Wireless range

These TelMex wireless routers don't have much range. Is it possible to use an aftermarket wireless router with TelMex? If so what would be the best one?

Better to get a repeater. Ask HelperGuy.

The old 2Wire had good range. I shared one with people two houses away (open lot between). They even had a WiFi "volume control"

David wrote:Better to get a repeater. Ask HelperGuy.

The problem with a repeater is you lose performance on devices that are connected via the repeater. I would prefer a router with a better range if that is possible with TelMex.

I've never seen a performance drop using a repeater due to connected devices. A repeater that is hooked up wirelessly is by definition going to have a weaker throughput than the router it's connected to.

Repeaters are desired because they are much easier to set up than wireless routers. They are basically routers with the physical ports removed. The NetGear extender is my current favorite, although it is no longer as easy to set up as it once was; still, it's easier than router to router. And YES, you can use third-party routers with TelMex's modem.

Here is a very good page with recommendations for all things repeater/extender/booster: http://wifirepeaters.net/

Sparks is 100% correct: the old 2Wire routers used by TelMex were the best of them all. Today, the more expensive routers and those using the newer, unauthorized wireless standard, are the best, for various technical reasons. I don't have the results of any studies that show which are the strongest.

**ADDENDUM: Yes, the more large downloads going on at the same time, the less throughput each device connected to the repeater is going to see. But that's about it in terms of performance.

Might find a 2Wire around since Telmex used them for so long. I bought mine rather than renting it and used it rather than the Thomson when in Joco. Still have it but am forced to use Telcel here

I have been using a LINKSYS WRT300N, it has very good range

My telmex has great line of sight range, unfortunately, concrete/rebar of home seems to create the issue, both data and voip are affected. Been looking for solution here for years, to date, NADA.

An extender/repeater also needs a fairly good line-of-sight. However, if it is set up near a window or corner of a room or hallway in sight of the modem, than it is happy to scoot that signal around the corner or down the hall.

It is definitely the home construction here that gets in the way. Concrete/bricks/rebar provide a strong obstruction. I wonder what my house back home would have been like for wifi? All drywall and wooden studs.

HG:

For comparison, we live in a single level townhouse - 16oo sq ft, with studs, sheetrock and a stucco exterior. My WIFI is located pretty much in the center of the house and no problem with reception on the rear patio or out front. I pick up WIFI signals from 7 different units in the development but don't know their exact location. Not sure of the manufacturer but it is a dual antenna unit.

I would expect a weaker signal outside, because of the general use of cinderblock in construction. However, with sliding glass doors to the back, not so much. I'd be curious about upstairs/downstairs.

Just had the repeater attempt in Los Arroyos. Even with CB's appreciated help - a fat fail. Just too much stuff in the way. Upgraded the wifi router @ home, A Linksys. Blinding fast. I think U get what U pay for with this stuff.

Hey, can you share what your setup looks like now?

Plug another router with removable antenna into the telmex router and turn
off the telmex wifi. I added some aftermarket antenna to replace the short
ones and aim away. The two wire Telmex does have pretty good wifi but I
like aimable antenna. You can also try putting a aluminum foil bowl behind
the telmex modem to focus the signal to where you want it to go. Play around
it does make a difference much of the time. My attempt with DLINK repeaters
was a failure at least for me.

DLINK DIR655
ASUS 9db removable antenna

Z

Just blue skying but couldn't you run ethernet from the existing router to a new one placed in a better location and set-up the new one as a hot spot to extend your range?

Yes, but then why not drill a couple of holes and run ethernet everywhere? It's so easy and inexpensive.

My requirement is for Iphone, Ipads, etc. that cannot plug into an ethernet. I need wireless coverage. I can probably make due with one of these repeaters however some devices cannot connect to these.

Can't you buy a mobile hotspot ? I have one here in the states w/ Verizon. Doesn't Telmex offer something similar?

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&ie=UTF-8#q=mobile+hotspot&hl=en&tbo=u&source=univ&tbm=shop&sa=X&ei=DKYXUfD-IomQ2gWo8IHwDg&sqi=2&ved=0CGUQsxg&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42080656,d.b2U&fp=e7cb6616b8e29cdb&ion=1&biw=1024&bih=475

HelperGuy wrote:Yes, but then why not drill a couple of holes and run ethernet everywhere? It's so easy and inexpensive.

Have you tried to buy a box of Cat whatever or RG6 coax down here? If so where?? Home depot only has pre terminated RG6 in 150ft sections.
Can't find a box of Cat whatever anywhere?

Zed

CanuckBob wrote:My requirement is for Iphone, Ipads, etc. that cannot plug into an ethernet. I need wireless coverage. I can probably make due with one of these repeaters however some devices cannot connect to these.

In which case, I return to my wired second router as a hotspot suggestion. I just can't see any reason that it wouldn't work. Try borrowing an afternarket router from someone and testing it out,

Yeah that's probably the best solution. Any idea how to set up the second router a a hotspot?

CanuckBob wrote:Yeah that's probably the best solution. Any idea how to set up the second router a a hotspot?

I did it once on a linksys I owned - I don't remember what I did exactly, it was on option on the control panel and was pretty straight-forward. I think as long as you get a major brand and have the manual you will figure it out quickly.

HelperGuy wrote:Yes, but then why not drill a couple of holes and run ethernet everywhere? It's so easy and inexpensive.

Sounds good, our wireless does not reach the casita. How do we do this?

CanuckBob wrote:My requirement is for Iphone, Ipads, etc. that cannot plug into an ethernet. I need wireless coverage. I can probably make due with one of these repeaters however some devices cannot connect to these.

Keep trying: I have yet to see a wireless device that cannot connect to a wireless access point (which is really what repeaters and wireless routers are).