Persistent Problems on My Home Network Still facing issues with my home network.
Persistent Problems on My Home Network Still facing issues with my home network.
Your home network is experiencing problems where devices connect to WiFi but can't access the Internet. Wired connections, particularly those linked directly to your third-party router, function properly. It doesn't seem to be a signal strength issue since distance doesn't affect performance. While most connections work well, occasional disruptions occur roughly once or twice a week, usually involving several devices. At any given time, 25 to 35 devices are connected. As mentioned in a previous forum discussion, you've purchased a third-party router—like the Linksys EA8300. It's more stable than your ISP's modem/router combo, but you're concerned it might still face frequent issues. You're considering other options to boost network stability without adding more routers. You've already tried Wi-Fi extenders and bridging other routers, which didn't resolve the problem and added complexity. Are you looking for further solutions?
It seems you're suggesting multiple routers on the same network, which isn't ideal. With 25 to 35 devices using Wi-Fi, you're likely facing issues because Wi-Fi has limits on simultaneous connections. This setup isn't very efficient and can lead to performance problems.
Need entry points instead of routers, keep just one router in a home network except for a few special cases or non-standard setups. If every connected device is a MIMO device, each of your 25-35 items must communicate clearly or else signals will drop. Consider relocating major devices to the 5GHz band if you haven’t already, and try connecting more gadgets if possible. Are all devices concentrated in the same part of the house? Do you notice any consistent movement patterns?
Consider positioning devices within the 5GHz range near the access point for better performance. The more obstacles the signal encounters, the weaker it becomes at 5GHz compared to 2.4GHz. While the problem exists with 2.4GHz, it’s more pronounced at higher frequencies. I’d appreciate a clearer network diagram if possible. If several routers exist, routing might fail due to improper layer 3 packet delivery to the main gateway. DNS complications could also contribute to the “connected but no internet” experience on Windows.
5Ghz performance isn't strong on the ground floor. I'm considering this access point setup. Can I integrate devices that serve as a fresh access point without reconfiguring the rest of my setup? Are these range extenders similar, since I've experienced them before—working briefly before disconnecting from the main network and halting connected devices?
Upstairs houses the modem router unit provided by the ISP. It connects to a third-party Linksys router, which in turn links to a computer, the modem, a DirecTV box, and a cable running downstairs. Downstairs the kitchen features a 5-port gigabit switch, tethered to a WD NAS, a MagicJack, and power line Ethernet. In the garage lies another power line switch, serving two desktop computers and an additional NAS device. Through the wireless 2.4 GHz network I host two laptops, five Google Homes, two Chromecasts, two Chromecast Audios, a printer, several smartphones, a Nintendo Switch, and a WiFi light switch. On my 5GHz setup I have four more Google Homes, two additional Chromecasts, a few extra smartphones, and two WiFi speakers.
The distinction between a range extender and an access point lies in their roles. A range extender acts as an intermediary that connects devices beyond the standard Wi-Fi coverage, depending on having a nearby access point. These work well but require an existing Wi-Fi access point to function effectively for all devices.
An access point serves as a central hub, enabling multiple devices to connect simultaneously and providing a dedicated network entry point, often connected via Ethernet.
Using a range extender alone won’t improve the overall capacity of your wireless network; it merely extends coverage. Adding an access point enhances capacity by introducing another connection point, allowing separate networks to operate independently.
Keep in mind that Wi-Fi signals travel through the air, so simply increasing power doesn’t guarantee better performance and may even worsen interference.
For your setup, consider placing an access point on a higher floor where 5GHz signals are stronger, especially if wired connections remain unreliable. This approach can complement your current setup without needing a specific product recommendation.
Both the modem/router combo and the Linksys router are set up to manage DHCP and DNS requests. Having two devices handle these functions may lead to problems for hosts trying to get new IP addresses and can complicate server name resolution. You should choose one device as the default gateway and disable those services on the other if needed.