Long range wifi adapter

[kam197]

I have fios triple play. My router is an Ultraline Series 3 9100EM (Westell). I would like to move my desktop computer downstairs. I have a Medialink Wireless-N usb 2.0 adapter but it doesn't reach. I need something that will go through walls that isn't too expensive.

Also, I plan to buy a Samsung Galaxy 2 tablet that I would like to use throughout the house as well.

Any ideas?

Thanks!!

[logan81]

First off that Westell is only wireless G standard. That means your wireless N adapter and your galaxy tablet have to run in wireless G mode in order to communicate with it. I would recommend upgrading to a wireless N router. You can purchase a Wireless N router from Verizon or you can purchase your own from a retailer. Wireless N will give better speed and range for wireless devices. However this does not guarantee that you will get a wireless signal through walls, a lot depends on what material is in those walls. Are we talking about concreit or just drywall? Is there metal in the wall somewhere? Metal will cause problems with wireless signals. 

You can look at things like range extenders, but I personally avoid range extenders or signal repeaters whenever possible. Reason is every wireless devices that you have to go through to connect to the internet is going to slow your speed down. I would rather spend my money one one awesome wireless N router with giant antennas that is going to give a far broadcast range. 

[kam197]

Thanks - I'm not a techie so bare with me.

A wireless N router would replace the Westell router verizon gave me? Would I need any other devices, like the USB adapter I had previously purchased?

Thanks again.

[Anti-Phish1]

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kam197 wrote:

A wireless N router would replace the Westell router verizon gave me?

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No, it would be in addition to.  You still need the Westell to provide guide data and VOD for the MOCA LAN (coax) connection to the STBs.  You could disable the wireless on the Westell if you wish.

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kam197 wrote:

Would I need any other devices, like the USB adapter I had previously purchased?

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For best performance, you would want to replace the USB 802.11g wireless adapter with a 802.11n USB wireless adapter.  Keeping the 802.11g USB adapter will slow down the 802.11n router if it's not simultaneous multi-band.