Wifi extender problem

[PadraigMc]

I have tried to link various Tp-Link extenders to my sky broadband without success. With the latest, a model Ac1900, it either doesn't recognise the device or gers as far as the attached screen print and stops dead. At no stage does tge extender show anything more than the power LED apart from when switched on at the start. 

Please be aware that I am far from being a tech geek, so abbreviations and tech terms will result in my bald head displaying scratch marks!

[Chrisee]

Hi @PadraigMc which Sky hub are you trying to connect to see the picture on this page https://www.sky.com/help/articles/hub-lights-explained-start? Extenders need a strong WiFi connection to the router (the Sky hub) so should be placed halfway between the hub and where you need the boost, halls or landings are often good place for them so check the location you have chosen. Also try connecting the extender close to the hub snd moving it once connected. 

Using third party extenders with Sky hubs can work but it is not recommended as they can cause more problems than they solve as the extender's WiFi can interfere with the Sky hubs WiFi.  The second issue is devices wont automatically switch to and from the extender as you move round your home as the two systems cannot form a mesh network.

Sky supplies matched extenders to most hubs which dont have that problem but you have to buy a Sky add-on package like Sky WiFi.Max to get them. These units will form a mesh network with the hub.

I use a third party WiFi solution myself with 3 units which form their own mesh network. The first unit is connected to the Sky hub by an ethernet cable, that talks to the two other satellite units placed on different floors giving good wifi. It is not difficult to set up as you use the suppliers app. 

[PadraigMc]

Hi Chrissie,

Many thanks for the reply and guidance. 

My sky hub is a SR203. I went with a TP- Link product because I know Sky were issuing them a few years ago to customers with WiFi coverage issues. I was using THE AC1900 by itself having given up on the RE200. The thing is that the extender can't even link with the sky unit when it is sitting a few inches away.

  I will try your idea of the cable link, should I use it on the AC1900 while using the RE200 further up the hall? Do I need a particular type of cable?

[Chrisee]

@PadraigMc the SR203 requires a  matched booster to extend wifi Sky used to provide these if requested and you paid for the Broadband Boost bundle.  Sky using TP-Link boosters has to be well over 8 years ago.  .

You can link a third party unit like your TP-Link by an ethernet cable it doesnt have to be anything special. However the WiFi signal from the booster is quite likely to interfere with the hub's wifi. Two WiFi signals on the same or adajacent WiFi channel will interfere. You maybe lucky and it works but far better is to turn off the Sky hub's wifi and use a third part wifi system instead. If you have Sky Q boxes this gets quiteca bit more complicated.

[PadraigMc]

Thanks for the advice.  I gave it a go but it didn't work. Will try again later in the week.

Thanks again.