Member Avatar for dasd

Hi! I've searched the forums but did not see a solution for my prob.

My friend has an old Victorian house built in 1901 and he is NOT tech savvy at all. The current setup is: Verizon FIOS as the provider/ an Actiontec wireless router installed upstairs/ a new Kodak A10 wireless printer and Toshiba Satellite laptop running Win 7 downstairs - wireless connection. (FYI, he had the only network connection installed upstairs because that's where their old Dell was...). He created a office downstairs where the laptop is but now there is no network connection and he cannot connect to the printer which is close by.

Just to troubleshoot, I took the laptop upstairs and had him try to print a document when he was close to the router - sure enough, the document printed downstairs. Based on what I've seen the issue appears to be with the router (It's probably poor signal) and/ or wireless card on the Toshiba. Because this is an older structure with both old gas lamp/ electrical utilities (inactive) and other things in the walls, it's certain any signal that does make it downstairs is highly attenuated. And location options for other equipment is limited because their are few electrical outlets in the house overall.

This is a fully restored, custom built Victorian inside and out, so I can't just put something anywhere I please. Also, because they are not tech savvy, I need a quick and effective solution that they cannot mess up. So if you know of a 'Uber' strong solution that will work for in this environment then hit me back ASAP!

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As described, the setup needs a low‑maintenance fix that avoids running new cable and won’t upset a fully restored house. is right that a wired run is technically best; since that’s not an option here, the practical, foolproof choices are (in order of reliability): a powerline Ethernet kit with integrated Wi‑Fi AP, or a plug‑and‑play mesh Wi‑Fi kit. Both avoid drilling and can be left alone once set up. A simple high‑gain USB Wi‑Fi adapter on the laptop is the cheapest single‑device fallback if the laptop itself is the weak link.

As hinted, confirm whether the laptop is the problem before replacing whole-network gear: update the wireless driver, disable adapter power‑saving in Device Manager, test reception while carrying the laptop through the house, and try a temporary USB adapter. If a temporary adapter restores connectivity downstairs, a small external adapter is the fastest, least intrusive fix for a non‑technical owner.

Placement and configuration tips that reduce follow‑up work: place a mesh node or extender in an outlet where it still “sees” the main router (not tucked inside a cabinet), avoid placing repeaters in very enclosed locations, use a single SSID so devices roam without manual switching, and secure with WPA2. For powerline adapters, test them before permanent placement—performance depends on house wiring and outlet layout—choose units with a pass‑through socket if outlets are limited.

Choose kits marketed as “plug‑and‑play” or with mobile‑app setup so the install can be completed quickly and left unchanged. Preconfigure the device(s) before leaving the home, label the few plugged devices, and document which outlet each node uses. If problems persist after these steps, a short site visit from a local tech will identify whether the issue is a client radio, wiring, or unavoidable RF attenuation.

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Member Avatar for BBAD

What signal strength is it showing on the laptop both upstairs and down stairs?
Right Click on the Network/Wireless Icon in the bottom right (near clock)
Network and Sharing
It should show you Wireless connection and a Signal Bar.

As you say, it most likely a poor signal.

If this is the case, you could run a Network cable from the main Router to downstairs.

You will then have an option of either getting another router or network Switch and connect the downstairs equipment to it.

When you say printer is close? Do you mean close to the laptop or the Dell Machine?

Can you tell me, is the DELL not wireless?

Once last thing I forgot to ask, what Wireless Speeds are you Router and Laptop Wireless Card, e.g B,G or N ?

Edited by BBAD because: n/a
Member Avatar for dasd

Let me clarify this..


Because of the configuration of the house and the single network connection upstairs, I cannot lay a run through the house. I also know the owner would not appreciate having a cable snaking down the stairs and across the house. At this point, it appears the best option will be to install a Netgear 600 AV Dual-band Gigabit N-router which should provide the needed signal. It may be overkill in some respects, but it has been recommended as having great range and strength.

As I stated previously, both the printer and laptop are situated downstairs on the other side of the house from where the router is located upstairs. The laptop has zero connectivity at that location. Also, there is no Dell computer whatsoever - it was replaced by the laptop.

Thanks!

Member Avatar for BBAD

Thanks for clearing that up.

It maybe your best solution but make sure it hooks up to the Verzion equipment.

You may also consider increasing the Wireless range by a Wireless Access point direct below the main router, then the other downstair equipment can connect to it.

You can get what you buyinng to communicate in this way also.

Edited by BBAD because: n/a
Member Avatar for gerbil

The Actionic router communicates wirelessly just fine with the printer downstairs, and the Tosh lappy when it is upstairs, but not downstairs. Tosh is the problem. Cabling, plumbing will have no effect whatsoever on the signal strength. Carry the lappy about and see where the signal dies. Just back a bit is the new location for the office.. :)

Member Avatar for BBAD

gerbil

I did think about that, reason why I asked what Wireless speeds are the equipment.

Wanted to rule out if the Tosh needed a N USB Adapter, but needed the info first.

Member Avatar for Annana

It maybe your best solution but make sure it hooks up to the Verzion equipment.

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