Powerline WiFi extender

[Qacer]

I'm currently looking at ZyXel's PLA4231 Powerline Wireless N Extender.

Is it possible to use multiple instances of this device to extend my wireless network in such a way that all users are on the same network, use the same SSID, and maintain excellent WiFi signal strength throughout the house?

I would like one wireless network, so users can share Windows folders, use the same printer, and be able to use Apple's AirPlay technology. I'm not sure if I am able to configure such a device, so it truly acts as a network extender and not create its own wireless network segment.

This is my concept of such a wireless network setup would look like:

 

[cubby1223]

I'd be shocked if a single access point were insufficient for that small of a house.

 

[Emulex]

powerline stinks - its simply a bridge so whatever goes in gets repeated out.

get some cat6 flatwire and setup more than 1 AP - or stay hardwired. you will thank me when you have no wifi/powerline and stupid fast gigabit everywhere.

flatwire rules

 

[Qacer]

Unfortunately, the cable company can only place the modem in the spot depicted in the picture (Bedroom 1). That is the only option. Also, as this is an apartment building with multiple owners, drilling and wiring a new cable require coordination with all other owners, which takes time and money. The biggest factor is that my landlord will not permit major modifications to the apartment, which includes major drilling.

The apartment wall is made out of really thick concrete, so signal penetration for 802.11n (5 GHz) seem low. I am able to receive WiFi signal for 802.11g (2.4 GHz), but at the edge of the living room I'm only getting one bar. Also, since my home entertainment center is located in the same area, I am unable to stream HD movies from Netflix.

I'm currently using a Linksys E3000 router. I'm stuck to resorting to Powerline technology unless I can find a WiFi solution that can expand my apartment coverage.

 

[Fardringle]

You don't need to drill anything. Get some flat CAT5e or CAT6 cable as Emulex mentioned (or even just regular round cable) and tape it to the ceiling or run it along the edge of the floor to get an access point in a better location. Powerline stuff CAN work in certain situation, but usually doesn't work very well even if you can get it to work at all.

 

[corkyg]

And, this is an easy fix as well - it looks logical, but I have not tried it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUTT8wdN_VA

 

[JackMDS]

OP, given your Grim description of the environment it seems that Good Wireless is not written in your Stars.

Powerline is a Craps-Shoot and rarely works well.

Get a set of Powerline devices from a vendor with liberal return policy (ZyXel is just as good as any).

Unpack carefully and give it a try, may be you will be Lucky. Otherwise repack and return.


😎

 

[Eug]

Powerline works well in many instances, to get you at least 20+ Mbps type speeds, which is fine for surfing and often fine for HD. My friend just got some so called 500 Mbps units for his house, and now he can consistently stream HD. It benches at a reasonably consistent 50+ Mbps too.

It really depends on the specific wiring though, and the specific circuit in the house. Some circuits may work well, whereas other separate circuits in the same room may not work well.

I'd suggest trying it out to see if it works. If not, then just return the unit.

However, other solutions include running Ethernet along the baseboards to, say, the hallway, and then installing another WiFi access point there, or else trying MoCA if you have RG6 coaxial cable in the apt.

 

[Qacer]

powerline stinks - its simply a bridge so whatever goes in gets repeated out.

get some cat6 flatwire and setup more than 1 AP - or stay hardwired. you will thank me when you have no wifi/powerline and stupid fast gigabit everywhere.

flatwire rules

I did not think about flatwire before. Thanks! I am planning on getting these:

http://www.amazon.com/white-Ultra-Fl.../dp/B007ECEHBK

http://www.amazon.com/Wiremold-CMK50.../dp/B0015EDVVU


As for Powerline, I do have 3 x Zyxel 500 Mbps plug-in units. Currently, I have four devices hooked up on the Powerline network. Compared to my paltry WiFi connection, I am able to stream HD movies to my Apple TV device without issues. With WiFi, Apple TV took 1 hour to download a movie before I could watch it.

Anyway, I'm hoping with the flatwire cable that I can expand my WiFi coverage.