Worth buying own router?

[Beckface-gb]

Before I start - I'm a tech dummy when it comes to networks etc.

Is it worth buying a better router? I currently have a Hub 3 and the WiFi in our house is pretty naff. Our PS4 disconnects regularly, which is becoming an issue when we're using it. (There's nothing wrong with the PS4 - it's relatively new and it happened with our old console as well. The hub is in the same room as the PS4, within 4 metres, so there's really no excuse for why it keeps happening.) The WiFi signal upstairs is also iffy so it would be good to boost this.

1. Would buying a new router solve these issues (e.g. be more reliable, offer greater WiFi coverage)?

2. If so does anyone have any recommendations?

3. Is it worth getting WiFi boosters to solve the signal issues? (I used to have a TP-Link Powerline but it broke unfortunately. I may just replace it but wanted to know if getting a good enough router will help solve the signal problem.)

[Tudor]

Your own router will always be better the the VM ‘pound shop’ one. Basically there are 3 options, all with the VM hub in modem mode.

1) Retail router with wireless access points if you do not get full WiFi coverage in your home

2) Mesh systems, these consist of 1 master and 1 or more solve units.

3) The Full Monty, business class router with no built in WiFi and good quality wired wireless access points.

Yep, you guessed right, I use option 3).

[Tudor]

Your own router will always be better the the VM ‘pound shop’ one. Basically there are 3 options, all with the VM hub in modem mode.

1) Retail router with wireless access points if you do not get full WiFi coverage in your home

2) Mesh systems, these consist of 1 master and 1 or more solve units.

3) The Full Monty, business class router with no built in WiFi and good quality wired wireless access points.

Yep, you guessed right, I use option 3).

By the way, I consider powering adapters and ‘boosters’ useless.

[Roger_Gooner]

Connect the PS4 to the hub with an Ethernet cable.

[jbrennand · Accepted solution]

As Roger says - a the PS4 is in the same room as the Hub - just connect it on an ethernet cable and it will be rock solid.

For the rest of the house - as Tudor says there are several options yo better wifi - Tudor has a Rolls Royce set up but you should be able to get good solid wifi across an average sized property with a good introductory Mesh unit. Also has the benefit of a much better router than that in the VM Hub - as well as a quantum leap better wifi connectivity .

As an example see this one that is well regarded on here....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Deco-S4-3-pack-Beamforming/dp/B0851D6MXY/

[Beckface-gb]

Thank you for the info. Unfortunately we can't plug the PS4 into the router as it's on the far side of the room and we can't run the cable under the carpet (tried it before, looked crap). But if we get a new router, that should alleviate the problem from what I'm reading here? 

Thanks for the link to the mesh system - does it come with a router? It looks like it only comes with 3 wifi access points, but I'm (probably) wrong!

[Beckface-gb]

Thanks a lot for the help. I'm looking into mesh systems (have to admit I'm struggling to see the difference between 1 and 2?).

(Sorry as well, I tried to mark your original answer as helpful but looks like I can only give one per thread, didn't realise.)

[Tudor]

"can't run the cable under the carpet" if your carpet has what is called ‘trim edge’, that is a strip of wood near the skirting with sharp tacks that hold the carpet in place, then I have found it’s very easy to put Ethernet cable in the gap between the ‘trim edge’ and the skirting board. It cannot be seen if you do this.

[carl_pearce]

You can purchase flat ethernet cable.

[Beckface-gb]

It doesn't have that unfortunately. We had it laid fairly recently and I wish now we'd just done it before the carpet went down. Live and learn!