Wi-Fi Help?

[BoomerD]

It's time to "ask the experts" for help.

For the first time in my life, I actually need a good wi-fi connection. I bought a "smart tv" and am dabbling with streaming Netflix and some other stuff.
I have Wave Broadband as my cable provider, (think low-budget Comcast) and their provided wi-fi router just doesn't do it.
Linksys EA2700. Wave has been out and replaced the router twice because the previous ones kept dropping not only the wi-fi signal, but also the wired connections as well.
My TV is about 35 feet from the router, although not a perfect line of sight. One doorway to block it. The TV is a Panasonic TC-P65VT60.
The TV either can't find my wi-fi signal...but finds the signal from some of my neighbors, or else it only finds a very weak signal from my router.

At this point, I don't know whether I need to buy a better router, a range extender, or even some kind of antenna to connect to the TV to pick up a signal. (the open signal app on my phone USUALLY finds my wi-fi signal showing decent strength...but not always, leading me to believe it's the router that's the main problem)

I'm trying to avoid doing what I KNOW is the best solution...running an ethernet cable directly to the TV...but I'm old and busted up...and too fat to fit well into the crawlspace under my house.

Help me, Obi-Wan, you're my only hope!

Thanks.

 

[Ertaz]

The cable is your best bet.

 

[BoomerD]

The cable is your best bet.

Of course it is...but it's also the most physically difficult option for me.

 

[JackMDS]

Get a decent Wireless Router, lay a cable as close as you can to toward the TV (getting a cable to the in-between door or around it will be good).

Then put at the End of the Cable the new Wireless Router configured as an Access Point.

Using Wireless Cable/DSL Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[BoomerD]

Thanks Jack. Some good info there.

What about the "Powerline" networking?" I had a friend recommend it, but all I know about it was from many years ago when it was sketchy at best...and not really a decent option. Has the technology improved to the point where it's actually viable?

 

[BoomerD]

Yet another question...

My secondary television has no ethernet connection, no USB ports, and no built-in wi-fi. Is there any way to connect it to the network?
It has HDMI, Co-ax cable, and S-video and component connectors.

(I think I know the answer...but I gotta ask)

 

[Blain]

Powerline networking is great as long as the signal doesn't have to go past a transformer.

TV + HDMI + HTPC = Network connected TV

 

[ch33zw1z]

Yet another question...

My secondary television has no ethernet connection, no USB ports, and no built-in wi-fi. Is there any way to connect it to the network?
It has HDMI, Co-ax cable, and S-video and component connectors.

(I think I know the answer...but I gotta ask)

what are you trying to do?

Netflix, Amazon, etc...check out the Roku

Want to stream local files? HTPC

sounds like the second TV is a "dumb" tv, no built in media services.

 

[smitbret]

Thanks Jack. Some good info there.

What about the "Powerline" networking?" I had a friend recommend it, but all I know about it was from many years ago when it was sketchy at best...and not really a decent option. Has the technology improved to the point where it's actually viable?

Powerline is fine if it works. The problem is that you'll never know until you plug in and try it. So much depends on the condition of the electrical wiring and if it gets stuck in junction boxes, etc.

You could pick a pair up at a store with a good return policy or from Amazon (especially if you have Amazon Prime). Out of courtesy, open the boxes carefully and do a trial run with the protective plastic on all of the devices and the power cables still twist-tied together.

If it doesn't work well, take/send it back with a clear conscience.

A good powerline network is probably better than a mediocre wireless N network.

If you have Coax connectors/cable between rooms, MoCA works like Powerline but is a safer shot, although still not guaranteed.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Powerline is fine if it works. The problem is that you'll never know until you plug in and try it. So much depends on the condition of the electrical wiring and if it gets stuck in junction boxes, etc.

You could pick a pair up at a store with a good return policy or from Amazon (especially if you have Amazon Prime). Out of courtesy, open the boxes carefully and do a trial run with the protective plastic on all of the devices and the power cables still twist-tied together.

If it doesn't work well, take/send it back with a clear conscience.

A good powerline network is probably better than a mediocre wireless N network.

If you have Coax connectors/cable between rooms, MoCA works like Powerline but is a safer shot, although still not guaranteed.

Agree with the comments on power line ethernet. I'd recommend buying something like the TP-Link PA-4010 kit (http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PA4...p-link+pa-4010) and giving that a shot and if it doesn't work well, you can return it. In my house, I tried it around a few different spots and was getting in the 50-60 Mbps range, which is close to my cable internet max speed (60 Mbps). I eventually moved it to a position to bridge my firewall to the cable modem and it generally performed pretty well there as well, but I did replace it with a cable. I'll probably redeploy them to put an access point in the garage at the far end of my house.

Yet another question...

My secondary television has no ethernet connection, no USB ports, and no built-in wi-fi. Is there any way to connect it to the network?
It has HDMI, Co-ax cable, and S-video and component connectors.

(I think I know the answer...but I gotta ask)

Roku all the way. I'd probably even recommend a Roku on your primary TV rather than the built-in Panasonic stuff. I don't know, maybe the built-in apps have improved greatly, but on my 2010/2011 model of Panasonic, they were pretty barebones.

 

[BoomerD]

I rarely use the built-in Panasonic apps...except Netflix. Correct me if I'm wrong...but I'd still need a good, strong wi-fi signal for Roku...right? (or a good wired ethernet cable)

With the cost of a GOOD wireless router being close to the cost of running cable, (I'd have to buy the appropriate tools...NEVER pass up a chance to buy more tools) I'm leaning that way...IF I can find someone to do the crawling under the house for me. Of course, everything is at the end of the house farthest away from the crawlspace opening...
I MAY see if the cable company (also my ISP) will do that for me if I buy the necessary parts. The guy who swapped out my router indicated that they would.
If so, time to start ordering parts & pieces.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Yes, Roku needs a network connection.

Have you thought about something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Netwo...N%3DB004XXMUCQ

The range should be better than a standard SOHO router.

Someone else mentioned this: get a WAP as close to the room you need it as possible.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I rarely use the built-in Panasonic apps...except Netflix. Correct me if I'm wrong...but I'd still need a good, strong wi-fi signal for Roku...right? (or a good wired ethernet cable)

With the cost of a GOOD wireless router being close to the cost of running cable, (I'd have to buy the appropriate tools...NEVER pass up a chance to buy more tools) I'm leaning that way...IF I can find someone to do the crawling under the house for me. Of course, everything is at the end of the house farthest away from the crawlspace opening...
I MAY see if the cable company (also my ISP) will do that for me if I buy the necessary parts. The guy who swapped out my router indicated that they would.
If so, time to start ordering parts & pieces.

Honestly, I'd try the TP-Link power line kit I linked above first and see if you like the results. It is cheap and with Amazon, an easy return.

 

[BoomerD]

Good info. While I KNOW wired will be better all around, my wife is giving me......static about running the cable.
Wireless or Powerline will be less hassle...IF I can get it to work.

Thanks for the input.

 

[BoomerD]

I picked up a NetGear AC1450 router at Costco earlier. WOW! What a difference. GREAT signal throughout the house.

Thanks to all for the various suggestions.