Genius Router WiFi Range

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woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#133862 5-Nov-2013 18:51

Our Genius router seems to have rather limited wifi range - our bedroom is ten metres from the router which is on the desktop and almost line of sight. I have checked the router settings (auto channel, all bands on and 20/40). Several restarts but no improvement. Any settings tips that may improve range? My Belkin N300 came in loud and strong where this thing is struggling. Cheers

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110 posts

Master Geek

#927845 5-Nov-2013 20:22

Give this a go - http://www.ekahau.com/wifidesign/ekahau-heatmapper

or wifi analyzer if you have an android device.

I've never use the wifi on my genius router - prefer to use my own wireless AP.

Perhaps try re-positioning the genious router, make it face a different direction etc.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#927964 6-Nov-2013 06:46

Mine covers our entire house, even out on the deck which is at the other end of the house.

Note : I have it set to G only as one of the earlier firmwares had an issue with N being enabled, it would cause the wifi to drop out at random (for me anyway). Just havent bothered changing it back :)

Running Genius1415

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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linw

2850 posts

Uber Geek

#928018 6-Nov-2013 09:49

My range is pretty good. But I do augment by having another AP in my lounge (genius is on lower floor).

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

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Vocus

#928026 6-Nov-2013 10:06

Hi,

Here's some tips:

1. Put the Genius on its stand or wall mount it; the antennae are in the top panel (1 horizontal and 1 vertical) so this gives you better range. When it's laying flat the strongest signal is in the roof space above it ... not very useful
2. Set it to 20Mhz and set a channel manually; use something like InSSIDer to find the least congested channel

I have one at home and get good signal even at the other end of the house. Keep in mind also that wifi is affected by dense materials (concrete, brick) and things like steel framing so some houses are more transparent than others.

If you still have these kind of range problems I'd suggest your router might be faulty and you should request a new one.

Regards

Dan

Nebbie

458 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#928037 6-Nov-2013 10:30

Also are you in say for example in a high population area like an apartment where there is a number for my last apartment in the 100's that I could see this reduced the distance and speed of my 802.11g connection was only able to get 800kbit max, Now its not so bad diffrent apartment and few people appear to be using wifi.

I heard a work mate experienced a similar thing and tried 802.11n (5ghz) there was almost no one visible and speeds and range was great.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Nebukadnessar

woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#928128 6-Nov-2013 13:54

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The Genius is on my desk, on it's stand in my study which is in the middle of our modest 205m3 home. I've tried changing the channel and suchlike as suggested but really to no avail. I think I might perhaps use my Belkin as an AP or if it's possible to do, use the Belkin wifi off the Genius router..

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

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Vocus

#928132 6-Nov-2013 13:57

10m away and in line of sight you shouldn't be having any trouble at all. If your Belkin works well in the same location then I'd say you have a faulty unit, Genius has fairly good wifi.

You can easily disable the built in wifi and use your Belkin, if you prefer, but if you call the helpdesk they could arrange a forward replacement. Given you've been through all the steps already it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Quic Broadband

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woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#928138 6-Nov-2013 14:00

ubergeeknz: 10m away and in line of sight you shouldn't be having any trouble at all. If your Belkin works well in the same location then I'd say you have a faulty unit, Genius has fairly good wifi.

You can easily disable the built in wifi and use your Belkin, if you prefer, but if you call the helpdesk they could arrange a forward replacement. Given you've been through all the steps already it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Thanks for that! I might have a google to find out how to connect the Belkin and see how that goes.

woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#928153 6-Nov-2013 14:25

OOI, how does Genius firmware update? Is it automatic or manual? Mine shows last update 11/2/2012

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#928239 6-Nov-2013 15:54

Usually automatic I believe but if yours hasnt updated, contact the guys at Orcon and they can push it out.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#928242 6-Nov-2013 15:56

xpd: Usually automatic I believe but if yours hasnt updated, contact the guys at Orcon and they can push it out.

Cheers! Found the firmware version and looks OK.

woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#930258 10-Nov-2013 14:31

I have improved my wifi range with a few tweaks and placement of the genius router but there's still an area in the house with very poor wifi. I have a Belkin N300 router which I'm wondering if I can use as a range extender. I've never tried this before and a search of the net has me a bit confused between range extender vs access pont vs bridging. Can anyone offer a quick run down as to whether I can use the spare router for this purpose or should I just head down and buy a purpose made range extender. Cheers and thanks.

linw

2850 posts

Uber Geek

#930446 10-Nov-2013 22:10

Can you run an ethernet cable to the problem area? If so, you can attach the N300 to it as an AP and get it to cover the problem space. My setup is like that.

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

Uber Geek

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Vocus

#930557 11-Nov-2013 09:51

Also you could try turning the Genius to face a different way, but as suggested using the N300 as an AP is the best way to go. Wireless bridging will slow everyone down.

woody99

165 posts

Master Geek

#930710 11-Nov-2013 14:28

Thanks folks. I've tried everything and yesterday grabbed a loan WN2000RPT wifi extender. At 11 steps (metres) from the Genius Router, two rooms away, it can't pick up a signal. If I use my Belkin, it see's that no problems at all. I've had a chat to Orcon and we are truing a replacement router.

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