Moving main BT socket / broadband entry point

Sun 13 Sep 2020, 11:31

Similar to Katie's suggestion, you can try affordable Powerline plugs (widely available) - these use your household wiring to create a network. It depends on how the circuits of your house are set up, but it certainly works for me where my garden office can't get the Wi-Fi signal from the house.

Sun 13 Sep 2020, 11:17

We have issues with Wifi around our house due to very thick stone walls. We plugged one of these in:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX2700/dp/B00NIUHAG6

It connects to our main router and gives great signal for the other side of our house. No wires needed, it just relays the signal from our main router. Might be a good thing to try first as you don't need any specialist help to install and it's relatively cheap.

Sat 12 Sep 2020, 18:16 (last edited on Sat 12 Sep 2020, 18:17)

I can confirm it is not the position of the master socket that matters, but the position of the router (or to be more accurate, the WiFi transmitter/receiver that is integrated into most home routers) and, generally, the higher up and the more central the better. Alternatively, there are "mesh WiFi" systems use two or more WiFi transmitters to provide good reception across the property.

There are several options

1) move the master socket, but that can only be done via your ISP as it belongs to OpenReach and that means either an OR technician or one accredited can move it. Naturally, that costs money.

2) add in an extension using high-quality twisted pair cable (and ethernet cat-5 cable or above works very well) from your master to wherever you want to put the router for best reception. Anybody can be employed to do that.

3) install a mesh WiFi system, which means running an Ethernet cable from your existing location to the first of two or more wireless access points. Up in the loft/attic is a pretty good place, but they require power and bedrooms work quite well.

This is the sort of thing

https://www.bestadvisers.co.uk/mesh-wifi-systems?s=go&gclid=CjwKCAjw4_H6BRALEiwAvgfzq3qiN6kddPxalCyMep5lykmaccyM5VG6gyo77xBmZjHPmZeKZf4BmBoCcoEQAvD_BwE

Note that WiFi absolutely hates structural walls, and most of all stone walls.

Sat 12 Sep 2020, 17:20

Your broadband provider should be able to help.  We are with BT and they sent us a new router foc.  We also use pass through plugs which we plug into the mains.

Sat 12 Sep 2020, 13:04 (last edited on Sat 12 Sep 2020, 13:04)

Jayne, I believe I am right in saying that it is not the position of the BT socket that is likely to be your problem, but more the position of your router, and the strength of the signal from it. Regarding my own house, my "rule of thumb" is that my router signal is *not* strong enough if it has to go through 3 or more main structural walls of the house to reach wherever I am. I would suggest you try to borrow a Wi-fi Booster, and see if that helps you. If it does, then you can go and buy one.

Sat 12 Sep 2020, 12:56

does anyone know anyone who would be able to do this for us.  Only experiencing really poor WiFi around our house so looking to explore all options... thank you