An odd question for the tech folks out there

[Fat Elvis]

Bear with me on this rather strange question, but: Can you set up wifi without connecting to the internet so that devices can "communicate" with each other in a household if there is no current internet access? For example, if you use a wifi router, can a wifi enabled phone communicate with a wifi enabled TV?

Thanks

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Spectrum is selling you bullshit.

They've somehow setup their gear to only allow you to set a single SSID for both bands.

Pretty much every consumer router allows you to set both bands to the same SSID or to two different ones.

Not sure why you'd be having issues with 2.4Ghz devices just because you have the same SSID on both bands though. Highly unlikely that's the cause, just so you know.

As buying a router, there's great routers out there that are dual band for under $50 brand new. Not sure why you'd buy a used one.

I guess I didn't realize good ones were so cheap. Six years ago I recall looking at some and they seemed to be $225 for good ones - or so the salesman said.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Fish

Spectrum is likely bullshitting you. Regardless... Drive to Micro Center, and get this: https://www.microcenter.com/product/...rental-control

Good choice. I use Asus.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Typically routers aren’t the problem. However I did have a router that was only 2.4 and if I used Bluetooth it nuked it. If I were you I’d just go to staples or whatever and get a Dual band router.

If you’re worried about latency I’d just hardwire when you play poker.

Hell if you want I’ve got one new in the box I’d send you that is dual band.

Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz wifi shouldn't interfere but they do run close to each other in the frequency spectrum.

FTR, USB 3.0 interferes directly with Bluetooth. Make sure you buy good cables.

[Fish]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Good choice. I use Asus.

Using Asus mobo and GPU at the moment. Good stuff.

[Fish]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I guess I didn't realize good ones were so cheap. Six years ago I recall looking at some and they seemed to be $225 for good ones - or so the salesman said.

Honestly, I would be looking at better ways to connect your golf sim than 2.4. Again, does it accept ethernet? If so, you'd be much better inclined to buy a 100' ethernet cable instead of a better router. Probably cheaper.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Typically routers aren’t the problem. However I did have a router that was only 2.4 and if I used Bluetooth it nuked it. If I were you I’d just go to staples or whatever and get a Dual band router.

If you’re worried about latency I’d just hardwire when you play poker.

Hell if you want I’ve got one new in the box I’d send you that is dual band.

The only place where the Spectrum internet comes into the house is upstairs. I play poker in my mancave in the basement.

QUOTE=Fish;15276607]Honestly, I would be looking at better ways to connect your golf sim than 2.4. Again, does it accept ethernet? If so, you'd be much better inclined to buy a 100' ethernet cable instead of a better router. Probably cheaper.[/QUOTE]

This blew my mind but ppl have better results using Skytrak on Network mode than on USB mode. And my setup is not in a position to run a long ethernet cord. The Skytrak golf sim unit itself cannot connect to ethernet but can connect via USB to the laptop or gaming PC thats using ethernet.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by BWillie

The only place where the Spectrum internet comes into the house is upstairs. I play poker in my mancave in the basement.

This blew my mind but ppl have better results using Skytrak on Network mode than on USB mode. And my setup is not in a position to run a long ethernet cord. The Skytrak golf sim unit itself cannot connect to ethernet but can connect via USB to the laptop or gaming PC thats using ethernet.

How old is the wiring in your house? You might consider running some ethernet over power adapters. Not nearly as fast as a straight ethernet cable but way faster than wireless for the backhaul.

Then put your router on the end of that, connect your sim to the 2.4 and run your poker machine wired into the router.

EDIT: This would allow you to turn the 2.4Ghz transmit power way down to avoid interference and only connect your sim.

[Mecca]

You could just get a wifi extender there are some really good ones on the market today.

[crayzkirk]

I have Spectrum and I purchased my own WIFI Router because I don't want my internet being used as an access point for Spectrum. You can put the modem/router into bypass mode (modem only) and then use your own router. Be sure to disable the WIFI on the Spectrum modem/router. Be aware that at times Spectrum will update the software and re-enable the WIFI. I got a dual band high power router for < $100.

My girlfriend has Spectrum as well and uses the provided modem/router, the 2.4 and 5g bands have different names. You can logon to the router and change the settings by plugging a cat5 cable into your computer and then into one of the switched ports on the back. The password will be on the tag provided with your modem. Change the default network ID and Password and change the logon password to the modem/router.

[crayzkirk]

Originally Posted by Mecca

You could just get a wifi extender there are some really good ones on the market today.

My own opinion of extenders is that they suck up the bandwidth because they are always polling the router. Running cat5 cables in your home and adding a second access point will give you much better results.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Mecca

You could just get a wifi extender there are some really good ones on the market today.

Bad idea for a couple of reasons.

1. Adding additional 2.4Ghz radios is going to increase congestion and probably ruin his networking stability.

2. Extenders actually halve the bandwidth between the AP and the extender unless they're dual-band and then you have to explicitly set it up to use one band for extension and one for backhaul.

The only time it's really a good idea to extend your network via wireless is if you're using a mesh setup because those systems are designed correctly to not impact network performance on the backhaul.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Bad idea for a couple of reasons.

1. Adding additional 2.4Ghz radios is going to increase congestion and probably ruin his networking stability.

2. Extenders actually halve the bandwidth between the AP and the extender unless they're dual-band and then you have to explicitly set it up to use one band for extension and one for backhaul.

The only time it's really a good idea to extend your network via wireless is if you're using a mesh setup because those systems are designed correctly to not impact network performance on the backhaul.

That's a decent point, I didn't really take the time to read about his exact issue I just saw he was having speed and connection issues.

I think someone probably should have told him locating your modem/router in the upstairs of the house when you have 3 floors is a bad idea, you literally want it centrally located man.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Mecca

That's a decent point, I didn't really take the time to read about his exact issue I just saw he was having speed and connection issues.

I think someone probably should have told him locating your modem/router in the upstairs of the house when you have 3 floors is a bad idea, you literally want it centrally located man.

Yep. As close to center as possible.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by crayzkirk

I have Spectrum and I purchased my own WIFI Router because I don't want my internet being used as an access point for Spectrum. You can put the modem/router into bypass mode (modem only) and then use your own router. Be sure to disable the WIFI on the Spectrum modem/router. Be aware that at times Spectrum will update the software and re-enable the WIFI. I got a dual band high power router for < $100.

My girlfriend has Spectrum as well and uses the provided modem/router, the 2.4 and 5g bands have different names. You can logon to the router and change the settings by plugging a cat5 cable into your computer and then into one of the switched ports on the back. The password will be on the tag provided with your modem. Change the default network ID and Password and change the logon password to the modem/router.

Confused by this?

Either way thank you kings of the internet. I'm planning to buy my own router based on your recommendations, just worried the range will be too weak in the basement.

Ethernet over power never heard of it. I have alot to learn.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Confused by this?

Either way thank you kings of the internet. I'm planning to buy my own router based on your recommendations, just worried the range will be too weak in the basement.

Ethernet over power never heard of it. I have alot to learn.

Do you have coax cable (for TV) between the two spots? You can also get ethernet over coax adapters but in general, ethernet over power is simple - just plug them into outlets and away you go.

I would definitely consider it. Not only faster but much more reliable connectivity. Wifi just isn't the same as a good wired connection.