Post by High Priestess on Nov 2, 2015 15:14:07 GMT
Here's my suggestion on how to set up good wifi:
So, like many, I know my way around using a computer, but I know very little about internet service providers, modems, routers, and wifi. Renters and guests had been happy and had no problems with my wifi for many years. But then, inexplicably, earlier this year, all of a sudden I began getting complaints about the wifi service, after I upgraded my modem to a new Xfinity modem. Guests started to say that wifi was "slow" or "negligible" or "not useful." I was concerned. I knew that wifi was important to guests. Another host I knew, had once said, that good wifi is actually more important to guests than having a bed to sleep in. Well that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the point was made clear.
So I called Xfinity. Not once but three times. They tested my system remotely, found all in good order. Then, when I insisted I was still getting complaints, they said, oh, maybe your modem is bad, get a new one (even though it was less than a year old). So I spent 1.5 hrs going to get a new one and set it up. Still had the same problems, the same complaints from guests. So then I called Xfinity and asked for them to send a technician to my house. THe technician came, and didn't look around at all, but just stood by my modem, said it had 4 green lights, so it must be okay, there was nothing he could do to help. I said but I am getting complaints, it is slow, it is negligible, this isnt' acceptable. He said sorry, can't help you, nothing to be done. He said even the NY Stock exchange computer system has problems. Well this was just no good. Finally, I got a name of a computer tech guy in my area, and called him over. It cost a pretty penny, but he told me that it is useless to call Xfinity or your ISP about these kinds of things, you need a computer tech guy. He installed 3 "Access Points" --easy to do, just order on Amazon and then just plug them in to the modem -- and these broadcast the wifi in my house in a much more powerful way. Why couldn't Xfinity tell me that!!?? Does it have to be some great secret, how to get decent wifi?
ANyway, that is my tip/trick on how to please guests. Have good wifi, and if needed, get a computer tech guy or gal to help you obtain that.
Tips on testing your wifi signal strength, shared by Ed on NOvember 2 2015:
Yes, it's important to have access points to provide a strong signal with high speeds. Avoid signal extenders as these will significantly slow the connection.
If you're on Comcast/Xfinity, test your speed at speedtest.comcast.net/. If you're not on Comcast/Xfinity use www.speedtest.net/ (be sure to test from the location your guests are likely to be). Make sure no other devices are using the network at the time. You should get close to the rated speed. If you consistently get much lower speeds, take screen shots and ask for a service call....show the speed test results to the technician.
So, like many, I know my way around using a computer, but I know very little about internet service providers, modems, routers, and wifi. Renters and guests had been happy and had no problems with my wifi for many years. But then, inexplicably, earlier this year, all of a sudden I began getting complaints about the wifi service, after I upgraded my modem to a new Xfinity modem. Guests started to say that wifi was "slow" or "negligible" or "not useful." I was concerned. I knew that wifi was important to guests. Another host I knew, had once said, that good wifi is actually more important to guests than having a bed to sleep in. Well that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the point was made clear.
So I called Xfinity. Not once but three times. They tested my system remotely, found all in good order. Then, when I insisted I was still getting complaints, they said, oh, maybe your modem is bad, get a new one (even though it was less than a year old). So I spent 1.5 hrs going to get a new one and set it up. Still had the same problems, the same complaints from guests. So then I called Xfinity and asked for them to send a technician to my house. THe technician came, and didn't look around at all, but just stood by my modem, said it had 4 green lights, so it must be okay, there was nothing he could do to help. I said but I am getting complaints, it is slow, it is negligible, this isnt' acceptable. He said sorry, can't help you, nothing to be done. He said even the NY Stock exchange computer system has problems. Well this was just no good. Finally, I got a name of a computer tech guy in my area, and called him over. It cost a pretty penny, but he told me that it is useless to call Xfinity or your ISP about these kinds of things, you need a computer tech guy. He installed 3 "Access Points" --easy to do, just order on Amazon and then just plug them in to the modem -- and these broadcast the wifi in my house in a much more powerful way. Why couldn't Xfinity tell me that!!?? Does it have to be some great secret, how to get decent wifi?
ANyway, that is my tip/trick on how to please guests. Have good wifi, and if needed, get a computer tech guy or gal to help you obtain that.
Tips on testing your wifi signal strength, shared by Ed on NOvember 2 2015:
Yes, it's important to have access points to provide a strong signal with high speeds. Avoid signal extenders as these will significantly slow the connection.
If you're on Comcast/Xfinity, test your speed at speedtest.comcast.net/. If you're not on Comcast/Xfinity use www.speedtest.net/ (be sure to test from the location your guests are likely to be). Make sure no other devices are using the network at the time. You should get close to the rated speed. If you consistently get much lower speeds, take screen shots and ask for a service call....show the speed test results to the technician.