a wide range. I found the Nanostation and decided to give it a try seeing that the Picostation was so easy to setup. I was correct in assuming since its a Ubiquity product it would be great. At 1 mile I get almost 4 bars as signal and get great speed. There is no other resolution for the low cost. The Picostation was used for almost 2 years (outside in the weather) and never had a problem