I installed a new Actiontec MI424WR (ver. I) router, which I bought from Verizon to replace my version C router. The new router is fine for wired connections but slow for wireless. If I set my laptop right next to the router, the speed is fine. If I set the laptop 20 feet away, in a straight line with no obstructions between it and the router, the speed drops by 50-90 percent. Overall, I find the version I router worse than the version C. FYI, the laptop is new, superfast, and has wireless-n. Is it normal to find the version I router slower than version C? I would like to find a solution. Otherwise, I suppose I will have to return the new $100 router. I tried Verizon's chat support, but the tech simply told me that walls etc. can slow down wireless speed--not useful info, given that the version C was running faster under the same conditions here. Are there some special tricks to make the version C router work better? The new router also seems less able to send signals through walls and floors, which should not be the case. I feel disappointed that Verizon pushed the sale of the new router; the upgrade has been a time-consuming downgrade. Thank you.
I agree the the Rev I. router isn't worth $100. You can purchase many commercial routers and access points that work better and are dual-band for $100 or less. If you can't get it working to your satisfaction and can return it, you might want to do that. If you have FiOS TV you'll need to keep the rev C to provide connectivity for your set-top boxes, however you can connect another router or access point to it to provide faster WiFi.
Good Luck.
set the wifi security on the router to be wpa2 and also set the router to wireless-n only (performance mode)
gsob and viafax999,
Thanks for the quick advice. I already have security set to WPA2. I have to check whether all my devices are 802.11n capable (iPhone 5, iPad 2, Apple TV, Nook). I downloaded inSSIDer and will use it around the house.
Having a decent home network sure requires a lot of technical knowledge from a humble consumer.
If I return the new version I router, would it make sense to buy a dual band router and attach it to the version C from Verizon? Would a dual band router running wireless n improve both speed and wall penetration compared to my version C? If this is too much of a new question (thread), nevermind.
Thanks!
@po12 wrote:
I have to check whether all my devices are 802.11n capable (iPhone 5, iPad 2, Apple TV, Nook).
Having a decent home network sure requires a lot of technical knowledge from a humble consumer.
If I return the new version I router, would it make sense to buy a dual band router and attach it to the version C from Verizon? Would a dual band router running wireless n improve both speed and wall penetration compared to my version C? If this is too much of a new question (thread), nevermind.
Try changing the channels on the router. 1, 6, 11. Most likely its set to 6 so try the other 2. You can download a free program called inSSIDer which will help you figure out what the best channel for you to be using is.
@po12 wrote:
<snip>
I have to check whether all my devices are 802.11n capable (iPhone 5, iPad 2, Apple TV, Nook). I downloaded inSSIDer and will use it around the house.
Having a decent home network sure requires a lot of technical knowledge from a humble consumer.
<snip>
Would a dual band router running wireless n improve both speed and wall penetration compared to my version C?
The forums ate the content of my previous post. Wired.
Anyway, I believe all of the devices you listed are 802.11n capable. Easiest way to find out is to turn on performance mode and see if they stay connected.
Getting a home network up and running that is "good enough" is easy. Tweaking it to get the most performance possible from your equipment isn't as easy. Part of this is the nature of how WiFi works; not only do designers have to deal with widely variable radio environments, they also are expected to work with all other WiFi equipment.
A dual band might help depending on what the issue is. If your problem is interference from other 2.4Ghz sources such as other WiFi networks, microwave ovens, or older cordless phones, a dual band can help. The 5Ghz band doesn't propagate as well through walls, so if the problem is simply range a dual band won't help. The best way to find out what will work for you is to try it.
If you still have your old rev C router, you can configure that to act as an access point extending your coverage area. You can plug it into any active coax jack in your home which may make it easy to locate. Check out the FAQs for FiOS on DSLreports for some good instructions on how to do this.
Have Fun!
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