Simple things such as correct settings, proper placement and eliminating interference can help fix issues with your wireless connection using your wi-fi extender.
What you need before you start:
- Depending on the speed of the server you're connecting with, your upload and download speeds can vary. Use the Test your FibreOP speed tool, to get an accurate measurement of your connection speed within the FibreOP network.
- Wi-Fi Extender
Follow these easy steps:
Check the network name
With your wi-fi extender, you will see multiple network names (SSID) available to use for your connection. You will find the network names printed on a sticker on your modem and wi-fi extenders. A copy of the stickers will also be placed in your welcome guide for easy reference.
Depending on where you are located in your house, each network name could have a stronger signal and better wireless speeds. Look for the network name with the strongest signal (most bars available) to your device.
Note: your wi-fi extender comes with 2 frequencies - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If the device that you are connecting with supports both frequencies, select 2.4 GHz for better coverage (this works at a greater distance) or 5 GHz for better speed.
You can change the network names them easier to identify. For help in changing the network name, view our Change network name support article.
Check location of the modem
It is important to ensure that the modem and your wi-fi extender are not placed on top of another electronic device or anything that produces heat. This could cause the equipment to overheat and could lead to possible damage or interference with your internet connection.
Interference or low signal strength
Your FibreOP modem and wi-fi extender should be placed in the central locations and at least 1 foot away from any other wireless electronic devices (cordless phone, baby monitor, etc...) to minimize interference.
Reboot your computer
Turn your computer off and turn it back on. Restarting your computer can often help clear speed issues by closing programs that are running in the background and may be impacting your speed.
Check for peer-to-peer sharing
Your speed will be impacted by uploading or downloading files using peer-to-peer software. Close all peer-to-peer file sharing programs (example: Utorrent, Gnutella , Limewire) on your computer and any other computers or devices in your home.
Reset your router
Like any other piece of hardware, your modem and wi-fi extender may need to be reset after running for an extended period of time.
To reset your modem:
- Shut down your computer.
- Push the power button located at the back of the modem or remove the power cord from the back of the modem.
- Wait 30 seconds and then power up the modem and computer.
To reset your wi-fi extender:
- Remove the power cord from the back of the wi-fi extender.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the wi-fi extender.
Check for spyware
Spyware is piece of software that gathers information through your connection, often without your knowledge or consent. If spyware is present on your computer, it can slow down your connection speeds.
Make sure to scan for Spyware and clean your system regularly using Anti-Spyware software.
Clear your web browser cookies and cache
When surfing the Internet, your web browser stores (caches) text, images and preferences (cookies). Over time, these files accumulate and may have to be cleared or they can cause slower speeds while browsing.
For help clearing cookies and cache, select your browser from the following list:
Additional information
- It is important to understand that roughly 35-70 Mbps would be the top range of download speed achievable over wireless with Wireless N technology (this is true of any wireless gateway), due to wireless overhead.
- The 2Wire 3800 supports wireless B and G. The Actiontec R1000H and your wi-fi extender (WCB3000N) supports wireless N technology (in addition to still supporting B and G technology).