Which router in new home?

[robinc]

We're hopefully moving to a retirement home flat soon. There is FTTP - haven't yet had a chance to find out more about that. However, I'm guessing we'll need a new router, but not sure if that's true. I have a Billion 8800 NLR.

If I do have to get a new router, what I do need is something that can push out the wifi a bit better at the same time.

Thanks

[Postal]

. . . what I do need is something that can push out the wifi a bit better at the same time . . .

What is your current problem with the WiFi, speed, range or what?

[robinc]

Range is the real issue. With one wall in the way - not unreasonable - 30ft leaves it gasping...

I use Devolo Powerline adapters but they don't always work and need frequent reboots.

Next to the router it's fine. I have tried all sorts of different aerial positions and orientations but with no discernable improvement.

It's liveable but as I said IF I have to get a new router for basic Superfast Broadband via FTTP then I would like to improve wifi range that at the same time.

[Postal]

In the new retirement home, will you actually need to increase the range?  Are the internal walls physically less of a barrier than in the existing house (plasterboard rather than brick or stone)?

Other things to consider about the existing situation.

Are you using 2.4GHZ or 5GHz WiFi where there is the range problem?  5GHz has higher throughput but is far more affected by distance or physical barriers?

If you are using 2.4GHz, are you connecting on a congested channel with neighbours using the same airspace?  If you search t'internet there are free programs available that can check out the channel usage so that you can pick a less congested connection.

Powerline adaptors bring their own problems and I eventually ditched mine for a cheap mesh system (the Tenda Mesh kit sold by IDNet).  However, it may be that you don't need anything like that in the new accommodation.

Finally you also need to consider the capability of the kit you are connecting to the WiFi.  If you are going for one of the higher tier FTTP packages you will need 5GHz WiFi to handle the speeds available.  However you will also need to check out what your connected devices are capable of handling.  There is no point in spending money for a 1Gb connection and buying a state of the art router if your laptop or desktop has a WiFi card only capable of connecting on the 2.4GHz channels with a throughput much less than the FTTP input can provide.

Not trying to put up roadblocks for you, just trying to bring out the key points before you spend a lump of cash.

[Simon]

I use a TP Link mesh system for my 2 bed flat with plasterboard walls, and it works very well. 

https://amzn.eu/d/a91apMH

[zappaDPJ]

I'd first find out if your current router is compatible with FTTP. I think the R2 is but I'm not sure about the R1. If it is compatible you've nothing to lose by trying it out in your new home. FTTP is a more robust solution that other types of connection so that might at least increase your WiFi throughput. In addition the new location, for better or worse, is bound to have some affect on the signal strength.

[robinc]

Had a look in the flat today - on the wall in a cupboard with a water heater there's a an Openreach box that looks like this https://imgur.com/SsCXQ45 - that's just an example.

So I guess I just need to connect my Billion - which is an 8800NL R2 to the LAN port and carry on as normal.

The Mesh stuff looks good. The devolo Powerline is supposed to do the same thing but has always seemed a bit flaky.

[Gary]

I use a Netgear RAXE500 and that covers my entire bungalow with no need for a mesh, it covers about 2500sq.ft the RAX120 covers 3500 sq.ft but the latter is a older draft 3 AX router. RAXE500 is tri band 2.4/5/6Ghz router with very low latency, I will say I beta tested hence I have one as they are silly money.

[Postal]

I think the message for the OP is to check the coverage obtained with whatever router is the final outcome before spending money on a mesh system or other range enhancing measures.

[nowster]

So I guess I just need to connect my Billion - which is an 8800NL R2 to the LAN port and carry on as normal.

Not the LAN port, but the WAN port.

Local Area Network versus Wide Area Network.

If you're currently using PPPoA you'll need to switch to PPPoE. If you already use PPPoE you won't have to change the login details at all, just which port it talks on (DSL modem vs. WAN Ethernet port).

[Simon]

Well, you learn something new everyday!  I always thought WAN stood for Wireless Area Network. 

[nowster]

Back in the summer, the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) was a bargain at £35. A tiny dual-band WiFi AP with three Gigabit ports. Or a router. Or a WiFi repeater. It's now £49.

I replaced my parents' ageing second hand ex-Virgin Cable TP-Links with three of those (wired) when they went from 3Mbps to 50Mbps.

I carry round its little brother, the GL-AR300M to act as a 2.4GHz band WiFi repeater/router when I'm away from home. Often there are dead spots in places we visit, like in bedrooms or kitchens. Configure that up in a place with good signal, power it off a USB mains adapter or power bank, and the problem goes away.

My home system uses Unifi UAP-AC-Lites. Expensive, good for their time, but the firmware seems to get less reliable with each update.

[nowster]

Well, you learn something new everyday!  I always thought WAN stood for Wireless Area Network. 

There's also the less common MAN: Metropolitan Area Network.

[robinc]

A number of useful ideas - and reminders.. .. The original idea for the flat has been binned. Shared ownership scheme that looked very attractive, and probably is, but all your capital is then effectively tied up to finance the rental and service charge side - so we're staying put a while longer.

The Wifi coverage stuff is still an issue due to wall plus chimney plus distance causing probs. A couple of little repeaters may be exactly what's needed to get round the corners so thanks for the pointers.