Router upstairs+internet TV downstairs=streaming cuts out

[dkd1952]

Our FiOS router is upstairs, our internet-ready TV is downstairs. When we try to watch Netflix, we are lucky if it connects the first time and we almost never can watch a single episode without the connection cutting out. We have tried turning off computers, tablets, etc. with no improvement. It is simply not feasible to run a cable from router to TV. Short of relocating the router downstairs next to the TV is there anything we can do? Thank you.

[CRobGauth]

Couple of options:

1) Is it feasible to move rotuer closer to TV?

2) Can you add a second rotuer that is closer to TV?

I was able to run a cable from my FIOS rotuer downstairs and put a second router in acting in bridge mode.

It was then able to cover the basement better.

[dkd1952]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I would need to get someone in to recable in order to move the router downstairs.

If I understand you correctly, your basement router is connected by cable to your FiOS cable. I would need help from someone to do this. 

As it turns out my current FiOS router is an Actiontec MI424WR, Rev I. I have an older Actiontec MI424WR, Rev E I am not using, but I thought I read somewhere that you cannot use Verizon Actiontec routers as bridges. 

Any other ideas?

[CRobGauth]

Not sure about using Rev E as a bridge.

By cable, I mean ethernet cable. I bought a router (dLink in this case) to perform the bridging function.

I was able to fish the cable downstairs easily to make it work.

Verizon is coming our with a new rotuer that is dual band and may provide better coverage.

[Telcoguru]

---

@dkd1952 wrote:
OurFiOS router is upstairs, ourinternet-ready TV is downstairs. When we try towatchNetflix, we are lucky if it connects the first time and we almost never canwatch a single episode without the connection cutting out. We have tried turning off computers, tablets, etc. with no improvement. It is simply not feasible to run a cable from router to TV. Short of relocating the router downstairs next to the TV is there anything we can do? Thank you.

---

You can get the Fios network extender and put that at the TV and everything will work just fine.https://teleproducts.verizon.com/fios/index.cfm/eh/DisplayProducts?LOBCode=C&PromoTCode=A0760&PromoS...

[dkd1952]

Thank you. This looks promising but may I ask one more question since I am really tech-handicapped? I have seen the instruction sheet for the extender. I just want to make sure about the coax cable that gets plugged into the extender at the downstairs TV set location--is that the same coax that currently is plugged into my STB? Can it really be that simple? Thanks again!

[Telcoguru · Accepted solution]

Yes it uses the same coax. You unscrew the coax from the back of the STB and screw it onto a 2-way splitter. Now the 2 outputs get hooked upto the back of the STB and to the network extender. The network extenter automatically configures to the router using the same wireless info. It also has 2 ethernet ports on the back.

[CRobGauth]

I would really look at the new router. I don't have it (yet. Getting one soon).

But specs show is has longer range WIFI than current router.

[dkd1952]

Thank you for the advice. I hooked up the device yesterday, and connected the supplied ethernet cable between the device and the TV set. Finally, Netflix that does not cut out!