HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
mdramsay688

Q: I have an 802.11n base and extender and still cannot get a good signal 80-90 ft away . Why?

I have an 802.11n base and extender and still cannot get a good signal 80-90 ft away . Why?

Posted on Jul 26, 2012 11:39 AM

Close

Q: I have an 802.11n base and extender and still cannot get a good signal 80-90 ft away . Why?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 26, 2012 1:33 PM in response to mdramsay688
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 26, 2012 1:33 PM in response to mdramsay688

    Distance is one thing....obstructions and wireless interference is another.

     

    How many walls and/or other obstructions are there in the signal path?

     

    How are these walls constructed?

     

    Are there any ceilings in the signal path?

     

    How many other wireless networks are you picking up when you scan for networks?

     

    Are you using cordless phones?

  • by mdramsay688,Helpful

    mdramsay688 mdramsay688 Jul 26, 2012 2:41 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 26, 2012 2:41 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    There are 3 walls but being a Modular house two are very thick. Double 6x6 studs plus 2 plywood and 4 sheet-rock. However the signal seems to fade and return. It goes from nothing to full signal and does not seem to be helped by the extender. There are other users such as my grandsons playing video games. I have not noticed that they make a difference because when they are away I still have the problem. I am not picking up any other networks. The Base , extender and computer are all on one floor. Thanks for your reply

  • by mdramsay688,

    mdramsay688 mdramsay688 Jul 26, 2012 2:43 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 26, 2012 2:43 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Also we are using cordless phones yes.

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 26, 2012 3:18 PM in response to mdramsay688
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 26, 2012 3:18 PM in response to mdramsay688
    There are 3 walls but being a Modular house two are very thick.

     

    Even a normal wall of sheetrock and 2x4s will absorb, on average 15-20% of the signal.  The 2 thick walls that you mention will probably act more like a typical ceiling than a wall, which on average will absorb 25-30% of the signal.

     

    So, probably 60-70% of the signal, possibly more, is being absorbed by obstructions.

     

    An extending device can only "extend" the quality of signal that it receives, so you would normally want to locate the AirPort Express about half the distance from the Time Capsule to the area that needs more wireless coverage.

     

    Try locating the AirPort Express at that approximate location to see if that helps.

     

    If you have a Mac laptop and are willing to spend $4-5  for a good utility to analyze signal strength and quality, we can be a bit more scientific about this.

     

    As far as the cordless phones are concerned, pick a time when you can turn all of them off for an hour or two and then watch things on the wireless network to see if you notice any improvement.

  • by mdramsay688,

    mdramsay688 mdramsay688 Jul 26, 2012 3:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 26, 2012 3:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    What utility do you recommend and why do you think the signal would vary so much if it is the walls as I suspect it might be. Can I hard wire from the Router to the Extender.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 26, 2012 4:01 PM in response to mdramsay688
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 26, 2012 4:01 PM in response to mdramsay688

    Hardwire is always recommended because there is virtually no signal loss in a wire....at least up to 300 feet or so.

     

    Another advantage of using Ethernet cable...if you can...is that you can locate the AirPort Express where it is most needed.

     

    If it extends using wireless only, it pretty much needs to be located about half the distance from the main router and the general area that needs more coverage.

     

    I like to use WiFi Explorer since it displays SNR (Signal to Noise) readings, which are the best way to evaluate signal quality.

     

    Mac App Store - WiFi Explorer

     

    If the signal is varying constantly, something is causing it to do so....assuming that the AirPorts are functioning correctly.

     

    Cordless phones are a huge problem for wireless networks.  You want to try to figure out if the phones are causing a problem as a first troubleshooting step.

     

    That is why I suggested that you turn off the phones for an hour or two and watch the network to see how it behaves.  If the signal stops fluctuating....that is a good clue that the phones are interfering with the wireless signal.