Extending WiFi to Chromecast downstairs

[Chappyman]

Hello,

Please pardon my inexperience with hardware network setups~

I have Comcast as my ISP and I need some consulting on what process I should do to make sure my apartments setup functions nicely.

My roommate uses Chromecast (phone>tv) to play music on the television in the living room off of her phone. Unfortunately when I moved in with my gaming desktop I needed to be able to wire in to the modem for internet so I wouldn't have a crap connection. This left us with the dilemma that her phone cannot find the Chrome-cast source because it is "likely" not close enough to the modem.

We use the Arris TG862 Gateway Modem/Router (1 unit) which is stored upstairs in my bedroom; this provides us wifi to the entire apartment. Unfortunately, I think I have come to the conclusion that Chromecast only supports about a 15 meter distance from the Modem. Here is where I found that out (find Arris TG862) https://support.google.com/chromecast/table/3477832?hl=en&ref_topic=3447927 The current distance exceeds this as it is likely between 30-45 feet.

I've done extensive research on Chrome-cast forums and it seems that extenders are unreliable and sometimes don't actually work. Does anyone here have first hand experience with Chrome-cast and knows if that is not true?

Either way, I intend on first trying to move my modem as close as I can to the living room downstairs, there is a room between us which would leave it closer. If that does not work what would be the best way to set up a connection downstairs that is more "reliable" and falls under Comcast's network capabilities.

Should I call Comcast?
Should I try to buy two routers and attempt to change SSID's myself? (I heard this is a possible tactic)
Should I buy a wireless network extender and see if the Chromecast can find that?
Should I extend the broadcasting radius of my wifi somehow and try that?
Should I have comcast set up two modems instead but have to pay double price?
Is there a quicker/cheaper/more effective setup to try that I haven't thought about/know about?

Any thoughts would be great!
Thanks!

 

[COLGeek]

Greetings, just a couple of thoughts of consideration:

1. Comcast is not likely to help. This is your issue, not theirs.
2. In general, net extenders really do very little to help, but they might in your case as you just need a bit of additional range for the Chromecast. Using a second router in this capacity is an option as well.
3. You could add a wireless adapter to your PC and then move the cable modem/router near the TV (or elsewhere) to reduce the range issue as well.
4. Don't pay for 2 lines of service.

 

[Chappyman]

Greetings, just a couple of thoughts of consideration:

1. Comcast is not likely to help. This is your issue, not theirs.
2. In general, net extenders really do very little to help, but they might in your case as you just need a bit of additional range for the Chromecast. Using a second router in this capacity is an option as well.
3. You could add a wireless adapter to your PC and then move the cable modem/router near the TV (or elsewhere) to reduce the range issue as well.
4. Don't pay for 2 lines of service.

Thanks for the response COLGeek,

As per #2,
I've heard nothing but poor results from such things but if its enough to bolster the range for the Chromecast it would be definitely worth it. For a second router, however, would this need to be connected via ethernet? The main issue is that we cannot run ethernets between the upstairs and downstairs, and we dont have an ethernet setup through ethernet outlets.

As per #3,
I did somewhat try this with a powerline ethernet adapter to run this but after D/Cing several times a night I called it quits. Keep in mind I need the hardline for high-end PC gaming. Basically, I do not at any cost want to move the modem. That's essentially why I'm trying to find a work-around.

Thanks,
Keep the suggestions coming!

 

[COLGeek]

Yes, connecting the second router to the main router via ethernet would be needed. Regrading "net extenders", when my daughter was in college she had a similar issue as yours. We tried an extender and it did virtually nothing to improve performance. It did make a decent paper weight though.

Can you reposition the router to provide a better wireless connection throughout the apartment and maybe get a longer ethernet cable for your PC?

 

[Chappyman]

Yes, connecting the second router to the main router via ethernet would be needed. Regrading "net extenders", when my daughter was in college she had a similar issue as yours. We tried an extender and it did virtually nothing to improve performance. It did make a decent paper weight though.

Can you reposition the router to provide a better wireless connection throughout the apartment and maybe get a longer ethernet cable for your PC?

This will be my first attempt at fixing this. I plan to move the router into the "office" which is between the two rooms. If that doesn't work, I just got off the phone with Google, who in fact suggested a "radius booster", I'm guessing that is just a "net extender"?

I did recently buy a Dlink version of one of these kits: http://www.frys.com/product/7580876?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

After researching a bit I think I have one of these: http://www.rakuten.com/prod/d-link-dhp-209av-powerline-av-200-mini-adapter-starter-kit-1-x-network/254482461.html?listingId=-1&scid=pla_google_rakuten.com&adid=18162&gclid=CK34tuiS3L0CFQqEfgodFE0AFw (I wont be home for another hour)
Would I be able to utilize this somehow? I don't think I can as I have nothing to ethernet into downstairs.

 

[COLGeek]

I would assume the a radius booster is indeed a net extender. This device has decent ratings and looks easy to setup:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833164059

The powerline adapters could be used to create an ethernet connection with the other part of the apartment that you might could hang a second router/access point off of.

 

[Chappyman]

I would assume the a radius booster is indeed a net extender. This device has decent ratings and looks easy to setup:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833164059

The powerline adapters could be used to create an ethernet connection with the other part of the apartment that you might could hang a second router/access point off of.

Moving the router into the next room has seemingly worked. I will update if this is not "good enough" for my demented roommate.

Thanks COL

 

[COLGeek]

You are most welcome. Good luck!