HT202076: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)

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Ultralight14

Q: I'm an installer customer has an airport extreme upstairs and airport express downstairs in office approx. 210 ft. away. trying to get a wireless signal to a sony Bluray to stream netflix about 30 ft. from express. signal inconsistent with lots of bufferi

Hi' y'all.trying to avoid running cat5e/rj11 hardwire from upstairs to Bluray for consistent streaming of Netflix. someone mentioned possibly reconfiguring the Airport Express downstairs to make the signal stronger for steaming. Client has Macbook Pro next to Express and it seems to work fine.good signal..........

the Bluray is on opposite side of a building ,(not electronic computer type) firewall, and stereo equipment is between Bluray and Express......thoughts?

going back to clients to resolve tomorrow. help is greatly appreciated.

thanks!

Vid

Posted on Jun 4, 2012 10:01 AM

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Q: I'm an installer customer has an airport extreme upstairs and airport express downstairs in office approx. 210 ft. away. trying to ... more

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 4, 2012 10:20 AM in response to Ultralight14
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 4, 2012 10:20 AM in response to Ultralight14

    A CAT5e or CAT6 cable would provide the performance and capability that you need.

     

    Next choice would be a pair of Ethernet powerline adapters to send an "Ethernet" signal over the existing powerlines in the home. This would be "iffy" in that you will not know how well it will work until you try.

     

    Dead last choice would be wireless. Even under ideal conditions.....(line-of-sight with no obstructions in the signal path)....wireless is good to only about 150 feet or so. Even then, the signal will be weak and borderline as far as its useability and reliability.

     

    Add in 4-5 walls and maybe a ceiling in the signal path, and the effective capability of wireless will be reduced down to maybe 40-50 feet in a normal home.

  • by HACKINT0SH,

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH Jun 5, 2012 1:57 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    Jun 5, 2012 1:57 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    You know Bob, I can't quite recall people telling me they've had to use Cat6 because Cat5 couldn't do a job. It's always seemed to me a waste of $ to me when looking at the price difference.  Just wondering if you could give me a bit more faith on the price justification.