Solved Location of U-Verse Router

[bpatters69]

Hello All,

I was not sure where to post this question but I am running Windows 7 so I figured this section would work.

Just a quick sanity check. Our U-Verse is located on the bottom shelf of a bookshelf. The U-Verse router is probably 6" above the floor. My question is would it make sense to re-locate the router to the top shelf of the bookshelf? I am trying to improve my WiFi coverage as my TV barely gets a signal. I guess I could try a test if I took the U-Verse and temporarily located it on the top shelf. I just want to be sure as I have to drill holes in each shelf for the power.

Also, please let me know which WiFi tool is your favorite for measuring strength and bandwidth. Anything else is just gravy.

Thanks, Bill

 

[UsernameIssues]

Some of their equipment has poor Wi-Fi performance. Sometimes it barely goes 20 feet. You might want to ask them for a different model. I have seen some of their equipment reach more than a house away.

Getting it up higher would help some... but it might not help enough. Can you test without drilling the holes? Try to run the cables along the front of the shelves for the test.

 

[bpatters69]

Thanks UsernameIssues. I agree that testing prior to drilling the holes makes a lot of sense. Any suggestion for a tool to measure strength and bandwidth?

 

[Barman58]

If you have access to an Android Smartphone you can try this App

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer

It includes various options to check the wireless signal from your router - Place the smartphone next to the TV and then temporarily move the router to various places and check the best signal strength. You can also use the app to check the channels in use in your area and thus select the best channel for you (the one with the lowest current use).

 

[bpatters69]

Great Idea on using the SmartPhone. I should have thought about using it.

Thanks Nigel.

 

[Barman58]

I've used that app for several years now, whenever I get called out to sort out a clients wi-fi system. It's now an essential, and it's updated regularly to keep up with changes (Smartphone has to be suitable for certain things (eg 5GHz))