Looking for a signal booster for new mac mini

Question

Level 1

23 points

Looking for a signal booster for new mac mini

I'm looking for a signal booster of some kind for my 2014 mac mini running el capitan. I'm able to connect to my home wireless network most of the time, but some days it fails to connect. If I take the computer closer to the router it connects just fine, so I assume it's the distance from the router to my downstairs office.

I have a 2012 mac mini and a wireless printer in the office that connect flawlessly, but the newer mac mini maybe requires a stronger signal.

Can anyone recommend a good product to boost the signal for my new mac?

Thank you!

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on May 15, 2016 11:13 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,138 points

May 15, 2016 11:54 AM in response to IdahoKaren

What device is providing your wireless network signal at this time? Make and model number, please.

We ask because one option to "boost" wireless signal strength would be to install a "repeater" approximately half way between your existing wireless router and the Mac Mini.

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Answer 2

Tesserax

Level 10

158,286 points

May 15, 2016 11:50 AM in response to IdahoKaren

One option is to use a replacement antenna or USB wireless adapter for your Mac mini. Here is one outfit that provides them: Quickertec

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Answer 3

IdahoKaren Author

Level 1

23 points

May 15, 2016 12:19 PM in response to Tesserax

Thanks, I'll have a look at their products.

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Answer 4

IdahoKaren Author

Level 1

23 points

May 15, 2016 12:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

The home network runs on a Medialink Wireless-N router model MWN-WAPR150N

It is located in the upstairs loft and I am working in the basement, so it's a stretch. The working mac mini and the network printer down here are both kind of slow, could be the weak signal.

Your advice on boosting the signal would be much appreciated.

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Answer 5

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,138 points

May 15, 2016 12:31 PM in response to IdahoKaren

Not sure if this info for the Quickertek device still applies:

Enables any MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with OS 10.4.x to 10.10.x to use the 802.11ac WiFi standard

I would assume that the device will work with a Mac Mini as well, but might be a good idea to ask and confirm......and.....since you are running El Capitan 10.11.4....and the device specs say that it will work with 10.10.x......might be good idea to check on that as well to make sure that the device will run on El Cap.

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Answer 6

IdahoKaren Author

Level 1

23 points

May 15, 2016 5:10 PM in response to IdahoKaren

PROBLEM SOLVED

After further searching in messages I found someone with the same problem who solved it by moving their USB thumb drive to the USB port a the very end. It occured to me that my connectivity problems started when I added a USB compact flash reader.

Once I moved my USB device to the far end (away from the power cord) my connection problem went away!

That saved me a few bucks on a booster!

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Answer 7

Tesserax

Level 10

158,286 points

May 17, 2016 2:10 PM in response to IdahoKaren

Great troubleshooting! Thanks for sharing what you did to solve the problem ... I'm sure it will help others as well.

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