Looking for input for wifi extenders that actually work. Large 2 story home with modem and wireless router on main level, looking to boost signal strength on second level as well as outside patio (lakefront with dock) for streaming audio and video to portable devices.
Home theater and majority of house is hard wired with cat 5e. Currently using a "n" compatible router.
This is for a friends home and he is looking for the best long term solution.
Thanks in advance.
Glenn
what modern router?
I agree with TornadoTJ on the recommended solution
Here's a little elaboration on what I think the best solution would be
1) Modem (surfboard)
2) A robust ddwrt, tomato, or asus router (turn SSID off so it's only doing routing
3) Switch
4) Wired APs at appropriate places (probably upstairs, downstairs, and outside)
I'd be willing to guess they already have 1, 2, and 3 or at least 2 and 3 based on what you described in the OP. A robust router doesn't have to be all that expensive
If their modern router is an Asus or Linksys it would probably be better off as a strategically placed AP. You could probably get away with one AP upstairs and one in the downstairs corner nearest the intended outside range area. Give each AP different names, so it will be easier for them to identify the better signal strength network (and of course in their android devices you can select "avoid poor wifi connections")
Other than Asus and Linksys I've also seen some Belkin routers with AP mode built in. Buffalo probably has this as well, but I'm not totally sure as I've never used them but heard great things. Asus gets my money everytime. In fact I have a couple extra Asus AC66u routers I'll be posting to the classifieds soon if you are interested you can message me