topic Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage in TV

Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:36:59 GMT

Really need Tech assistance for this one!

I have a YouView Box which is working just fine via a TalkTalk supplied "HomePlug" kit from way back, obviously a re-branded product who's origins I do not know.

The "Master" unit is plugged in to the router with an RJ45 Ethernet cable and the "paired" slave unit is also connected via an RJ45 to the ethernet socket on my YouView Box and they've been happy playmates for more years than I care to remember, so I don't want to upset that bond!

Some years ago, I bought a TP Link AV600 Powerline WiFi Kit (TL-WPA4220KIT) which I intended to site in my Garage to provide a connection for my CCTV DVR, which never happened!

My Question is, can the TP Link "Slave" unit be paired to the existing Homeplug "Master" unit, hopefully without disturbing the current link to my TV Box, to give me a stronger signal at the further end of my house where some WiFi appliances struggle to maintain a 2.4Ghz connection?

Until just now, I wasn't aware that these units transmitted WiFi, ...I just thought they were using a carrier wave along the mains wiring!😮

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

KeithFrench — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:27:32 GMT

What does the documentation say for this product? It is very difficult to give exact guidance on 3rd party equipment.

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:07:22 GMT

Hi Keith, First question is "Which Product!"😃

The TalkTalk Homeplugs have been in operation for years and any documentation is long gone!

The TP Link set is this one.

I suppose that's helpful, if someone knows the Homeplug details to compare!

Edit: anyone?

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

KeithFrench — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:34:43 GMT

When I said 3rd party I was not talking about TalkTalk provided equipment, but the TP-Link. I haven't got the time at the moment to look up about that one, I would have thought if it was possible, the TT being much older could drag the TP-Link down to its Ethernet speed (85M from memory).

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:24:32 GMT

Thanks Keith, I'm not in any rush.

Just received a CCTV camera and was preempting the possibility that it may struggle to get a strong signal.

Lord knows why these "smart" things are plagued by this problem when my phone can connect to my WiFi from 30 ft away from the house! 🙄

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

KeithFrench — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:17:32 GMT

It looks like the TP-Link is only compatible with the 2.4GHz band, I would try & send it back if you can.

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 17:38:43 GMT

Thanks Keith.

I've had the TP Link kit too long to send back, I'll have to find some way to maybe get an extra slave unit and possibly then replace the TalkTalk homeplugs.

Shame though as they haven't missed a beat since installation!

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

KeithFrench — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:37:45 GMT

You want a unit that will do 802.11ac at the AC1200 (867M in the 5GHz band) as an absolute minimum.

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:29:51 GMT

Hi Keith, that would not help me.

As stated, my sole reason for attempting this is to extend the 2.4GHz coverage required by so called "Smart" kit which specifically requires this frequency, but seems unable to lock on to anything but a strong signal in the immediate location. 🙂

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

KeithFrench — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:53:14 GMT

No, I appreciate that. I just meant that if you were to buy anything new, you want to get something more up-to-date.

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:20:59 GMT

Thanks Keith, I would if I wanted 5GHz extending but on this occasion all I need is the 2.4GHz for which the kit I already have will suffice.

...If that is, I can somehow integrate it into my existing network!

Head Scratch

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

KeithFrench — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:25:09 GMT

If you can combine the two different vendors, you will create a speed bottleneck at the LAN port of the router. Using two LAN ports will give you a faster speed for each unit. I think it will have to be trial & error though to get it to work.

Re: Attempting to improve WiFi coverage

Steamywee — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:27:24 GMT

🙄might be simpler to move house!