Wireless Range Extension with Verizon Quantum on Actiontec MI424WR Rev I

I have a combo modem/router supplied by Verizon that is a requirement because of FiOS TV STBs, so I can't switch out the router here.

If I move closer to the wireless router, I get the same speeds as the hardwired desktop (on speedtest.net). That's pretty incredible. However, if I move maybe 20 feet away, admittedly behind a heavy-duty load bearing wall, I am getting less than 1/10th the download speeds and dropped connections left and right. There is another computer in the opposite direction, probably 50+ feet and behind a few walls, that has the same problem.

So, has anyone tried to solve the issue of wireless network range and wall penetration with the Verizon supplied Actiontec MI424WR Rev I?

Here are my thoughts after research:

- Nice new Airport Extreme Base Station! Nope, can't swap routers.

- Wireless Access Point I've read this router doesn't support WAPs because Verizon is releasing their own (eventually?)

- Powerline Ethernet Adapter: Seems like a good option, but connected to what on the second end with multiple devices?

- Point to point? I'm not sure about this option

Thank you for your time!

Accepted answers

shifted

I went to Best Buy today to throw money at the problem and make it go away. I bought a Netgear Powerline 500 Wi-Fi Access Point. Setup was almost as easy as plugging everything in, and I'm getting speeds similar to a hardwired connection. I'd recommend this product for anyone having similar issues, it produces a new access point from any outlet in your house and the speed (and so far reliability) is there 100%.

All comments

magic02780

I installed the Netgear wireless extender - WR3000RP - fairly easy and straightforward to install - creates an second access with a _EXT extension - same encryption as original - if you have problems installing Netgear provides toll free support to help you thru it - they are pretty patient with you - just don't buy anything from them ( you don't need it ). Tech support is free for awhile after purchasing.

VUser50

You can't replace the router but you can put a second router behind the Actiontec. The easiest way is here. I'd say it's the way to go, because for the same price as a range extender, if not cheaper, you can get a more versatile device.

walt178

A power line wireless range extender may work. I've never used one, but judging by the Amazon reviews they can help. Check the link below for details on them.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_15?url=search-alias%3Dcomputers&field-keywords=powerline%20range%20extender&sprefix=powerline+range%2Caps%2C253

VUser50

Also, with wifi repeaters you should note that unless you get some of the newer dual band ones, your bandwidth will be cut in half immediately.

shifted

Thanks for the replies!

Two thoughts:

- If I put a second router behind the Actiontec, would that really solve my range issues? I'd just be counting on the new router to have more range and wall penetration than the Actiontec.

- I do not want my bandwith cut in half. So that means I should avoid anythign labelled as a WAP or repeater? What about the powerline ethernet adapters?

walt178

@VUser50 wrote:
Also, with wifi repeaters you should note that unless you get some of the newer dual band ones, your bandwidth will be cut in half immediately.

If you are trying to overcome distance and walls a 50% drop is better than a 90% drop.

viafax999

@shifted wrote:
Thanks for the replies!
Two thoughts:
- If I put a second router behind the Actiontec, would that really solve my range issues? I'd just be counting on the new router to have more range and wall penetration than the Actiontec.
Depends whether you have any ethernet wiring in your house. If so you can connect the 2nd router anywhere there is an ethernet jack. Also there is no need to turn off the Verizon wifi - you can have as many WAP's as you like in the house.

Also you could get an old vz router off of ebay and connect it as a 2nd wap anywhere wher you have a coax connector. An issue with that might be that typically they will be wireless-g and depending on the tier you are in the 54 Mbit may be less than the 1/2 speed your complaining about.

btw the Actiontec is a Router/switch there is no modem involved.

VUser50

@shifted wrote:
Thanks for the replies!
Two thoughts:
- If I put a second router behind the Actiontec, would that really solve my range issues? I'd just be counting on the new router to have more range and wall penetration than the Actiontec.
- I do not want my bandwith cut in half. So that means I should avoid anythign labelled as a WAP or repeater? What about the powerline ethernet adapters?

Yea but Actiontec tends to be pretty bad...

@walt178 is right that 50% is better than 0% but the decrease in signal evens the equation between an extender and new router even more so. But as I noted there are some (perhaps more expensive) ones that can repeat the signal with out the 50% speed decrease. Don't know any by name but you should be able to find them via the Google.

shifted

And of course, thank you all for your input and help. I'm sure there were many potential solutions but this one ended up being pretty simple so I'm happy.