Can I put a wireless router in the basement?

Question

I've heard the signal tends to "fall," but my most convenient spot would be in the basement.

Answer 1

This could be tough. I have an office built into one of my garage ports connected to my house. Since the house has such sturdy insulation and there are bookcases the signal doesn't travel too far (maybe about 30-40ft) and even then it's not a 100%. I'm guessing a basement would be similar if not worse since the walls are cement and probably limit the signal in terms of direction.

You can buy wireless repeaters that will strengthen a signal. I'd put one toward the top of the basement stairs. I haven't used repeaters. I recently purchased a NetGear Mimo wireless router. This type of router presumably has about 7 internal antennas for maximum dispersion. Many manufacturers of routers have something similar these days.

As an alternative you can research internet over powerlines. You can plug your router into an electrical socket and with the proper equipment on other electrical sockets receive an internet connections. The speed isn't as fast as wireless but it's probably quicker than your Cable/DSL. I think Linksys, Netgear and other mfgs make this stuff. Iv'e never tried it:

http://www.netgear.com/About/PressReleases/en-US/2007/20070611.aspx

Answer 2

Hi,

Of course, you can put a router in your basement, and you would get a signal. Would it tend to fail? Maybe....it all depends on what kind and strengh of router you get. It also depends on what your basement is made of, other radio interference in the house, etc.

A good work around would be to install a device called a Repeater. This device repeats the signal coming from your router, effectively amplifying your signal.

One final thought: Why is the basement the most convenient place? You could always mount the router up on a wall out of reach in any part of the house.

Hope this works out for you!

Douglas Digital.net

Answer 3

Yes you can. The signal is "broadcast" like a radio program. Reception is limited by traveling through walls and floors.......whether from the basement or upstairs. The wireless "N" or "Pre-N" routers have the greatest range and are generally more than adequate for even a large 2 story home.

Answer 4

Mine is in the basement and I get a strong signal on the second floor. The only way to find out is to try it. Good luck.

Answer 5

in the basement is actually your very best bet for anything wireless because your signal with go through your floor fine because im sure u have wood floors right? and well if someone outside of your house for example your neighbors want to get in and you dont want them to and u dont want to set up a WEP then the stone walls from the basement will cause a lot of interference because wireless connections go for a direct shot and i direct shot to their computer would be through the stone or concrete wall so no there is absolutely nothing wrong with having it in the basement.

Answer 6

I have my wireless router in my basement and I dont have any problems with signal dropping.

Answer 7

The general rule of thumb for wireless routers is to keep it as high as possible for superior signal dispersement. If you have it in the basement you may have very poor signal quality.

Answer 8

If you have a good enough router, you'll be fine. I had a router in my basement and got perfect signal upstairs. It's only a one-story house, but it was a pretty cheap router. Good luck.

Answer 9

If all of your PC can connect that way why not, but mostly it should have no other devices that interfere the signal, like TV and Ref or Microwave in between, the best position should be in the open spaces.

Answer 10

Hopefully you have one or two moveable antennae on the back of the router. The signal does not come out as a sphere, but a donut. If you have problems, try tilting the antennae :)