Router Question

[Parker]

I'll start off by saying I'm not the most well versed when it comes to technology so I apologize if this comes across as a very basic or idiotic question.

So, I currently have Time Warner internet and while I am very happy with the service, I would like to purchase a better router. Currently I have a router/modem that was provided by TWC and I am looking into purchasing the Netgear Nighthawk.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0DD0I6/?tag=gtplanet-20

The main reason I want this is because my game room is in my basement but I would like to have a game console or two in an upstairs bedroom and the current router I have simply doesn't have the range. I've read many a review of the router I linked and it seems to be exactly what I'm looking for.

Is it possible to use this router instead of the TWC provided modem/router I currently have? If so, how exactly does it work? Would I hook this rotuer up to my TWC router or replace my current router/modem completely?

Thank you in advance for the responses.

 

[TB]

If so, how exactly does it work? Would I hook this rotuer up to my TWC router or replace my current router/modem completely?

You could do either. If you buy a new router, you'd simply connect the router to the TWC modem with a network cable. If you buy a new modem, make sure it's one that TWC has approved.

First off, see if moving your existing modem/router does any good with extending the range. If it's sitting on the floor, move it to a desk or shelf. If it's closer to an outside wall, move it towards the middle of the house.

All that said, and it might not work for you but worked beautifully for me, if your house was wired using Cat5 instead of regular phone wire, you could re-terminate the wire and replace the phone cover plate with a network cover plate and hard wire everything.

One other option is an AC network adapter. I've never used them but a co-worker bought a pair as said they work great.

Personally I'd opt for either of these before I bought a new router that still may or may not reach the upstairs bedroom.

 

[BobK]

If your router and modem are separate devices then you can upgrade the router if you wish. Its not guaranteed to be an improvement; see @TB's comments above. If the modem and router are a single integrated unit then you may need to replace both; should that be the case then again, as @TB advises, make sure the modem is TWC-approved.

Personally my choice would be to run a length of cat6 cable (not cat5) upstairs to a switch/hub but that may be impractical for you.

We have one of those AC adapter devices and it works fine, but the outlets must be on the same fuse. It's slower than a cat6 connection, but a bit faster than 2.4GHz wireless. If it can work for you, it's a fine alternative.

 

[TB]

the outlets must be on the same fuse.

Really? That's absolutely stupid. The entire point of the device is to get your network spread over your house. Every room in my house is on a different breaker so they wouldn't work for me? Makes me that much happier that they ran Cat for the phones!

 

[BobK]

Really? That's absolutely stupid. The entire point of the device is to get your network spread over your house. Every room in my house is on a different breaker so they wouldn't work for me? Makes me that much happier that they ran Cat for the phones!

That's what the instructions for our unit say. It makes sense, though, else your neighbors could tap into your network too especially if you're in an apartment building. Agreed, it does limit the usefulness.

 

[dice1998]

I have a power line adapter kit. They work on separate fuses. One's where my modem is (obviously) and one's in my bedroom.

 

[Parker]

Thank you for the information gentlemen, I appreciate it. 👍

 

[nk4e]

Not trying to hijack the thread but I also have a router(s) question. I am trying to setup a WAP with an Linksys EA6400. The Linksys doesn't have a WAP or repeater mode but it has a bridge and static modes. Do I use the static mode on the Linksys and insert the router IP or the companies' IP for the default gateway?