Weak WiFi - Advice Needed

[Jo_Ann]

Hi guys,

We use FiOS (15/5) for internet access throughout our 1600SF house.  The FiOS equipment and ActionTec MI424WR-RevC router are located in my retreat room in one corner of the house (wired to my desktop PC).  My two kids use WiFI to connect to the internet and while they don't have any problems doing so from our family room (about 40' from the router), the signal is extremely weak in their bedrooms (about 50' from the router) and their laptops frequently drop internet connectivity (making it difficult for them to get their homework done when I'm watching TV in the family room).

Verizon support hasn't been able to remedy this problem (they tell me 'everything is working properly'), so I've come here for help.  Because Verizon installed their FiOS equipment in my retreat room there's very little I can do insofar as moving the router, so I was wondering if there are there any router-settings that I can change that might extend our wireless range? 

Thanks in advance

Jo Ann

[VUser50]

Have you checked this out?

[db909]

Rev C is a pretty junky router.  If this was a recent install I'd ask for a Rev I which should be adequate for what you described.  They tried to pawn off an older router on me when they did my install last Summer, after I objected they went out to the truck and came back with a Rev I.

If you can't get a Rev I out of FIOS, go buy a decent router or access point.  You may want to do that anyway as at 40  feet I bet your speed is lower than you realize.  A decent router equals more range and higher connect speeds. 

[Jo_Ann]

VUser50,

Thanks for that link but I'm embarrased to have to say that it's 'over my head' as I'm not technically-minded.  I believe that I could follow any instructions given to me, but that's about it...

Jo Ann

[Jo_Ann]

db909,

So you think the router itself is the problem?  Unfortunately our installation was not done recently, it was done in 2011.  Fwiw, not once during my support call complaints to Verizon did they tell me anything other than everything appears to be working properly!  As a single mom working very hard to make ends meet I'd rather not have to buy another router; is there no way that Verizon would replace mine at no charge?

Jo Ann

[walt178]

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@Jo_Ann wrote:

db909,

So you think the router itself is the problem?  Unfortunately our installation was not done recently, it was done in 2011.  Fwiw, not once during my support call complaints to Verizon did they tell me anything other than everything appears to be working properly.  As a single working mom trying to make ends meet I'd rather not have to buy another router; is there no way that Verizon would replace mine at no charge?

Jo Ann

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The router is a big part of the problem.   But with a 15/5 plan they won't upgrade it for free.   To get acceptable wireless 50' away, and presumably with a couple of walls in between, you need a better router.  But since you will have to buy it, if you have a coax connection in another room, it might be better to add a second router than just upgrade the one.

[Jo_Ann]

I am very disappointed to learn that our WiFi connection problem is due to Verizon's underperforming router (ActionTec MI424WR-RevC) and that Verizon will not provide a router upgrade unless I pay for it.   😞

If that's the case I may very well cancel my Verizon FiOS service and go with my local cable company (Cox) as my ISP.   

Jo Ann

[sangs1]

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@Jo_Ann wrote:

I am very disappointed to learn that our WiFi connection problem is due to Verizon's underperforming router (ActionTec MI424WR-RevC) and that Verizon will not provide a router upgrade unless I pay for it.   😞

If that's the case I may very well cancel my Verizon FiOS service and go with my local cable company (Cox) as my ISP.   

Jo Ann

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In which case you'll have to pay for a router and also buy a cable modem, or lease a cable modem from Cox.

[Jo_Ann]

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@sangs wrote:

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@Jo_Ann wrote:

I am very disappointed to learn that our WiFi connection problem is due to Verizon's underperforming router (ActionTec MI424WR-RevC) and that Verizon will not provide a router upgrade unless I pay for it.   😞

If that's the case I may very well cancel my Verizon FiOS service and go with my local cable company (Cox) as my ISP.   

Jo Ann

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In which case you'll have to pay for a router and also buy a cable modem, or lease a cable modem from Cox.

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Really? - that isn't mentioned in the promo ad I recently received from Cox, not even in the fine-print (I'll have to call them and ask about that)!

[sangs1]

Unless things have changed since I left Comcast a few years back that's the way it is with cable. Buy/lease a modem and buy a separate router.  Maybe somebody that has Cox can tell you with 100 percent certainty.