Awful Range on ASUS RT-N66R

[Ariewok]

Hi everyone,
I was recently suggested a new router here and ended up buying a used ASUS RT-N66R along with a new modem and a couple wireless ethernet bridges. The seller also threw in some (seemingly) expensive and upgraded antennas. However, no matter what antenna combination I use, my signal is fairly weak across the hall and downstairs. I don't think it's related to router position, but it's currently located on my desk with the default antennas facing straight up.

Strangely, I can unplug all the antennas and get roughly the same signal strength downstairs...

The third-party antennas look like this and this, but I can't find any information on them. There is one of each.

Does anyone have any suggestions of how to improve the signal? I don't really want to have to invest in expensive repeaters, but I do have another couple routers sitting around if I could use those as access points. I'm worried that it's impractical though, as they average 10 mbps download while the RT-N66R gets me about 250 mbps.

Thank you so much!

EDIT: I'll also try moving the router back to where the old router lived, as I put the new one in a different room.

 

[bill001g]

I suppose you could buy some more n66r as ap. They are fairly inexpensive used. The n66 units used to be consider one of the best for coverage back in the day they were relevant. You can also get ac1200 models from tplink and asus for $50.

The antenna you link is directional. It should to a point improve performance if the pc you are using happen to be in the path. Most times they are used either for outdoor use of for very specialized needs

You could try some cheap 5db omni antenna which is similar to what they came with.

You want to avoid using a repeater unless you have no other option. They will cut your speed by 1/2 and they trade signal quality for signal strength.

 

[kanewolf]

Vertical signal spread for most WIFI antennas is not great. They are optimized to spread horizontally. That is one reason that floor-to-floor WIFI is not usually very good. Having WIFI on each floor is the best way to fix that.

 

[Ariewok]

I suppose you could buy some more n66r as ap. They are fairly inexpensive used. The n66 units used to be consider one of the best for coverage back in the day they were relevant. You can also get ac1200 models from tplink and asus for $50.

The antenna you link is directional. It should to a point improve performance if the pc you are using happen to be in the path. Most times they are used either for outdoor use of for very specialized needs

You could try some cheap 5db omni antenna which is similar to what they came with.

You want to avoid using a repeater unless you have no other option. They will cut your speed by 1/2 and they trade signal quality for signal strength.

Thanks for the response! For now, I have the antennas pointed in the right direction and it helped a bunch. Might end up buying a new router anyway; it's for a rental room so it makes sense to put in another $50 for the best possible signal down there.

 

[Ariewok]

Vertical signal spread for most WIFI antennas is not great. They are optimized to spread horizontally. That is one reason that floor-to-floor WIFI is not usually very good. Having WIFI on each floor is the best way to fix that.

Oh... like an access point on every level? I might end up just getting another similar model to use as an access point, so there would be the base station on 2nd floor and an access point in the basement. Those are the main spots that need good coverage; 1st floor doesn't matter too much. Thanks for the help!