![Amazon Basics RJ45 CAT6 Ethernet LAN Patch Cable (1.5 m / 5 Feet) [1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps)]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Hewd49NFL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
Having bought and tried several other means of extending my wireless network, without luck, I was considering paying for hard network cabling to be installed all over the house.
The purchase of the Range Extender was very much a last gasp attempt before committing to large scale expenditure. I am pleased I made the investment as it works like a dream. My wireless signal now passes through a stud wall, another stud wall immediately followed by an oak door and across a long room (where the signal is 'picked up' by the range extender (approximately 45 feet from the bog standard router I am using) and after going though the extender, it passes through another stud wall, then a thick wattle and daub wall, and then through wooden cladding before hitting my usual perch where I use my laptop. Before using the Range Extender I was getting a "Very Weak" signal and, graphically one or none, in terms of bars showing signal strength. More to the point, connection was wafting in and out with the consequence that long downloads might be interrupted and lost. Now, however, the signal is as high as I would get if I was sitting next to the router. I am getting five full bars and downloads are as fast as it is possible to get.
I know that someone, somewhere in the big wide world, will not have had such as successful an outcome. That, unfortunately is the way of things. All I can say, however, is that at this price (which is less than some of the "high gain" antennae) there is almost nothing to lose.
PS My set up is XP Pro (SP3) and the wireless connection is with an inbuilt receiver in my Dell laptop (about 7 years old). The set up instructions are a little confusing, but for most people, follow the instructions for manual set-up - i.e. put the Extender next to the Wireless Router which should be disconnected from the network and the network lead being connected to the range extender. Insert the small set-up CD and follow the instruction and the configuration will be complete BUT in most cases, you will need to change the settings on the Extender (via the set-up software) so that it provides for a Dynamically Assigned IP address and NOT a Static IP address, which the Range Extender assumes will be your set up. As far as I am aware, most Internet Service Providers in this country use Dynamically Assigned IP addresses when setting up routers and it is important that the Range Extender follows this otherwise you will get a very good signal, but no connection to the internet.
In any event, once the configuration has been completed, remove the direct network connection, which should be re-made to your router, and move the range extender to a point somewhere between the router and the furthest point at which you can make a wireless connection. The manual suggests using a mid-point. I used a point about three quarters of the way to the edge of connection and still achieved the improvements set out above.
I believe that support by the manufacturer is quite good, but I do not know this from my own experience as I have not had to contact them.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers also viewed these products
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Exclusive items from our brands
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer Questions & Answers
