(Part 2) Best wireless range extenders according to redditors

An Alfa AWUSO36NH USB wifi card, an [Alfa R36 802.11 b/g/N Repeater and Range Extender for AWUS036H](https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-R36-Repeater-Extender-AWUS036H/dp/B004ZF0I3U/], a TP-Link 2.4GHz 24dBi Directional Grid Parabolic Antenna, and depending on how far away it is, a TP-Link 2.4GHz 24dBi Directional Grid Parabolic Antenna, and a TRENDnet Low Loss Reverse SMA Female to N-Type Male Weatherproof Connector Cable. You'll also need a tripod mount, and a meter long pole. This setup is very directional, but if you have a clear line of site, it's perfectly doable.

So if I remember correctly, SJSUpremiere uses WPA2-Enterprise to connect, in which the PS4 doesn't support. One thing you could do is use a device like the TP-LINK to connect to SJSUpremiere network, then plug the PS4 into it's Ethernet port for direct access

https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-AC1200-Wi-Fi-Extender-RE355/dp/B016K07YT8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1466102207&sr=8-8&keywords=ac+network+extender

:)

I suppose I'll let you guys in on the gadget every gadget lover should own but has never heard of. Never leave home without it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CSFCYFY?pc_redir=1395216563&robot_redir=1

I live in university housing as well, and wanted to set up a LIFX / Home Mini on a restricted network with AP isolation.

My solution was to get myself a cheap wifi extender, go to "manual setup", enter the wifi password like you normally would and boom - you can now use your new hotspot to connect and set up any sort of smart / connected devices, including your LIFX bulbs.

Just give your hotspot a boring jargon name and don't name it the same thing as the actual wifi network, some university housing may not allow you to have your own routers, or the admin might kick your hotspot off the network if they find it.

Let me know how it goes!

Might I suggest something like this instead?

It's a wifi hotspot / battery / NAS device. Its a wifi router, you can connect a portable hard drive to it (I use a 2TB one), and it shares it via SMB, FTP or DLNA. The VLC app on iOS can stream media directly from it via FTP and can play most video formats with no transcoding. It has a long battery life, and charges via micro usb.

You're not gonna get the fancy plex interface, just a list of files/folders, but this is what I personally use for flights. Depending on how old your kids are, the plex interface might be a requirement, but you do have other options.

I'd also swap the very expensive Wifi Ranger for the Alfa long range wifi receiver and Alfa wifi repeater

Although I can't vouch for this particular model, here's an example of the type of device that can help you. It can pick up a wifi signal, connect to the network, and then act as a wireless router in and of itself. Plus, it has ethernet ports on it so you plug wired devices into it too.

You're in luck. Alfa makes a repeater specifically for use with the AWUS036H antenna.

Gift 1: My dad needs this. The whole family will use and benefit from it, but my dad needs to be able to get wifi in his room.

Gift 2: C'mon...gimme a home for my Raspberry Pi please.

Also you two look rather swell on this beautiful day!

[edit] I feel rather rude saying "C'mon...gimme..." so I hope I'm understanding the rules correctly.

That's effectively a two port switch that is powered over PoE. Stick it in the middle somewhere. There are many brands/types though.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Extender-Gigabit-IEEE802-3af-Security-Splitter/dp/B07FMNHYP8

i've been carrying around this but i think there might be better options

Here's the one I have

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CSFCYFY

same price, bigger battery. Seems to work fine, though setting it up to repeat wired connections etc. did confuse the hell out of me necessitating a 'pin-in-the-hole' reset.

VDSL (aka extended reach ethernet) would be the most robust as you don't have midspan unit. I've had great luck with the startech units, these look like carbon copies of those units for $100 less--

https://www.amazon.com/Tupavco-Ethernet-Extender-Kit-Repeater-VDSL/dp/B01BOD8C9W/

Otherwise, PoE powered switch/repeater midspan sounds like the ticket. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Extender-Gigabit-IEEE802-3af-Security-Splitter/dp/B07FMNHYP8

And an injector:

https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PoE150S-Injector-Adapter-Compliant/dp/B001PS9E5I

Having something that needs an outlet to plug into halfway just feels half baked. 398 feet I'd roll the dice on forcing 10/100 first to see if it works. I've had gigabit work over longer.

Do you have permission to install a device in that building? You could use a WiFi repeater in the window.

Otherwise you could use a long-range WiFi receiver.

http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-N300-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender/dp/B003VWZE7S

I agree. Even a very simple router with WiFi repeater mode (or any router if you have an Ethernet connection in the apartment) and connect all her devices through that router. I've done a setup like that for someone with a $20 Wall plug WiFi repeater like this: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0141JRC2O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_U4s.Bb7MSFQG8

Just to give you some pointers toward particular equipment, the Alfa high power adapters are very good, and with a 5 dBi antenna, you might be able to reach your house. Most wifi cards in laptops only have a tenth of their transmission power, so that might get you connected. Failing that, you can use a directional antenna and an Alfa adapter, like in this setup which will get you a 2 mile range under ideal conditions (clear line of sight). A 24 dBi grid antenna will get you even farther.

If you want to connect more than one device, and the distance between your house and shop isn't that great, a cheaper option may just be to get a high-powered wireless repeater like this.

Your other option would be to set up a router as a client bridge and use a long distance antenna connected to the router functioning as the bridge. Keep in mind that you will need a router with external antennas, and you will want one that supports the third party firmware DD-WRT. You can then attach the antenna to your router, and use the router to pick up your house's wifi and connect to it. If it's a good distance, you may need two directional antennas, one at your house and one at your shop, pointed at each other. You can get a link over a long distance (miles) with a clear line of sight.

Do you know if you have Ethernet or coax coming from the ONT. A good way to tell is if you have the Gen3 FiOS router you will see either a WAN Coax or WAN Ethernet light. Which ever is lit is your connection. If it's a Gen4 (2 lights on front a Globe and Wifi Symbol) then there will be a green light at the coax if it's WAN coax and if that green light is off then it's Ethernet.

If you already have ethernet running just connect your own router. Reboot the ONT and you should get an IP. Once you've got that working. Pick up some of these from amazon. You'll need at least one for your Guide on your tv to continue working.

Just connect a MoCA adapter anywhere you want an ethernet connection. A good recommendation for a router IMHO would be either a newer ASUS AC router or a Netgear Nighthawk.

If one isn't enough for coverage, get an AC access point and connect it to MoCA. Here's a relatively decent one that connects straight via coax and will give you 4 additional ethernet at the outlet.

I had a friend ask me this same question not too long ago.

There are several options-

Possibly Free- Update the firmware on the router you do have to a custom firmware and set the Transmit power higher.

$70 - Wireless repeater

$15-20 Swapping existing antennas with High-Gain Antennas. I don't know how helpful this would be.

~$70 - Ethernet over power

Swapping around components inside of embedded systems with no documentation, no support, and no fallback method if everything goes wrong seldom works out very well.

Meanwhile, you can solve the problem with good certainty for about $20: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141JRC2O/

Here’s what I would do.


TP-Link AC750 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, Repeater, Access Point w/Mini Housing Design, Extends WiFi to Smart Home & Alexa Devices (RE200) (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141JRC2O/

Buy this. Plug it in near the WiFi point. Put it into client mode (it’ll then just connect to the AP and serve the internet through the Ethernet port). Run a cable to the router you own and plug it into the wan port. Try to put your router far away from the apartment AP and plug thing. It’s ok if it’s near... but if you could move it to the center or further of your apartment, that’s better.

$20+Ethernet cable, you’re good.

(Make sure your router and the AP are on two totally different channels. Try to connect to the AP over 5ghz)

You will almost never likely see your full speeds over WiFi. Speeds are only guaranteed up to what you are paying for, and usually only over a wired connection as well. WiFi is meant for convenience, and not reliability.

Are you using the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band? The 2.4 GHz band has larger range, but is more susceptible to interference and has lower transfer rate, whereas 5 GHz is not as vulnerable to interference, is shorter-range, and has larger transfer rates than the 2.4 GHz band.

Also, do you have a cable outlet in your living room that is connected to your ONT? If so, you could get a MoCA extender that will turn your coax connection from the gateway into an Ethernet and wireless acces point.

A WiFi signal booster is the last thing I would recommend, because those take up half of your bandwidth just to be able to re-transmit a stronger WiFi signal, unless you can deal with it receiving on the 2.4 GHz band and then transmitting only on the 5 GHz band.

Assuming you're not able to connect external antennas to your modem (or don't want to), your best bet might be something like this - you plug it into an outlet somewhere where you still have good wifi coverage but closer to where you are having problems, configure it (not that hard), and you're done. It essentially retransmits the wifi signal, acting as a repeater between your device and the router.

have brother B buy something like this

While not the same exact model, it is one of these. It beams a 2.4 GHz radio signal to another one somewhere else so you can connect two far apart networks together. They have a range of about 50-100km, so you may not be able to see the other one.

check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-RE1000-Wireless-N-Range-Extender/dp/B005FDXMJS

I bought this a month ago and have been happy with it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D6JEMWS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the link!

Have you had any issues with something like that? 1TB is huge for what I was expecting.

I was looking at something like this or this.

The added charge and USB or SD card ability I found appealing, although the Seagate is tempting.

I would suggest you hook this Alfa R36 up to your high gain antennae. ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/B004ZF0I3U?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0)

It can repeat the signal (many routers can but this is made for it) so that things like phones and iPads can also use it. Wireless printers Etc. Also you can rename it something else and even add a password. To anyone else it would appear to be a totally different signal with its seperate password.

Excellent point. I guess I was (wrongly) assuming his printer, whatever it is, has a Type A. Not sure even newer printers have them.

What really matters is whether OP's printer even has ethernet. If not, he's gonna need to go with an n600, or something comparable, that has USB and a print server.

D-Link Wireless N 300 Mbps Compact Wi-Fi Range Extender (DAP-1320) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OZUPUC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_11MDyb6VDZ3M0

Would this work?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UBNGY6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i got that one. works good. just have to plug it in to set it up and set the pw and such. then place where you need it.

I think the guys that are giving other suggestions besides an extender might be right...but if you definately need an extender I have had great luck with Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N Smart Repeater and Range Extender--I have used it in a couple of different situations and it worked great and was simple to set up.

He has: TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender w/ Gigabit Ethernet Port (RE355) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016K07YT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XJtOAbK2XTNB2

Downside the house is not wired for Ethernet nor coax.

Because it's an unmanaged switch. An unmanaged switch is the last resort; I'd rather use a shitty repeater than that. There are also the issues with cheap, managed switches that I talked about earlier.

While they can sometimes be a pain to configure you are looking for something like this.

camel camel camel

Sorry to bother you further, but I just want make this purchase final without any regrets.

So, I have a dual band n600 router broadcasting both frequencies.
In my room with the PS3, I get an average of 70-60% connection signal.

I have a 100/10 plan, which really means a 50/6 plan thanks to my router. On average when testing my console's speed, I get about 10 down and 2-4 up wirelessly (and this varies drastically).

Considering all of this, between a decent extender with fastlane technology and ethernet ports, or a dual band bridge, which would be best for me?

Here are your options for home wifi networking:

1. Buy a super strong wifi router and you're good to go even in a large home - as long as you don't live in a repurposed bomb shelter. An example of a "super strong" router: here
   
2. Buy a normal router or your current one and add access points. An example of a "normal" router: here . An access point (AP) is not a wifi extender. You must run a cable (CAT 5E/ CAT 6) from your router to the location where you need improved wifi signal, there you plug in the AP and attach the Ethernet cable from the router. The AP simply turns a wired connection into a wireless one and broadcasts the same network as that coming from your router. An example of an AP: here .
   
3. Buy a normal router or your current router and use a wifi extender(s). I wifi extender receives packets from your wireless router, ups the signal strength, and then forwards them to a nearby host. If you are having poor signal at point B and the router is at point A then put the extender directly in the middle of the 2; I have seen so many people make the mistake of putting the extender at point B, which defeats the whole purpose because it is just your host device's antenna vs the extender's.
   
4. An extender/AP all in one device. An example: here
   
5. A mesh wifi system. It can be difficult to distinguish a multi-AP/ multi-extender setup from a mesh system, but the main differences are that the mesh will be easier to setup and more "polished" in general. A mesh system will automatically detect the SSID (network name) from the wifi router and extend it. Want to add a signal booster? With mesh you can buy another matching unit and use WPS for a one button setup. The mesh is also smart in identifying when you move from one area to another ans switching to the closer device to server you your packets. Now, this is seen in some higher end APs and extenders such as here , but its not as seamless and usually more expensive in the long run. An example of a mesh system: here
   
   APs are generally more stable (UBIQUITI makes great ones) due to the wired connection. I like using APs because I can buy as I need more and set some up on different VLANs and hide SSIDs, but those are more advanced options. For most people who do not want to run cable or go with more of a permanent networking setup, the easiest and most effective solution is generally a mesh system. The TP-Link one is great as well as Google WiFi.
   
   EDITED: Because the bot thought I was using affiliate links...

Thanks!

What do you think of this little guy? It doesn't seem to have router functionality, but that's alright.

Oh, this might be even better, as it seems to support router fx.

Best course of action if it's a LAN attenuation issue is to hardwire all the way to the router, but there are also things such as wireless repeaters that may assist you. These basically work like a normal internet repeater, but you can even get one that can connect to the wifi and then have hardwired ports like a hub that can connect to your pc. see here.

EDIT: Thought I'd explain this better, it basically works like a cutoff man in baseball, receiving the wireless signal and then passing it on via another wireless access point or through an ethernet cable.

I do not like Netgear products. I consider them to be cheap, and not worth the cash.
My personal choice are Asus routers.
With a large area to cover, I suggest you go with 2 items.

1. Router - Asus router
   
   
2. Access Point - Asus Access point / repeater
   
   Put your router at the center, or close to the center, and the repeater on the edge of your house nearest your garage.
   This combination would put you at $255 total USD and give you some really great coverage.

I have Comcast here. Google just said they are moving in a bit south of my city, so Comcast is shitting bricks. (bricks have been shat)

They upgraded everyones speed for free, but it won't matter.

Oh, the point of this reply was to tell you what to do. Buy a motorola surfboard 6121 (just a recommendation) and call them and say "I have my own modem, I need to activate it." they will ask you for the MAC address which is on the bottom of the modem (sticker) and then activate it. No more rental fee and a much better modem, then get yourself a RT-N66U router and an ASUS usb adapter which is what I have, and I am at 300Mbit connection (max for the adapter) and I download games on Steam at 7 MB/s. Or you can opt for the adapter that is too fast for USB, and it plugs into your Ethernet port - has good reviews but I have not tried it (I think it has realtek cards inside, and shiny ASUS plastic on the outside)

Keep in mind, you set up the 2.5Ghz band then tab to 5Ghz band - I named mine DO NOT WANT and ASUS5G - the usb connector has software that shows the signal level of each band, and it uses them both to achieve 300Mb/s. The router will do 900Mb/s which I don't believe they make adapters for yet. It is an amazing router, and well worth the price.

Let me know if you have questions.

Something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-Systems-Wireless-Extender-DAP-1320/dp/B009OZUPUC

It can be configured as its own separate network or it will broadcast the same ssid as your router

Range extenders work well for fixed devices. Not so much when roaming around the house.. For that, the simplest solution if you don't want to buy an entirely new mesh network router is a universal mesh extender.


NETGEAR AC2200 Mesh WiFi Extender, Universally Compatible Repeater creates your own home mesh WiFi (EX7300) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D6JEMWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p--QCb4H4SQDM

Or if you have Xfinity, buy Xfi pods for $120 directly from Xfinity to create a mesh set up in the house.

Good luck.

Sorry for the confusion. I'm talking about a storage device that has it own Wi-Fi signal so that an iPad can have extra storage.

Something like: http://www.amazon.com/EasyAcc%C2%AE-Portable-Repeater-PowerBank-Smartphones/dp/B00CSFCYFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404585937&sr=8-1&keywords=Wifi+drive

Or: http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Wireless-Storage-Streaming-STCK1000100/dp/B00AQRUW4Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404585937&sr=8-2&keywords=Wifi+drive

Not sure if there is a way but maybe this will help? It's a wifi extender but has an Ethernet port on the bottom you can connect to

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Extender-Pass-Through-Outlet-TL-WA860RE/dp/B00PEW7V7E

An access point is a wireless device that you simply plug into an existing network that already has a router(eg firewall). If the college already has a firewall and is providing you an ethernet port to plug into then you really just need a WAP, not a router.

You can end up with some issues plugging a router in behind another router. Skype probably won't for example.

It doesn't look like the y50 has ethernet.

This would probably do the trick for you:

http://www.amazon.com/EA-N66-Ultra-Fast-Wireless-Repeater-High-Power/dp/B007ZT23ZE

You would want it in access point mode.

The Asus router that I linked above can also be configured to run in access point mode rather than router mode.

Make sure you're on the 2.4ghz band if you're far away (2.4ghz is better at penetrating walls) and/or get a cheap-ish wall-outlet-wifi-repeater like this: https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Extender-Pass-Through-Outlet-TL-WA860RE/dp/B00PEW7V7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469931557&sr=8-2&keywords=outlet+wifi+repeater.

i use a range extender in the living room, and hooked up an ethernet cable from the bluray player directly to it. zero connectivity problems and greatly boosted the wifi through the whole house.

*this only works if you have a wifi router from the modem. the reason i use this setup is because i have a sony bluray player without wifi that requires a direct connection. if your player has wifi, you're probably close enough to get by without a range extender.

Something like this http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-N300-Range-Extender-WN3000RP/dp/B009MIGCW6 can plug into a wall outlet, connect to the wifi from your router then broadcast it as a repeater, it even has a Ethernet port on the back if you want a wired connect from the range extender to your desktop or laptop.

Hm. So even if the 2nd router is in a spot that gets a weak signal, it can effectively boost that signal? I did try this network extender at one point but it would never connect to the network via the powerline adapters. Are you suggesting that a 2nd router could pick up the broadcast wi-fi signal and boost it?

I've been eyeing [one of these] (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-LinkStyle-Ethernet-Extender-Amplifier/dp/B076K718ND/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524592706&sr=1-6&keywords=wifi+to+ethernet) but I'm not really sure of a good one. If anyone else has suggestions, we're listening.

As you've noted, directional antennas are typically rather bulky, I can't think of one I would want to throw in a backpack regularly. A different strategy is to use an external usb wireless card that has higher power than your laptop, and can be positioned into windows or other places to get a better signal by using a 15 foot cord.

Mine is old and looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-U24N-Wi-Fi-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B01G3ZOPY2/

This newer one looks interesting too: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Adapter-External-Antennas-Warranty/dp/B074FRMDJ2/

I have this one, and it is ok. The signal does sometimes drop, but using the "troubleshoot problems" in windows restarts it and it is up and running in 30s.

Is it worth it? My thought was replacing the router would provide me consistent performance, being that I have gigabit, and the AP would provide better coverage in speed. In terms of price they are pretty similar as the MOCA adapater I was looking into is this https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-802-11ac-Extender-Internet-Antennas/dp/B01BV1Y3W2

Not USB, actually works as an access point and still connects via Ethernet to the computer you want to use it on : https://www.amazon.com/EA-N66-Ultra-Fast-Wireless-Repeater-High-Power/dp/B007ZT23ZE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469618265&sr=8-5

The reviews for it are kind of hit or miss, which is weird since I've been using it on my Wife's computer for years, and she's got virtually the same connection I do hard-lined. Speeds, ping, all that are just the same as mine. She for some odd reason loves to watch like 3+ Twitch streams at once, and does so without managing to have any of them hiccup/lag out.

And one or two walls aren't going to be a big deal, unless they have high amounts of metal or water. (Think lead-lined, or a full-wall aquarium).

It isn't too bad but I think I'm the end I think you will want a range extender. I'm the end I got this one. Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Smart Repeater and Range Extender (SR10000) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UBNGY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JnAvxbJKPM1ZE

I can sell you mine for 45$ if you are interested its brand new and I don't use it anymore.

I don't actually remember the brand or model (i'm not at home at the moment) but here are two which are similar to mine:

Repeater #1

Repeater #2

What you are looking for is called an Amped Wireless Range Extender. If your router has a RP-SMA Male connector, you can use a Directional or Yagi Antenna.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATNS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQGVMSE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGUGKYU

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NBL9WK

Something like this? I've never used one.

The third solution is to get a wireless bridge and hook that up to your desktop via an ethernet cable. Some wireless extender such as this tp-link https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Extender-Gigabit-Ethernet-RE355/dp/B016K07YT8 can operation on that mode.

I personally prefer WiFi extenders/repeater with ethernet port

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Extender-Gigabit-Ethernet-RE355/dp/B016K07YT8/

(Note: I don't use this specific device, but a similiar device manufactured by AVM (Fritz!Repeater))

They are - somewhat - portable as well, and you can reuse them for other use cases as well. Also, they tend to work better than USB wifi adapters (at least from my personal experience) and don't require any (special) drivers.

And for anyone considering the ping/latency: In most cases, I have the same ping to game servers (20-30ms) as my friend a few kilometers away with a 100% wired ethernet connection.

Especially going for 5GHz wifi can improve your speed.

Setting up the new wireless router and configuring it properly to broadcast on the proper channels and having it broadcast the proper SSID, may be a little to complex for someone with no experience with such things.

Cisco / Linksys sells a great product called a wireless extender, that plugs into the wall (no drilling and cabling needed) and it will act as a second router/access point basically for your purposes.

It will repeat the signal from the unit, basically boosting the signal where you have it plugged in.

Many devices don't support 3x3 (triband) so you may be paying for features you can't use just yet. It may future proof you, but you're not using what you paid for. See: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2460394,00.asp

As for your bedroom situation, you may want to install a repeater or extender for your wifi. This way you have excellent coverage throughout. For example:

Router: http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Wireless-Including-Parental-E1200/dp/B004T9RR6I
Extender: http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Wireless-Dual-Band-Extender-RE1000/dp/B005FDXMJS

Hope it helps!

There's probably a pair of ethernet jacks in the room. USE THEM IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. Wifi sucks nuts when you've got 100 people in the same building trying to use it. If you have to use wifi, I hope for your sake it's at least a 5GHz network.

Wifi is radio waves. A computer case is a big metal box. Metal boxes block radio waves. You want the antenna for your wifi radio to not be stuck behind the big metal box. This means having some sort of cable to move the antenna or the adapter out from behind the box. The three easiest ways to do this are:

1. Get a PCIE wifi card that lets you move the antenna.
   
2. get a USB wifi adapter that lets you do the same thing with your antenna
   
3. Just get a normal USB wifi dongle and put it on a USB extension cord.
   
   Note: I'm not suggesting either of those adapters specifically, just using them for illustration purposes.

Hi, thanks.

Will this work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Extender-External-Antennas-EX3700-100UKS/dp/B00XYEPLXU/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1493921876&sr=8-18&keywords=Access+Point

The 750mbps one @ £29.99

Ok so would these work?

• Switch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TL-SF1005D-5-Port-Unmanaged-Desktop/dp/B000FNFSPY/ref=sr_1_35?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1499372560&sr=1-35&keywords=ethernet+switch
  
  
• Dual-band access point: https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Extender-External-Antennas-EX3700-100UKS/dp/B00XYEPLXU/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1499372993&sr=8-12&keywords=access+point+dual+band
  
  
  

I have a few tips I could give you.

Something I'd recommend is getting a WiFi extender. NetGear has some decent WiFi extenders.

Something simple you could do, easy set up, WiFi+Ethernet support. You could put it essentially in the middle(suggestion), or wherever a nearby power outlet is. There's really no other way unless you get a 100 ft Ethernet cable and go from there, which is something I don't necessarily recommend(although possible).

Powerline adapters could be useful. As said below I'm not sure they're good with condos. My best recommendation to you is to get a Netgear WiFi Extender.

A good one:
https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-N600-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender/dp/B006V72AHC/ref=sr_1_13?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458441260&sr=1-13&keywords=NetGear+Wifi+Extender

There are other extenders, but I'd recommend NOT getting a refurbished as you can't guarantee efficiency.

Another great one that I can recommend to you is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWZE7S?keywords=WN2000RP&qid=1458441424&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I, personally use this one. I've had no problems with it.

This should give you a couple more bars. https://www.amazon.com/Network-Wireless-802-11g-Adapter-AWUS036H/dp/B000WXSO76/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498670299&sr=8-2&keywords=alpha+networks+awus036h It will allow you to hook up one laptop. If you want wifi for several devices hook up the above with this device https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-R36-Repeater-Extender-AWUS036H/dp/B004ZF0I3U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1498670299&sr=8-4&keywords=alpha+networks+awus036h
With the combination you are taking your neighbors wifi boosting their signal strength and then creating your own wifi network for everyone in your house to use. I have had this set up at my lake house for several years. I us a high gain antenna like this https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Directional-Parabolic-Connector-TL-ANT2424B/dp/B003CFATOW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1498670676&sr=8-12&keywords=high+gain+wifi+antenna
pointed across the lake (1500 feet est) at my friends house and use the above devices to create my own wifi for my house. It works for internet browsing but its not enough speed for streaming video. You may just want to start with the alpha hooked to one pc and see how that goes and what king of increase in signal and speed you get. The nice thing about all of this is since it is from Amazon any/all can be returned. All the pieces add up in price but if it gives you free internet you can justify it and the return on investment is really good considering how expensive internet would be especially for occasional use.

Quantum router is 2.0 moca, as is the extender.

and Id get standalone moca but we have fios tv and to get the guide to work you need the fios router. There are ways around it but it seemed too much work for its worth

https://www.verizon.com/about/sites/default/files/fios-qgr-userguide140925.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-802-11ac-Wireless-Extender-WCB6200Q02/dp/B01BV1Y3W2

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Dual-Band-Wireless-Extender-Ethernet/dp/B00FKTMWDE

or the newer

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-802-11ac-Extender-Internet-Antennas/dp/B01BV1Y3W2

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would work if you have a coax run downstairs. word of caution the fios gateway is moca 2.0 but it is not bonded so it would limit the newer extender to around 400Mbps.

Just buy a wifi extender. They are cheap.

Do you really want to piss off the people you live with for a $50 device.

However be sure to give it a different security key so that they cannot use it when they are in a dead spot.