2nd router or Range extender?

[keegster17]

I have an older Linksys WRT54G-TM, with DDWRT, and recently found the internet connection weak. I have a second Linksys DDWRT router to extend the signal. Do you think these routers are to old possibly? I have had them for like 10 years. I am the only one in the home using internet, and I have a very cheap cable package with local provider. House has two floors, main router in basement, and second on second floor. I recently, tried a firmware upgrade with the TM model, via wireless connection, not sure if that was the best way, but it appears upgrade worked, but I don't see any change. Thoughts on new setup?

Download Speed Up To 6 Mbps
Upload Speed Up To 256 Kbps

[Terryl]

Old routers may never die....But the newer stuff does a whole bunch more.

I went to a brand called "Ampedwireless" they have a gigabit LAN,(4 ports) and are some of the highest RF output on the WIFI that you can get.

[keegster17]

Terryl, I figured you would jump in to the post. What would you suggest?

[greenphantom61]

I know my 10+ year old Linksys WRT54Gs DDWRT cascaded together in an upstairs/downstairs situation like you described is still doing a fine job. I have an ethernet cable in port 4 of the main router connected to port 1 of the 2nd router upstairs. I set them for different channels to avoid interference. Check out cascading routers on the DDWRT site, you'll be glad you did! Being the only user and your Internet speed, it's not enough to warrant any new technology.

If you've got a smart phone check out a free app called wifi analyzer. It'll show you how strong your signal is as you roam around your house not to mention any of your neighbors signals .... a fun app!

[keegster17]

Cascading requires the two routers to be hardwired together? That is difficult for me, I don't want to run cables thru wall etc. can you confirm?

[Terryl]

And another thing is when cascaded you have to assign a block of IP addresses to each router, one one you can use XXX.XXX.XXX.2 to 126 and on the other you use XXX.XXX.XXX,128 to 254.

This could make things a bit difficult if your moving around with an Ipad, cell phone tied to the internet or laptop.

A range booster can work, but if your old router has removable antennas you could go with a higher gain antenna, that could fix the problem.

But before you go out and buy something try the suggestion Greenphantom61 mentioned, and that the app to analyze your current WIFI signals, this would tell you if a new antenna, a range booster or higher powered router would be needed.

A new antenna at least could boost the signals from the router by 12 to 16 dB, (depending on the type of antenna) this is a big jump, but could cost as much as a new high powered router, do a Google for one.

If the router is located at one end of your house then a directional antenna would help, if centrally located then an omni directional would be used.