Extending my network with a WiFi range extender?

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geekIT

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Topic # 206055 8-Dec-2016 08:44

I want to set up a computer in a shed that's 30 meters from the house.

The shed is tin-clad so I can't pick up the wifi modem in the house.

I just spotted this gadget on PBT and wondered if it might do the job. I understand it plugs into a power point (which I have in the shed) and taps into the network via the electric wiring.

Anyone tried this and can comment?

BTW, I'm aware I could run a network cable to the shed but it'd be messy. It'd either have to be on the ground, under it or over it.

And I tried a wifi extender (like a Sky dish) on a customer's outlying guesthouse a few years back and apart from the expense, it wasn't too reliable.

So if this gizmo works, it'd be a simple solution. It's about $140.

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The Linksys AC1200 Amplify Wi-Fi Range Extender
(RE6700) works with any Wi-Fi router to expand your wireless coverage area up to 10,000 square feet inside and outside your home.

- Up to 10,000 square feet of Wireless-AC coverage in and around your home
- Easy mobile device setup guides optimal placement for superior performance
- Flexible and discreet placement allows you to maintain use of a wall outlet
- Works with all Wi-Fi routers, including those from service providers, without having to modify router settings
- Two independent, dedicated Wi-Fi bands that deliver combined speeds of up to 2.53Gbps
- 1 Year warranty

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Reply # 1684420 8-Dec-2016 08:56

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WiFi range extenders rarely work well, specially in tin sheds.

Why not try Ethernet over Power?

AKA Powerline Networking

Sideface

hio77

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Reply # 1684423 8-Dec-2016 09:01

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Sideface:

WiFi range extenders rarely work well, specially in tin sheds.

lol..

As sideface pointed out, POE is an option, Otherwise i would go with a P2P wireless bridge rather than a Wireless extender (they will half your throughput)

Personally i'd run a cable for that, but that is just me.

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sbiddle

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Reply # 1684445 8-Dec-2016 09:25

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Firstly I never recommend range extenders with the exception of some very unique circumstances.

Secondly that device isn't going to work for you. If you have no wireless cover where you're placing the extender than it's not going to be able to pick up a wireless signal to rebroadcast.

Cable followed by Ethernet over Power are the best options.

geekIT

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Reply # 1684450 8-Dec-2016 09:30

Thanks guys. I thought the Linksys gizmo IS a powerline type of gadget. Like, something that plugs into a powerpoint and carries network signals?

MyBad if I'm wrong :-(

Later: Seems I was mistaken.

So something like this should work?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETTEN0200/Tenda-P200-200Mbps-Mini-Powerline-Adapter-Broadcom

At $17 from PBT it's certainly cheap enough.

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Reply # 1684452 8-Dec-2016 09:38

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geekIT:

Thanks guys. I thought the Linksys gizmo IS a powerline type of gadget. Like, something that plugs into a powerpoint and carries network signals?

MyBad if I'm wrong :-(

A range extender is a single device, mains powered, that receives and re-transmits WiFi (at half-speed).

Garbage in, garbage out, but slower.

Ethernet over power requires two mains-powered units - one connected by ethernet to your router - the second unit plugs into the power point in your shed.

Some EoP devices have wireless at the far end, others only have ethernet.

Sideface

jonb

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Reply # 1684483 8-Dec-2016 10:13

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As mentioned, you need a pair for powerline networking, Something like this from pb tech:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETTPL0411/TP-Link-TL-PA411KIT-PowerLine-500Mbps-AV500-Nano-P

If you also would like wi-fi in the shed for phone etc then get one with wifi on one end for a bit more money:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETTPL0422/TP-Link-PowerLine-TL-WPA4220KIT-300500Mbps-Starter

JonnyCam

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Reply # 1684602 8-Dec-2016 13:00

jonb:

As mentioned, you need a pair for powerline networking, Something like this from pb tech:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETTPL0411/TP-Link-TL-PA411KIT-PowerLine-500Mbps-AV500-Nano-P

If you also would like wi-fi in the shed for phone etc then get one with wifi on one end for a bit more money:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETTPL0422/TP-Link-PowerLine-TL-WPA4220KIT-300500Mbps-Starter

I use the bottom one to get ethernet into my garage and it works really well. Also has ethernet ports, for my old linux netbook controlling the homebrew fridge.

The garage is on a sub-board / isolation switch. I'm getting 25 Mbps on wifi on speedtest where I get about 30-35 up in the house. Just keep it off circuits used for fridges or freezers (it slowed mine down a lot) and don't use a multibox if you can avoid it.

neb

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Reply # 1685320 9-Dec-2016 14:04

hio77:
Personally i'd run a cable for that, but that is just me.

I'd be very cautious about stringing ethernet between buildings, if there's any potential different between the two then it's going to try and equalise out via the ethernet cable and then your networking gear. Better to run a length of RG174 with SMA connectors from your WiFi whatever to an external antenna outside the shed. Or get an outdoors-rated AP.

josephhinvest

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Reply # 1685415 9-Dec-2016 17:03

I saw this thread the other day but didn't have time to comment. I have the Netcomm NP508 powerline extender and I'm very happy with it. The receiving end also makes a wifi network, it's a great solution for me.

Cheers,
Joseph

geekIT

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Reply # 1685587 10-Dec-2016 07:39

Thanks for the comment, Joseph. After reading yours and other comments it seems like EoP is the way to go.

Just trying to find the best price for two units, now.

Cheers :-)

darylblake

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Reply # 1685590 10-Dec-2016 08:27

Dont use a range extender, they are not really that good mainly due to wireless noise and re-transmits. It also slows down your wireless network.

You are better off running another cable to a point where you can put another access point.

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Reply # 1685620 10-Dec-2016 09:54

Do you have phone wiring between house and shed? Ethernet over VDSL extender would give you a 100Mbps link.

Chorus has spent $1.4 billion on making their xDSL broadband network faster. If your still stuck on ADSL or VDSL, why not spend from $150 on a master filter install to make sure you are getting the most out of your connection?
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hio77

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Reply # 1685625 10-Dec-2016 10:18

neb:
hio77:

Personally i'd run a cable for that, but that is just me.

I'd be very cautious about stringing ethernet between buildings, if there's any potential different between the two then it's going to try and equalise out via the ethernet cable and then your networking gear. .

Didn't note in in my post, but ofcourse i would use fully shielded and earth cables.

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rhy7s

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Reply # 1685685 10-Dec-2016 12:38

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Not a fan of extenders/repeaters, if using WiFi much better to have two radios, an external bridge and an AP hung off that. I haven't had much joy with power line networking over any great distance but good in buildings with highly attenuating walls. Anyway, just saw this and thought of your thread http://www.anandtech.com/show/10878/extending-home-networks-a-comparison-of-ghn-homeplug-av2-and-wifi-mesh

geekIT

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Reply # 1685698 10-Dec-2016 13:36

Nope, (says me, the OP), I don't have a phone line between house and shed.

And as far as the effectiveness of any Powerline rig that I setup, I'm not looking for miraculous Mb\ps - all I want to do is just grab a few webpages, Windows Updates, stuff like that.

Just so long as the thing doesn't have any deleterious effect on my existing house network. No-one's said anything about that. ??

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