Modem Problem.

[keenonhist]

Our modem is in our front room together with our laptop and desk top computers.The modem was supplied by TalkTalk our providers.It`s a tiny thing about the size of two ciggy packets. The problem we have is that it doesn`t reach all parts of the house. I`ve tried these plug in boosters that work via the mains cables---but with very limited success.
The little modem we have can`t have been very exspensive. I was wondering if a more expensive type was used would it be more powerful and spead further? Also, can you have more than one modem running?
Thnks for any reply.
keenonhist.

[Dizmo]

Personally I'd buy a ADSL modem/router (wireless). Instead of using mains plug in 'boosters' I'd use WiFi dongles for your desktops. They aren't that expensive and it means you can move the desktops around and not have to rely on being wired to the router.

[alavahalf]

Plug in boosters don't actually work through the mains cable.They just link the wifi signal from your router, but as you have already found out , all you are doing is trying to boost what is already a poor signal. The routers that most Isp provide are not as good as they could be, because they cut everything to the bone to give you cheap brodband.
One option would be to upgrade your router. For £30 you will get a far better router than your ISp supplied.
Another option would be to install power line adapters and also a wifi access point in the room with the poor signal, That would be like having your router in the same room.

[Hopkirk]

Is there another telephone point available in another place in the houise?

If so, try putting the router there and see if you get better reception.

[keenonhist]

Hi alavahalf.
Many thanks for your reply.
Your reply was just as I thought.A more expensive router would/could solve the problem.
You mention a "wi-fi access point" What is that.Is it a plug in thing,and can it be moved around i.e room to room where ever it`s needed?
keenonhist.

[keenonhist]

Hi Hopkirk.
Thanks for your reply.
The main telephone ,or master socket is in our breakfast room.
I have tried it in there,the result was no signal in the room it came out of.
And just about a signal in my daughters bed room just above.
keenonhist.

[alavahalf]

An access point ... http://tinyurl.com/qfy9hhh
It seems that quite a few access points only have one port. The reason I show this one is it has more than 1 port on the rear panel. You can get them cheaper, slower, faster it's all down to your budget.
When used with power line adapters it saves you running an ethernet cable around the house. One adapter which your router plugs into and another where your access point is. So in effect you get a similar wifi signal near the access point as you would near your router.
I'm afraid it's a bit of a minefield when you are not quite sure what to look for and everyone who is selling it seems to have the answer. I always go through the independent reviews when searching for hardware.
My neighbour put me onto these as his business is commercial telecoms and he say's these are what he would fit in a small office setup where the issue is a poor signal.
He also said to steer clear of wi-fi boosters ... in some cases they work in others they don't ... read the reviews.