[SOLVED] Verizon fios signal is very weak upstairs

[tezarin]

Hi all,
i have Verizon Fios in my house and the signal is only good on the first floor and when I go upstairs, the signal becomes really weak. With kids being out of school and constantly playing in the downstairs living room, I need to attend my meetings right next to them which is not working out too well!
is there any way I could make the signal stronger upstairs?

Thank you

 

[bill001g]

There really is no magic when it comes the walls and floors absorbing wifi. You have to in effect punch holes in them.

The simplest solution is going to be to use a powerline network device. They make ones with a wifi radio (ie a AP) in the remote end. Look at the newer AV2-1000 and av2-2000 units they work much better than older generations of the equipment.

You might also consider Moca if you have a tv coax in that room. With FIOS you can only buy 1 unit for the remote room because many FIOS router have a built in moca adapter. Even if it does't a pair of the best moca adapters is under $150. Moca is a better choice but costs a bit more than powerline networks.

Now I will assume you do not have ethernet cable already run because then you use a AP or a router running as a AP.

 

[tezarin]

There really is no magic when it comes the walls and floors absorbing wifi. You have to in effect punch holes in them.

The simplest solution is going to be to use a powerline network device. They make ones with a wifi radio (ie a AP) in the remote end. Look at the newer AV2-1000 and av2-2000 units they work much better than older generations of the equipment.

You might also consider Moca if you have a tv coax in that room. With FIOS you can only buy 1 unit for the remote room because many FIOS router have a built in moca adapter. Even if it does't a pair of the best moca adapters is under $150. Moca is a better choice but costs a bit more than powerline networks.

Now I will assume you do not have ethernet cable already run because then you use a AP or a router running as a AP.

Thank you for your great reply. I do not have an ethernet cable already run. Would you please elaborate on the powerline/AP and recommend one so I can buy? I have no idea what it is and how it works but if you recommend one I can buy and do my research to set that up. Or even a mocha, if you could please recommend one I would appreciate it.

 

[bill001g]

Many companies make these but tplink is fairly popular. This is one example they other models also. They show in their diagram how you hook it up and how it works.

AV1000 Gigabit Powerline ac Wi-Fi Kit

The TL-WPA7510 KIT uses your home's wiring to transmit a Gigabit network, delivering connections to anywhere with a power outlet, regardless of barriers.

www.tp-link.com

 

[tezarin]

Many companies make these but tplink is fairly popular. This is one example they other models also. They show in their diagram how you hook it up and how it works.

AV1000 Gigabit Powerline ac Wi-Fi Kit

The TL-WPA7510 KIT uses your home's wiring to transmit a Gigabit network, delivering connections to anywhere with a power outlet, regardless of barriers.

www.tp-link.com

I appreciate your help, I will definitely buy that and install it. It is very difficult to have a meeting next to two screaming kids. A while back, I invested in another one from Amazon and not sure if I hooked it up incorrectly or it just didn't do the job: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z68YXWN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[tezarin]

Many companies make these but tplink is fairly popular. This is one example they other models also. They show in their diagram how you hook it up and how it works.

AV1000 Gigabit Powerline ac Wi-Fi Kit

The TL-WPA7510 KIT uses your home's wiring to transmit a Gigabit network, delivering connections to anywhere with a power outlet, regardless of barriers.

www.tp-link.com

Not sure about the number after the AV, could you please help me pick the best one?
https://www.amazon.com/Powerline-Et...nk&rnid=2528832011&rps=1&s=electronics&sr=1-8
OR
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AV10...+Powerline+ac+Wi-Fi+Kit&qid=1624978908&sr=8-3

Thanks much again, you literally saved my career while working from home

 

[gggplaya]

No, buy a Verizon FIOS network extender. It's easier to set up and FIOS already has MOCA built in. You should be able to pick up a Verizon Fios extender at your local verizon official store: https://www.verizon.com/home/accessories/fios-extender/

This is the older version, used but should still work. You can find them used on ebay or facebook marketplace (WCB6200Q ): https://www.ebay.com/itm/174818923551



Do you have a TV coax cable outlet upstairs anywhere?????????? If so, you just plug the extender into that and you'll have wifi upstairs once it's set up.

I would also set their consoles to not fully go into power savings mode, but rather always stay turned on but at a lower power. That way the consoles automatically update the games at night and won't run game updates during the day. A game update can fully cripple your internet.

 

[gggplaya]

For now, without buying anything, you might want to consider moving the main router upstairs closer to your office. Your work is more important than games. Having a weaker wifi signal for the playstations will naturally bandwidth limit them as well, so they dont cripple your network.

 

[tezarin]

No, buy a Verizon FIOS network extender. It's easier to set up and FIOS already has MOCA built in. You should be able to pick up a Verizon Fios extender at your local verizon official store: https://www.verizon.com/home/accessories/fios-extender/

This is the older version, used but should still work. You can find them used on ebay or facebook marketplace (WCB6200Q ): https://www.ebay.com/itm/174818923551



Do you have a TV coax cable outlet upstairs anywhere?????????? If so, you just plug the extender into that and you'll have wifi upstairs once it's set up.

I would also set their consoles to not fully go into power savings mode, but rather always stay turned on but at a lower power. That way the consoles automatically update the games at night and won't run game updates during the day. A game update can fully cripple your internet.

Thank you for your reply. What I currently have downstairs is a modem/router with model number: G3100
The link you posted didn't open for me. Which one of the products listed here would you recommend: https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/equipment/network-extender
Edit - I re-read your message and realized you have already recommended the "wcb6200Q", thank you for that.
The plan I have is 75/75 and I do have a TV upstairs connected via the coax cable. So you mean I should plug the extender into the same coax cable as the TV or use a splitter?
Thanks again

 

[tezarin]

For now, without buying anything, you might want to consider moving the main router upstairs closer to your office. Your work is more important than games. Having a weaker wifi signal for the playstations will naturally bandwidth limit them as well, so they dont cripple your network.

Exactly, I would do that but my husband also WFH and he has everything setup in the dining room as his office. If I take the router upstairs, he might not get a good signal downstairs :-(

 

[gggplaya]

Thank you for your reply. What I currently have downstairs is a modem/router with model number: G3100
The link you posted didn't open for me. Which one of the products listed here would you recommend: https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/equipment/network-extender
The plan I have is 75/75 and I do have a TV upstairs connected via the coax cable. So you mean I should plug the extender into the same coax cable as the TV or use a splitter?
Thanks again

If you buy it new from the Verizon store(if you have one local to you), you can get the older one https://www.verizon.com/smallbusiness/accessories/fios-network-extender/ for about $99 if they still have any in stock. The newer one, E3200 matches your G3100 but it's $200: https://www.verizon.com/smallbusiness/accessories/fios-extender/

Though, I think verizon can add it to your bill as a rental. I'm a comcast user so I can't really comment on this.

If you buy it from Verizon brand new, I believe it comes with a coax splitter in the box. If not, you can buy one at home depot, just make sure it works to at least 2000mhz. You simply unplug your tv and plug both the Fios Extender and the TV into the splitter. Then plug the splitter into the wall jack and plug the fios extender into power. After 10 minutes the light should turn solid white. That's it, super simple. I think Verizon designed the extender to automatically pick up the G3100 main unit, so there shouldn't be any configuration necessary. It should copy the same wifi id and password.

Here's the instructions, you can see page 18 and 19 to see how easy it is: https://www.verizon.com/supportreso...cuments/internet/fios-extender-user-guide.pdf


Keep in mind that this will solve a low wifi signal issue, but if the other users in the house are hogging bandwidth, this will not solve that. For that, you'll need to increase your internet plan, or buy a router that has better bandwidth management software.

 

[tezarin]

If you buy it new from the Verizon store(if you have one local to you), you can get the older one https://www.verizon.com/smallbusiness/accessories/fios-network-extender/ for about $99 if they still have any in stock. The newer one, E3200 matches your G3100 but it's $200: https://www.verizon.com/smallbusiness/accessories/fios-extender/

Though, I think verizon can add it to your bill as a rental. I'm a comcast user so I can't really comment on this.

If you buy it from Verizon brand new, I believe it comes with a coax splitter in the box. If not, you can buy one at home depot, just make sure it works to at least 2000mhz. You simply unplug your tv and plug both the Fios Extender and the TV into the splitter. Then plug the splitter into the wall jack and plug the fios extender into power. After 10 minutes the light should turn solid white. That's it, super simple. I think Verizon designed the extender to automatically pick up the G3100 main unit, so there shouldn't be any configuration necessary. It should copy the same wifi id and password.

Here's the instructions, you can see page 18 and 19 to see how easy it is: https://www.verizon.com/supportreso...cuments/internet/fios-extender-user-guide.pdf

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it. I contacted Verizon customer service and they told me they currently don't have E3200 in stock but they can offer me to rent or purchase the " WCB6200Q" model. Which one would you recommend to buy? The $99 one, the WCB6200Q or the E3200? I also appreciate you sending me the instruction on how to install it.

 

[gggplaya]

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it. I contacted Verizon customer service and they told me they currently don't have E3200 in stock but they can offer me to rent or purchase the " WCB6200Q" model. Which one would you recommend to buy? The $99 one, the WCB6200Q or the E3200? I also appreciate you sending me the instruction on how to install it.

Either will be fine. I don't think you would notice a difference between the two. The newer one is Wifi6, the older one is Wifi 5(wireless AC). But I still use Wifi 5 because wifi 6 doesn't offer any benefits I actually need at the moment.

Here's the instructions for WCB6200Q: https://www.verizon.com/supportreso...port/consumer/documents/wifi-extender-qsg.pdf

 

[tezarin]

Either will be fine. I don't think you would notice a difference between the two. The newer one is Wifi6, the older one is Wifi 5(wireless AC). But I still use Wifi 5 because wifi 6 doesn't offer any benefits I actually need at the moment.

Here's the instructions for WCB6200Q: https://www.verizon.com/supportreso...port/consumer/documents/wifi-extender-qsg.pdf

Perfect, thank you. I am asking Verizon to see which one they offer.

 

[tezarin]

Either will be fine. I don't think you would notice a difference between the two. The newer one is Wifi6, the older one is Wifi 5(wireless AC). But I still use Wifi 5 because wifi 6 doesn't offer any benefits I actually need at the moment.

Here's the instructions for WCB6200Q: https://www.verizon.com/supportreso...port/consumer/documents/wifi-extender-qsg.pdf

I just purchased the WCB6200Q from Verizon. Thank you for thr recommendation. They said the splitter does not come in the box. Which coax splitter would you recommend please? (Preferably from Amazon). Thank you

 

[gggplaya]

This splitter will work: https://www.amazon.com/BAMF-2-Way-Splitter-Bi-Directional-5-2300MHz/dp/B0113JAN8K

These are the Verizon Branded Splitters: https://www.amazon.com/Verizon-Splitter-PDI-2WWB-2-0-3-5dB-Screw/dp/B010EIP8B8

If it doesn't come with a cable, then you might need to buy 2 short lengths of coax cable as well.

 

[tezarin]

This splitter will work: https://www.amazon.com/BAMF-2-Way-Splitter-Bi-Directional-5-2300MHz/dp/B0113JAN8K

These are the Verizon Branded Splitters: https://www.amazon.com/Verizon-Splitter-PDI-2WWB-2-0-3-5dB-Screw/dp/B010EIP8B8

If it doesn't come with a cable, then you might need to buy 2 short lengths of coax cable as well.

Thank you, I was able to convince Verizon to send me one for free since I bought the extender from them. This is what they are sending me: PDI 4 WAY SPLITTER(5-1675 MHz MoCA 2.0).
Regarding the coax cables, is this a good one? If not would you please recommend one? I really appreciate it: https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Conn...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

[gggplaya]

You need 1 short coax from the wall to the splitter, you'll also reuse the tv cable and connect it to the splitter. The other one you need, I'm not sure how long you need since it's based on where you want to place the extender.

But I generally buy these cables or make my own: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-3-Pack-Shielded-Coaxial/dp/B00LETAIAI/

 

[tezarin]

You need 1 short coax from the wall to the splitter, you'll also reuse the tv cable and connect it to the splitter. The other one you need, I'm not sure how long you need since it's based on where you want to place the extender.

But I generally buy these cables or make my own: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-3-Pack-Shielded-Coaxial/dp/B00LETAIAI/

You have been super helpful. Thank you so much. I will buy this item you have listed. I really appreciate your help. Will keep you posted once the extender arrived.

 

[tezarin]

You need 1 short coax from the wall to the splitter, you'll also reuse the tv cable and connect it to the splitter. The other one you need, I'm not sure how long you need since it's based on where you want to place the extender.

But I generally buy these cables or make my own: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-3-Pack-Shielded-Coaxial/dp/B00LETAIAI/

The extender came in the mail today and I immediately installed it. It came with two coax cables and surprisingly they had sent a 2 way extender in addition to the 4 I had asked them to send.
Tested the upstairs wifi speed on speednettest (on my phone and laptop) and it was 110 download/37 upload before I setup the installer and it was around 110 over 80 after I installed it. Downstairs it was 108/9 then 110/110 right now as I am typing this. The numbers keep changing. How can I accurately test the speed to see if this extender is really doing what it's supposed to do? Thank you

 

[bill001g]

You want to test using ethernet cables. Testing on wifi can be difficult because you are always subject to random interference mostly from neighbors.

I guess the best test is not so much do you get certain numbers but does it actually work for you without experiencing issues. Generally for tv/video use you do not need huge bandwidth numbers even for for 4k data streams. The upload speed means little for devices like this. It would be more if you were doing cloud based backup or if you were running say video conferencing that upload matters more.

So I reread this and I was confused by a similar thread. Ask the people you video conference with if your stream is smooth. 9mbps upload rates maybe a little low for some systems. If you can try not to use wifi. It is unlikely it is the moca connection itself. If you really wanted to test the moca itself you can plug a pc into the main router and one into the extender and copy files and watch the rates you get. I suspect though your speedtest numbers will be much more consistent using ethernet so it will likely not be necessary to test the actual moca connection.

 

[tezarin]

You want to test using ethernet cables. Testing on wifi can be difficult because you are always subject to random interference mostly from neighbors.

I guess the best test is not so much do you get certain numbers but does it actually work for you without experiencing issues. Generally for tv/video use you do not need huge bandwidth numbers even for for 4k data streams. The upload speed means little for devices like this. It would be more if you were doing cloud based backup or if you were running say video conferencing that upload matters more.

So I reread this and I was confused by a similar thread. Ask the people you video conference with if your stream is smooth. 9mbps upload rates maybe a little low for some systems. If you can try not to use wifi. It is unlikely it is the moca connection itself. If you really wanted to test the moca itself you can plug a pc into the main router and one into the extender and copy files and watch the rates you get. I suspect though your speedtest numbers will be much more consistent using ethernet so it will likely not be necessary to test the actual moca connection.

Thank you for your helpful reply. I had never setup an extender before so as long as I can join a meeting upstairs and the connection doesn't keep dropping I'm good. Thank you again

 

[gggplaya]

The fact that your upload improved so much means the wifi antenna in your computer are probably a little weak. There were probably times when your upload signal gets flaky. Upload is extremely important for video conferencing meeetings. Generally speaking, you want at least 8mbps of good solid upload, roughly 4mbps for webcam/voice and 4mbps for screen sharing. If your video conferencing gets flaky, you can try disabling the webcam to help free up upload bandwidth.

If none of this helps, you may need a better router that can run FQ_Codel or Cake QOS algorithms to Traffic Shape your bandwidth. These algorithms will allocate bandwidth fairly to people using them, so that no one person can hog too much bandwidth for themselves. I use CAKE at my house and it works exceptionally well. If you plan to work remote permanently, I would consider consulting a tech savvy friend, or hiring a local IT professional to set something like this up for you.

 

[tezarin]

The fact that your upload improved so much means the wifi antenna in your computer are probably a little weak. There were probably times when your upload signal gets flaky. Upload is extremely important for video conferencing meeetings. Generally speaking, you want at least 8mbps of good solid upload, roughly 4mbps for webcam/voice and 4mbps for screen sharing. If your video conferencing gets flaky, you can try disabling the webcam to help free up upload bandwidth.

If none of this helps, you may need a better router that can run FQ_Codel or Cake QOS algorithms to Traffic Shape your bandwidth. These algorithms will allocate bandwidth fairly to people using them, so that no one person can hog too much bandwidth for themselves. I use CAKE at my house and it works exceptionally well. If you plan to work remote permanently, I would consider consulting a tech savvy friend, or hiring a local IT professional to set something like this up for you.

Yes, I have been disabling the video on my laptop to improve the situation. I currently have the G3100, according to Verizon, that's the best they have. I am not familiar with CAKE, is my router capable of that? Also, how can I really test the network to see if the extender is doing what it's really supposed to be doing? If I try the wifi speednet test, the numbers are not reliable from what I was told in this thread. If I connect my laptop to the extender via the ethernet cable, that will give me a reliable reading for AFTER state. But if I want to compare that to a BEFORE, since I didn't have an extender before, there is no way for me to connect my laptop to anything upstairs via the ethernet cable, so I can't have a baseline. I am not sure if the extender is really working.

 

[gggplaya]

Yes, I have been disabling the video on my laptop to improve the situation. I currently have the G3100, according to Verizon, that's the best they have. I am not familiar with CAKE, is my router capable of that? Also, how can I really test the network to see if the extender is doing what it's really supposed to be doing? If I try the wifi speednet test, the numbers are not reliable from what I was told in this thread. If I connect my laptop to the extender via the ethernet cable, that will give me a reliable reading for AFTER state. But if I want to compare that to a BEFORE, since I didn't have an extender before, there is no way for me to connect my laptop to anything upstairs via the ethernet cable, so I can't have a baseline. I am not sure if the extender is really working.

Using an ethernet cable will only test the maximum theoretical potential that wifi extender could be capable of. However, wifi has more variables involved, so you may not see the max theoretical speed using wifi.

Easiest way to test the upstairs access point is to get a large metal mixing bowl or large metal box and place it over the downstairs access point. Then go upstairs and connect to your network, you'll know for sure that you're connected to the upstairs access point, and you can do your speedtests from there. You'll want to make sure everyone else has their phones, tablets, computers and consoles turned off.

No equipment provided by your ISP will have advanced QOS algorithms like cake. I haven't seen that in my experience, in fact most ISP routers will have a bare minimum of software on them. This is because the simpler the software, the less that can go wrong. When being responsible for large deployments of equipment, you want to keep everything simple so the on-site techs and phone tech support have less to troubleshoot. Most of the time, a simple reset will fix issues.

For something with more advanced software, you have to buy your own router, set up, and maintain your own equipment. This is only recommended for people that are tech savvy.