Router recommendation

[chibaka]

I need to replace/improve my router/wifi performance, any recommendations for a decent unit? Current router (linksys) is reliable, but not a particularly good range, previous Buffalo unit had better range but unreliable (shite) firmware. Should I get a new unit? Extend somehow using extra hardware? Current linksys is set up in bridge mode, connection is done with an AU magic box.

That raises a question, if I have more than one wifi access point, but want them both on the same network, how is that done? I have some old spares I can play with. Not looking to spend much, just get comms to the man cave....

[Coligny]

If the buffalo is good hardware put open wrt on it...

Pour 2 wifi AP: different channel 6 and 11 are good appart enough for example, same wifi name.

image.jpg

[chibaka]

If the buffalo is good hardware put open wrt on it...

Buffalo came with dd-wrt, I assume that's the same? I'll dig out my old junk and try the channel thing.

[Coligny]

More or less yes. Tried to update the version ?

[chibaka]

More or less yes. Tried to update the version ?

As it happens I'm in the process of..... I gave up with the Buffalo unit a few years ago, never ending wireless dropout problems. On the off chance I just searched the interwebs and found a post about a new (er) version. Just upgraded, now trying to find the right settings. i.e. linksys uses "bridge mode", Buffalo terminology differs. For clarification my career path involved spanners, machines and copious amounts of grease. Computers... can't see a future for them myself

[Coligny]

Troubleshooting computer/network is like fixing masheens.
Biomechanic masheens, that don't obey most laws of physics or logic.
My favorits are cisco bugs that are present from initial release to end of support for a plateform...

Basically, work is done on a masheen when it function properly.
Work is done on a computer when you gave up any hope for functionalities still not working with the latest patch.

And never ever assume that a failure can only be software or hardware. Unless it's on fire, it can be anything. (And even the fire can be from a software issue anyway... Hello buggy thermal management...)

One last thing, solar activity is a total bitch these days i have wifi and gps issues. Last tuesday the car gps hud speedo took 10 minutes to acquire enough sat signals...

[chibaka]

Muchos grassy arse.. 2 routers now configured, I'll check communication in the man cave tomorrow. Maybe a little wiring closer to a window... who knows. Of course if this Buffalo firmware is anything like the old one then......

[jingai]

Living in a manshion it was helpful to use the WifiAnalyzer app to see who was using which channel near me and to find the emptiest place to park my own router. I also saw I could turn my own router power down and still have a good enough signal inside my place.

[chibaka]

Living in a manshion it was helpful to use the WifiAnalyzer app to see who was using which channel near me and to find the emptiest place to park my own router. I also saw I could turn my own router power down and still have a good enough signal inside my place.

That's why I am asking... I'm not living in a manshion... Router was in my 2nd floor office, but I had trouble with devices downstairs communicating, like HD TV's, NAS storage with my por.... eh I mean specialist media. The relocated router, now in the middle of the 1st floor, can't permeate the walls very well hence my man cave (commonly known as a shed, or workshop if it contains tools) is in a black spot. Also my inconsiderate neighbour uses security

At the moment the old spare unit seems to be working, I'll check the signal outside tomorrow, maybe move it closer to a window if necessary. Sitting in front of both routers using WIFI analyser, the old Buffalo unit is giving the better signal...

[Coligny]

Living in a manshion it was helpful to use the WifiAnalyzer app to see who was using which channel near me and to find the emptiest place to park my own router. I also saw I could turn my own router power down and still have a good enough signal inside my place.

Most firmware in the wifi settings have a 'scan' button to check the local spectrum.

Reducing the power can improve the connexion. Wifi works both ways. With a router setting on high power and client stuck on default you end up in a situation where tthe router can talk to devices but can't hear their replies.
Good to fuck with the neighbourgs though...

[chibaka]

Most firmware in the wifi settings have a 'scan' button to check the local spectrum.

DD-WRT has a shit load of buttons, knowing what they all mean is the problem. Amazed to get new firmware though, it's been on the list of junk waiting for the hammer treatment for a while, just never got round to it.