WIFI extender

[ldj]

I got a video doorbell and it works very slow. Tech support says a WIFI extender will fix it. What does anyone know about this? I checked with my ISP about getting more mbs and they said in my area I was already on highest.
Leo

 

[tomNE]

we have one. a good service provider should know all about them. you probably need to ask for a level 2 tech.
right now with everyone switching to 5g, be careful spending big bucks. our 4g extender will be worthless when 5g comes around!

 

[Janicholson]

If you are in the city, maybe 5G country, not likely, it has no range and line of site restrictions. Antennas every 200 feet or some ridiculous distance. Jim

 

[Billy NY]

By chance is it a ring type doorbell cam ? They'll tell you to check obstructions, distance and or see if you can locate it closer, your WIFI router.

I went for a dual band extender, a AC1200M or W on the SKU tag.
SKU is X002CRY5JR. 2.4 Ghz 5Ghz.
If I recall, Ring works on 2.4Ghz, don't quote me.

This one works well in the center of the house, but I had to split up the cams, between the router and extender, depending on which one is closer.

 

[Russ from MN]

We have w WeBoost cell phone signal booster, works great. I think they sell wi-fi boosters too.

 

[spacecadet9]

I won't recommend specific hardware but can give you some ideas. Increased speed from your ISP will not expand your wifi range. I do use WiFi Analyzer on my Android phone to look at wifi signals in my area. The app is available on Google Play.

Can you relocate your router so it would be closer or fewer walls/obstructions between the doorbell and router?

There are wireless range extenders, pair it to your router and plug it in nearer your poor coverage area (look at TP-Link RE450 as an example).

There are power line extenders One unit plugs into an ac outlet and a router port and a second device at an outlet in the area of poor signal strength (look at TP-Link s TL-WPA4220KIT for a example). You cannot use power strips with this hardware, plut directly into an outlet. This is easier to setup than the previously mentioned wireless units.

If your current router has detachable antennae you may be able to put on higher gain antennae.

It is possible upgrading your router to a newer beefier router may solver your problem.

good luck

 

[spacecadet9]

Addendum to my initial response:

You my want to check your internet upload speed. A simple site is Fast.com and you may use a computer/laptop/tablet/cellphone connected to your home network. Once the first number finishes you will have your download speed. Click the box "show more info" and that will give you the upload speed. These speed are in Mega bits per second (Mbps). Ring support list upload requirement as:
Video Doorbell 1 Mbps
Video Doorbell 2 2 Mbps
Video Doorbell Pro 2 Mbps

1 2 and Pro are three models of Rings. I would suspect other brands would have similar requirements

 

[1130Leo]

I installed one from netgear about a month ago, 35 bucks from amazon.

 

[showcrop]

I had very poor wifi in my shop and even in parts of my living room . An extender made a big difference.

 

[Mule Meat]

Been using a TP-Link RE450 extender for over a year. I got it to help a kid out that lives in the apartment next door (approx 125' away). I was surprised at how well it worked. I programmed it, which was very easy to do. Placed it in a basement window facing the apartment. Once I entered our WiFi password into her phone, School laptop and TV. The signal averaged 57bps in every room of her apartment. It dropped to 24bps in the bathroom, which was no big deal. Now 57 bps is not blistering fast. Yet it runs everything that she uses without a hitch. Considering the distance, with the 2x6 stud walls, bricked siding and all it does a great job.

The spec speeds for the RE450 are.. 450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps on 5GHz it that helps.

 

[moresmoke]

I was gonna mention wifi analyzer also.
This is the best starting point.figure out
what you have for signal to start with.
Then you can make a plan for how to have
acceptable signal at your device.

For video, you probably want a minimum of
-70dbm.

 

[John T]

For home use I chose a Netgear WiFi Range Extender and love it since SIGNAL STRENGTH increased dramatically in rooms far away from my Fiber Optic Modem/Router and even outdoor porch and yard etc. My Smart TV, Dish Receiver, Wireless Printer and ROKU all receive the Netgear amplified signal.

NOTE it DOES NOT improve whatever speed/quality your incoming service has, it extends the RANGE of reception for wireless devices such as cell phones and wireless laptops and printers etc. served by your Modem/Router in rooms further away.

If your incoming service is CELLULAR (NOT Fiber Optic or Cable) a CELLULAR Booster such as WeBoost can help. HOWEVER when travelling in the RV nationwide I use a MIMO Antenna plugged into my Verizon 8800L Jetpack Mobile Hotspot which improves reception dramatically and was farrrrrrrrrrrrr less expensive then a WeBoost Cellular Booster

NOTE If I use a hard wired Cat 7 LAN cable from my Modem/Router to my Laptop speed increases DRAMATICALLY versus if I use Wireless even with my Range Extender.

John T