I have a computer question...

I can't seem to figure out how to get a better signal for my computer. I have a mac G4.

In my house, I have one of those "bundles" that you get from the cable company. The signal, which is fine on the first floor, is woefully bad on the second floor.

I have been told that the metal "studs" in the house are the reason the signal on the second floor is so weak. (shrug)

Okay. So I just purchased a Netgear Wireless Router. And have spent two afternoons trying to get it to work. Yesterday I could not get one of the "prompts" to display so that I could put in the information (password, etc) required for the "setup wizard".

Fine. So today I call customer tech service. I spent a couple hours only to have him tell me that I need to buy a modem as well. I have a modem. On my laptop. Which is where I want the signal to be stronger. (I think there was a language barrier) When the router was connected to my laptop, the signal (all the bars) seemed strong, but I couldn't get online. This is why I think the issue has something to do with the "setup wizard"

Look, I just want to be able to do my stuff on my computer. I need a steady signal to upload things so that I can get them on YouTube or whatever so that when my website is functional, I can get my stuff on it.

Am I asking for too much? Can't I PLEASE have a better signal? Huh? :no: (sigh...)

-- spinner :cool:
 
Visualize your modem\router being inside a large inflated balloon. Anywhere inside the balloon you can get a good wireless connection. Sometimes that balloon can reach through walls, and sometimes it cant, maybe because you have metal studs in your walls. What we want to do is find a way to STRETCH that balloon out in such a way as you can get "inside the balloon when your upstairs" In other words a good wireless signal UPSTAIRS.

Right. That's exactly it.

A wireless repeater placed in a strategic spot might do it. For example, if you have wireless internet in the room UNDER the upstairs office, you might be able to put a wireless repeater in the downstairs room, which would bring a wireless transmitter\reviver that much closer to your UPSTAIRS location.. think in radio waves, not wires.. This is just trial and error. It might even work upstairs, as the device is MADE to work at longer ranges than your laptop\desktop..

The wireless repeater (some times called a range extender) is simple, it just repeats the wireless signals it hears, retransmits them and thereby extends the range. Or, with keeping with the analogy above, stretches your balloon out in certain ways.. .

So, I need a range extender, not a secondary router. And I am assuming they are not the same thing :D

Well, now I think I should go back out at look at a range extender. I'll let you know what happens this evening....that is if I can get on.

-- spinner :cool:
 
Okay, I just went t look around Best Buy and...

The "guy" said what I need is a range extender. I can't ask for it if I don't know what it is :rolleyes:
So there is a range extender for about $100.

Also, learnfilmonline:
They also carry the Airport Express, but they don't really know much about it. The "guy" says it is also a range extender, but now I am paranoid because the last time I went in there, they told me to get a router.

Anyway, I have been reading up on the Airport Express. It does not come right out and say that it is a range extender. Is that what it is? Can I set this up in my upstairs office or do I have to find an outlet that is somewhere between the old router and my laptop computer? (that's what the "guy" told me to do) I was also wondering if there were any extraneous cables I would have to purchase to get it to work. I also got the impression that this Airport Express is portable, which would be a nice plus and an incentive to get the Apple product.

I am planning to return the router possibly on Sunday just in case there is a sale at Best Buy. Do you know there were only TWO range extenders for them to show me? The Apple one and a Linksys (sp).

I think I am coming down the home stretch of this problem. I would like to be done with it on Sunday :)

-- spinner :cool:
 
I use an express as a range extender. I also have an Airport Base Station it gloms onto for signal...so not sure how to setup the other router as a master, but the express is easy.
 
I use an express as a range extender. I also have an Airport Base Station it gloms onto for signal...so not sure how to setup the other router as a master, but the express is easy.

I am considering buying the Airport Express Base Station. Is there a difference between that and a range extender?

This is what I am considering: http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...ess-AirTunes?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mg&mco=MTA4NTc4MTE

Is this what you have? If not, what will extend my range?

-- spinner :cool:
 
not sure how to setup the other router as a master, but the express is easy.
I'd guess the other router is already going to be the master since it's undoubtedly serving up IP addresses with dhcp or you wouldn't be able to connect to it.. If the express just grabs hold of an available wifi network and extends its signal, it should work without too much effort.

On the other hand, those wireless router/modem combos can be a real pain, so who knows..

If your connection is crappy everywhere now, I'd take a close look at that cable modem and see if it's got a reset button, and or cycle the power and make sure the coax cable is securely attached to it. That's not going to help your connectivity upstairs of course, but might help with issues downstairs. Pretty much the only other option for a poor connection on the modem itself is to have them (the cable company) come out and check the lines.
 
I'd guess the other router is already going to be the master since it's undoubtedly serving up IP addresses with dhcp or you wouldn't be able to connect to it.. If the express just grabs hold of an available wifi network and extends its signal, it should work without too much effort.

That is what I need it to do. If the Express is a range extender, then I am okay.

On the other hand, those wireless router/modem combos can be a real pain, so who knows..

Tell me about it!:grumpy:

I've been trying to fix this for about a week. I hope this is the solution. I have a few things I need to do now.

Thanks, you guys! for helping. Think this should do the trick. I will be able to let you know what's up sometime this weekend.

-- spinner :cool:
 
I am specifically using the express as a range extender.

The software I set it up with though has a check box for the main base station and one for the extension. Both of mine are apple hardware, the main one you have won't be accessible through the apple software, so I'm not sure if the master/slave configuration thing is a standard type of thing. Perhaps you can call the apple store nearest you and ask them if they've helped people setup and express to extend the reach of the wireless modem from your specific cable provider.
 
I am specifically using the express as a range extender.

The software I set it up with though has a check box for the main base station and one for the extension. Both of mine are apple hardware, the main one you have won't be accessible through the apple software, so I'm not sure if the master/slave configuration thing is a standard type of thing. Perhaps you can call the apple store nearest you and ask them if they've helped people setup and express to extend the reach of the wireless modem from your specific cable provider.

I called Apple as you suggested and no the Airport Express will not work with the Netgear set up. So, I guess what I will be purchasing will be the Linksys Range Extender. I just don't have the extra 80$ to get the Airport Extreme. (of course it would be almost $100 dollars)

But anyway, since all I am looking for is a range extender, I guess I am all set. I am going to wait til tomorrow, just incase there are any sales, but as of now, I am putting the router I bought back in the box.

-- spinner :cool:
 
Phew! Finally, I can wipe my hands clean of this one. I swear, I thought you guys were conspiring to make me feel narcissistic -- every time I saw a new post, I could this little angry guy in my head screaming, "Just plug it in!!! Plug it in!!!"

But now that you got the problem fixed, that little guy will shut up. Thanks! ;)
 
Okay, Cracker Funks suggestion notwithstanding...:D


I have attempted to use the range expander. I followed the directions (I think) and waited for both LED lights to turn blue, which is an indication that it is configured correctly. Well, one LED is blue, the other is red and remained red over night. So, I unplugged the expander and I am trying again to get both of the LEDs to turn blue. (It said it would take a minute, but nope. So, I'm letting it sit for a while this time.)

Even with the red LED, the signal did improve somewhat, so I have high hopes...will keep you posted!

-- spinner :cool:
 
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I used to work Customer Support for a small ISP back when the internets were just getting started.

Here's my favorite all-time call.

80 year old grandmother gets a new computer courtesy of her grandson. She's trying to set it up so she can get online. Where's the grandson wiz-kid? Who knows. So she's on her own.

We talk. I'm patient. I'm enormously patient. But somehow, things just aren't getting across the phone line.

She doesn't understand the concept of point-and-click with the mouse. In fact, she doesn't even KNOW she has a mouse.

I describe the mouse.

"OHHHHHH. You mean the foot-pedal?"

:D





Spinner, have you checked your foot-pedal?
 
From the first floor...

When I am in the room on the first floor with the router, the expander says it is configured. When I move it to the second floor, it isn't configured.:bang:

Seriously, I don't like gadgets. So, I guess I'll try the long way of configuring this thing and hope for the best. If it doesn't work, then I'm screwed and taking it back. I'm not going to be unable to get online and be out of money too.


-- spinner :cool:
 
From the first floor...

When I am in the room on the first floor with the router, the expander says it is configured. When I move it to the second floor, it isn't configured.:bang:
Of course, because it runs into the same connection issue you have with your laptop if you put IT upstairs.. just put it somewhere CLOSER to upstairs..

right by the ceiling.

Option two (the last resort clause): move downstairs and plug it in .. when you need to upload a video.
 
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