Okay, not really a bunker, but might as well be one. I just moved to Germany and the all-stone construction absolutely eats up WiFi signals. My situation is as follows:
Basement:
- Speedport DSL modem/router combo - looking to remove and replace with a basic DSL modem and let a separate router take over. I also want to run VPN software on the router so I can access Netflix, Pandora, etc from any device.
- MacPro
- Netflix-equipped BluRay player
Main Level
- HTPC
- NAS
- PS3
- No switch here yet for all these to talk to each other or the network
Top Floor
- Various iPads, iPhones, MacBook, etc - also used through all three levels
I already have an unused router (Netgear WNDR3700v1) that I think will work fine for the basement, but it depends on what else I need for everywhere else, which is where my question comes in...what is the best way to network all this together?
Right now, a wireless signal from the basement (the Speedport and the Netgear, no real difference) will not reach my top floor and is a pretty weak signal on the main floor. I am unable to run ethernet cable between floors.
I would like to keep this as simple and reliable as possible, as I go out of town for extended periods of time and want to keep the wife happy while away.
So, what all do I need? Am I looking at a combination of powerline adapters, wifi extenders, access points, etc.? Or something simpler?
I apologize for the long first post, and possibly delayed replies, my internet at the moment is spotty at best. After fiddling with stopgap crap for awhile now, I'm about ready to start from scratch; so please, help spend my money!
Basement:
- Speedport DSL modem/router combo - looking to remove and replace with a basic DSL modem and let a separate router take over. I also want to run VPN software on the router so I can access Netflix, Pandora, etc from any device.
- MacPro
- Netflix-equipped BluRay player
Main Level
- HTPC
- NAS
- PS3
- No switch here yet for all these to talk to each other or the network
Top Floor
- Various iPads, iPhones, MacBook, etc - also used through all three levels
I already have an unused router (Netgear WNDR3700v1) that I think will work fine for the basement, but it depends on what else I need for everywhere else, which is where my question comes in...what is the best way to network all this together?
Right now, a wireless signal from the basement (the Speedport and the Netgear, no real difference) will not reach my top floor and is a pretty weak signal on the main floor. I am unable to run ethernet cable between floors.
I would like to keep this as simple and reliable as possible, as I go out of town for extended periods of time and want to keep the wife happy while away.
So, what all do I need? Am I looking at a combination of powerline adapters, wifi extenders, access points, etc.? Or something simpler?
I apologize for the long first post, and possibly delayed replies, my internet at the moment is spotty at best. After fiddling with stopgap crap for awhile now, I'm about ready to start from scratch; so please, help spend my money!