Separate modem and router or one unit

[bogart]

For years I've been poncing (quite an apt description) around changing my wireless network first this router then that router all to try and get a decent wireless signal around the house. What i need are a few definitive answers as to how I should go forward.
Currently telephone line arrives in property in garage, adsl modem/router is in study some 15m away.Upstairs all the bedrooms have a Cat5 socket. These are connected via a switch in the study.
Wifi signal throughout the house is poor to say the least. I have actually got a Wifi amplifier but on thinking of it's use not sure will help. It will definitely improve the wifi signal but isn't the performance also based on how far the wireless devices to be connected can reach so as to return the signal?
Anyway could I use a separate modem in the study and feed the router placed somewhere in the centre of the property using an existing Cat 5 cable or using a Powerplug? If so great but I would also like to connect to the main PC which is in the study.. Would this have to be connected wirelessly or via a Lan port on the router or is there an alternative? ie a modem with two ethernet outlets. And finally would I benefit by going for n as opposed to g if better range routers exist for n
Sorry for such a long winded question.

Thanks

[DDY]

One way to increase WiFi coverage is to place a WiFi access point where the existing wireless is patchy, for example if you've got the router upstairs and the wireless signal is weak downstairs, you can place the AP downstairs to have both floors covered.

An AP typically connects to the existing network by ethernet cable, CAT5 if you will. You can also use powerline adapters but there may be issues running them between ring mains (e.g. upstairs and downstairs), there are also powerline adapters which have a WiFi AP built in, but I'm not sure if the wireless signal is any good on these.

You can have two or more APs (one being your router) with the same SSID (name), thus your wireless devices can automatically connect to the one with the strongest signal, provided the pass key is the same and APs are on seperate channels.

[bogart]

One way to increase WiFi coverage is to place a WiFi access point where the existing wireless is patchy, for example if you've got the router upstairs and the wireless signal is weak downstairs, you can place the AP downstairs to have both floors covered.

An AP typically connects to the existing network by ethernet cable, CAT5 if you will. You can also use powerline adapters but there may be issues running them between ring mains (e.g. upstairs and downstairs), there are also powerline adapters which have a WiFi AP built in, but I'm not sure if the wireless signal is any good on these.

You can have two or more APs (one being your router) with the same SSID (name), thus your wireless devices can automatically connect to the one with the strongest signal, provided the pass key is the same and APs are on seperate channels.

Hi thanks for the reply. I am correct I believe in thinking if one connects via an AP the performance will be less. Can I ask why the APs would be on different channels? Finally what are the benefits, if any , of these devices one sees with numerous aerials sticking out.?

[DDY]

Hi thanks for the reply. I am correct I believe in thinking if one connects via an AP the performance will be less.

Performance in this scenario would be determined by signal strength, hypothetically, if you had 100% signal strength from both the AP and router, wireless and network performance will be identical.

Can I ask why the APs would be on different channels?

Channel selection is used to prevent interference which may degrade wireless performance, you can eliminate interference problems by choosing seperate channels for your APs.

Finally what are the benefits, if any , of these devices one sees with numerous aerials sticking out.?

An AP with multiple antennas may be capable of MIMO which, provided your device supports it, can improve wireless performance.

In addition, some external antennas can be positioned to maximise wireless performance in a particular direction.

[bogart]

Many thanks I need to experiment.

[Funkstar]

IM(VH)O the best way to solve this is to have a set up where you have multiple access points creating one large network.

This can usually be done with a router with wireless and a separate AP from the same manufacturer (I believe you can use different makes, but it works best when they are from the same). These can then be configured to act as one network.

This is what I intend to do in my house. Right now I have a Draytek ADSL router and a single Edimax AP. Getting a second Edimax AP I'll be able to have them both broadcasting the same network so the whole house is covered. Although what I might end up doing is getting a new Draytek router with wireless and a Draytek AP as well. They have some smart looking management software to tie it all together from the one location. Overkill for most, but I like to tinker.

[shaithis]

Anything with the name "Universal WiFi Range Extender" should perform the job.

[bogart]

Anything with the name "Universal WiFi Range Extender" should perform the job.

Decided to buy a couple of APs .

[IPexpress]

Why not try Powerline Ethernet with Wireless Homeplugs. Associate one plug with your Access Point / Wireless Router and the other plug will re-radiate the wireless signal from where it is located. A very simple setup!!

[pp05]

Try having your router at the bottom of the stairs in the hallway and see if that improves wireless signal in the rooms where it is weak. We are not after 5 bars, even 2-3 and you will get decent speed for browsing web.

Then you have a decision to make.