Trying to use a second identical modem to extend WiFi?

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Plato

17 posts

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#288224 14-Jun-2021 21:08

Switching internet providers resulted in me getting a second copy of the exact same modem, a NetComm AC1600. Since the modem is connected in the garage, the WiFi signal in the lounge can be quite weak, so I'd like to improve the signal there.

However, reading about this topic (e.g. here) makes it sound quite difficult and possibly not effective, if my attempts even work. Then again, no-one else on the internet I've read trying to do this are using the exact same modem - maybe that could make it substantially easier.

Should I avoid wasting my time and just buy a WiFi extender? Or perhaps it'd be worth paying Chorus to relocate the fibre access point (but that might result in weaker WiFi elsewhere?). Ideally, I'd have an ethernet connection straight to the TV.

jonathan18

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#2728868 15-Jun-2021 06:05

How feasible is it to run Ethernet cable from your garage to a suitable spot in the house where you can relocate the router? That (or getting the ONT relocated, which I assume may cost a bit?) is always going to be your best option. (And I’m assuming there’s no Ethernet cabling in the house already?)

While it is possible to repurpose many routers to act as a second access point, typically they need to be connected via Ethernet, and as you’ll be told on this forum the results can be unreliable. Similarly, the old type of ‘WiFi extenders’ are not advisable, but if you do need to stick to wireless, many people find mesh setups provide an ideal solution. Some of the Netcomm routers work with a mesh add-on, eg Slingshot offers this https://help.slingshot.co.nz/hc/en-us/articles/900004807143

If your router isn’t compatible with this, there’s always the option of buying a mesh pack and just connecting it to your router and disabling the WiFi on this. I’ve installed the two-set system Vodafone provides at my in-laws’ place and was pleasantly surprised at how it effectively sorted their crud coverage. Of course, other sets come with three but even if you start with two you can usually just buy another if you find there are still areas with poor reception.

All that said, running Ethernet to a spot behind your TV is still probably a good idea, even if you go with a mesh setup to ensure good coverage throughout the rest of the house, as you can plug in any devices there into Ethernet (always the best option for non-mobile devices).

Paul1977

5042 posts

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#2728980 15-Jun-2021 10:15

You going to get a few different suggestions, but I don't think any of them will be recommending a traditional wifi extender - as @Jonathan18 pointed out they are rubbish.

I assume this is a an attached garage? If it is, I'd suggest:

Run some ethernet cable from your router into the roof space and then use some ceiling mounted wifi access points to get good wifi coverage everywhere in the house (you would disable wifi on your router and only use the new APs for wifi). Even if you have to run the cable on the outside of the gib on the garage wall, you could use capping to keep it neat if you wanted (and it's only the garage so doesn't have to look perfect). There'd be no visible cabling in the house, just the APs on the ceiling. WiFi mesh can be pretty decent, but cabled WiFi access points are still better if possible. As long as you have enough space to get into the roof cavity, running the cable is simple.

Most TVs only have 100Mbps network cards anyway so, if you can get decent wifi, I'd suggest ethernet to your TV isn't that important (gaming consoles are another matter though).

EDIT: I personally wouldn't go down the path of trying to get Chorus to move the ONT. Not sure the cost, but you still need to find a suitable location for both the ONT and the router in the house where the wifi performs well (and where they aren't an eyesore).