I have an XBox in my living room and my wireless router is in another room. I can't lay a line so I use the XBox with WiFi. Problem is I drop my connection semi-frequently (very annoying when watching NetFlix or playing an online game.)
I'm not sure what causes the issue but I'm wondering if a WiFi amplifier would help, so my questions:
- Is a WiFi amplifier a fair bet solution? Do they work?
- What's a good, affordable one?
5 Answers
Have you looked into PowerLine networking? Assuming your router and XBox are on the same mains circuit in your house, then that should be able to get a wired connection between your rooms without having to mess about laying new wiring. It's also generally better bandwidth and latency than a wireless solution (though not quite up with proper wired ethernet kit).
lots of companies do it these days, a quick Amazon listing for Powerline networking kit has a whole list of them.
1Most of the WiFi AP manufacturers also sell repeaters. Plug one into an outlet halfway between your AP and your XBox, and, voila!
See this. Yes, to answer a comment, config is required to tell it which SSID to repeat.
2I have the ASUS WL-330GE. It can do several things, one of it is repeating/amplifying a wireless signal. It works very good for me, although I do not use it as a simple repeater. I am sharing WLAN with my neighbour and I use the router to make my own WLAN cell, using the WLAN coming from my neighbour. All without cabling, all wireless. Works great.
I recommend reading some about DIY methods and antennas.
If You already have the connection, but it's too weak I bet this will help:
Just print it out on a thicker paper, cut&fold and stick some tin-foil to it. Costs nothing and works!
1Or, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can try using an aluminium foil or building your own cantenna.
