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On a Skype call today, actually it's happened a few times since I got a new Vodafone router, and the call drops due to lack of signal. I looked at the signals strength when this happened and it was around -70dB so guess I need something with a bit more oomph! Any recommendations that don't cost the earth please?
Cheers
Is it worth considering running a cable to another access point closer to you or if the device is capable running a wire up?
Maybe put in a mesh wi-fi network
Are you using a pc or a laptop?
I upgraded my PC from a wireless N USB stick to a pci-e wireless AC card and got a much better speed and stability from a bog standard virgin router that I belive is only wireless N capable.
I'm using a laptop, I completed speed tests etc and it seems fine it's just the reliability of the WiFi that seems to be an issue.
Ive looked at mesh networks but I'd rather not be spending £200 on something that is essentially just for work purposes.
Running a cable won't be possible as my office is in the opposite diagonal corner of the house, so I can't see a way of getting it there without ripping up flooring etc!
The house isn't huge and the internal walls are all stud so I can't see a reason for the signal drop apart from a rubbish router from Vodafone.
Tried changing the wifi channel from the default?
As sparkyrhino says, check / change the wifi channel in case the new router has picked a more congested one. Also, try connecting at 2.4Ghz (rather than 5Ghz) as the range should be greater.
Powerlink might be another option.. either to extend the wifi to that area or to give it a wired connection.
I put in a Linksys, was about 100 down to under 70 on Amazon. Simplicity itself to set up. I looked at mesh, but like you, live in a cheaply constructed modern house, so it was over kill. Very happy with the performance of it. Fast, reliable connection, that allows rock solid streaming on 4 Chromecasts all around the house ( modestly sized 4 bed semi ).
My Apple Airport Express has never let me down. Vast improvement over BT Home Hub
A wire will almost always be more reliable than wireless...
If you can't run a cable then I would go for a couple of powerlink adaptors - 1 into the back of your router and the other into the back of your PC/laptop will make for a more reliable connection than wireless.
will make for a more reliable connection than wireless
Err, citation required!
Hello Del
I don't have a citation. Just lots of hands on experience of networking and in my experience Powerline is usually quite decent and is often a good option where wired connection is impossible and wireless isn't particularly reliable, especially if you are a reasonable distance from the router or access point and there are lots of other wireless networks in the area.
OP - See if you can get hold of an app called INSSIDER and it will show you how many other networks are sharing the spectrum and you may be able to pick a less congested channel.
Vodafone routers are notoriously bad for WiFi stability. The wired connection is OK, but I ended up running wifi through a second AC router and cabling it to the Vodafone one. Any will be better...