[NFBCS] Wi-Fi Router replacement Advice

[charles.vanek at gmail.com]

Thanks Brian, I did not attempt analyzing the Wi-Fi channel usages.  Do you
have an app suggestion that's accessible?  I did test signal strength using
an iPhone app and do know the 2.4ghz band is being used on all devices in
the far reaches of the house, that combined with devices (like Ring) which
are only utilizing 2.4ghz I do think is the problem. 

I did end up ordering the Eero Pro 6 to give it a test as I'm pretty
positive if I get 5ghz in range of every point in the house the 2.4ghz band
will be less crowded.  That's not to say I couldn't extend the Nighthawk
too.  

I'll give a product review once it's up and running.  Currently they are
backordered so hope to receive by Thanksgiving.

Fingers crossed,
Charles

-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Buhrow <buhrow at nfbcal.org> 
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2020 2:42 AM
To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: charles.vanek at gmail.com; buhrow at nfbcal.org
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Wi-Fi Router replacement Advice

	Hello.  I suggest the Night Hawk.  It's been around a while, seems
to work well with screen readers, and has pretty good support.  Remember
that the lower the radio frequency, the further distance the signal travels,
as well as the less speed you need, the lower signal strength you need.
Another suggestion, before you replace your old router again, I'd take a
laptop of yours and do a scan of the radio frequencies in your house with
your wireless turned off, particularly in the 2.4GHZ band.  Then, when
you've figured out which of the channels is the least crowded, set your old
router to use that channel.  Remember, that in the 2.4GHZ band, only
channels 1, 6 and 11 are completely isolated from each other.  So, if you
have a bunch of stuff in channels 1,3 and 4 that's visible to you when your
radios are off, but 7,8 and 9 are pretty clear, then choose channel 11.
If your neighbors are using some of all channels, then pick the least
crowded of 1, 6 or 11 and try that.  that might just get you what you need
without having to lay out anymore cash.
-Brian