Airport Extreme Setup Advice Please

[davidg4781]

Hi, I recently upgraded from a couple of Linksys wifi routers from 2006 to 1 (5th gen?) AEBS (flat one, I believe the previous version). So far, I have a lot better coverage and it seems to be a stronger signal, but there are a few low signal areas. My house is basically set up into a triangle. AEBS and an Apple TV in one Corner 1, the larger TV in Corner 2, and my bedroom with another Apple TV in Corner 3.

Corner 1 obviously is fine since it sits right next to the router. There's also a strong cable connection for the modem. Corner 3 is pretty good as well, except for the far corner of my bedroom, but I can deal with that. Corner 3 also has an ethernet cable that I can run to Corner 1.

Corner 2 is the issue. Usually, it's fine, but there are times when it cuts out a bit at the TV. Since it's basically an equilateral I don't think much will help if I add a 2nd router to Corner 2 (I used to have a Linksys one there to cover this side of the house).

Could there be any benefit if I put a AEBS or AE on Corner 2, or maybe in a room next to Corner 2 but is closer to Corner 1? I understand it'll half the throughput, but would that cause any issues with watching Netflix, since that's all that is going to that TV? There is a cable connection at Corner 2 but it's not stable on digital channels so this may affect internet. I'm also not convinced the wifi coverage would be best if it's at Corner 2.

 

[satcomer]

By your own description you would be better off with the Netgear Orbi and get no dead spots!

 

[Fishrrman]

"By your own description you would be better off with the Netgear Orbi and get no dead spots!"

I thought that, too, when I read the original post, but said nothing.

I sense the OP would do much better with one of the (various) mesh type systems out there.

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks. I may need to look into this. I really don't get the difference between that and just adding an access point but I'm sure there is. I'd like Apple to get on board with this because I was really hoping to get a Time Capsule. I know it's old technology but, other than iPhones, we have pretty old tech to begin with.

 

[Fishrrman]

Don't waste money on a Time Capsule.
It may not be "dead technology" yet, but Apple ain't "breathin' any new life" into 'em!

 

[davidg4781]

They're not even selling refurbished ones any more. My main reason was so I won't have to deal with an external HDD. Not that bad with a mini but I ultimately want to get a MacBook.

 

[Arran]

They're not even selling refurbished ones any more. My main reason was so I won't have to deal with an external HDD. Not that bad with a mini but I ultimately want to get a MacBook.

Apple's still selling refurb Time Capsules and Extremes. Stock comes and goes regularly. You have to check the refurb store every day.

I bought one of each in the last month.

If you do get a TC, run an ethernet cable to it and set yourself up as a 'roaming' network. Works great: No bandwidth halving.