Question

just got our T-Mobile 5G Gateway installed all TV's can load streaming movies except the one in our basement family room which never goes above 89%. What is the best booster / extender device that works with T-Mobile for streaming?

  • 13 October 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 678 views

Badge

Using T-Mobile 5G Gateway for streaming movies. The Gateway is on the first floor, the TV we want to view streaming movies on is in the basement. When we select a service such as Netflix and select a movie the circle gets to 89% and continues to spin.  We are not opposed to getting a booster / extender for the Gateway but what is the best compatible device to purchase? 


5 replies

Badge

The simplest solution is to run a ethernet cable from your gateway to your basement if you have a convenient place to drill a hole through the floor.  I had a great location on the side of the basement stairwell for this.

Userlevel 7
Badge +8

What is the “best” is a bit of a loaded question. 😎 Coverage with WIFI with the gateways is always a bit of a challenge in larger multi-story homes. I would tend to agree an Ethernet cable would probably be a good choice over an extender. If you decide to go the “extender” path just consider that you get what you pay for and extenders tend to be challenged by building materials. Another option that might be considered is using Ethernet over AC instead of drilling holes and snaking cables. A power line adapter in effect modulates the traffic from one unit to another over the electrical cable. If you buy it and it does not work out you can just return it.

TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter (~$50) TL-PA7017P KIT

The advantage of a power line adapter is that it is simple and you will not have to deal with authentication and the loss of bandwidth as with using a wireless extender. A good wireless extender is more in the neighborhood of ~$75-100 and is often more trouble to get established. The power line adapters tend to work well over the same circuit so in some instances results will vary. It is a pretty simple way to approach the problem though.

Hello, 

would a Tenda AC Power Line adapter be similar to the unit you describe? 

Userlevel 7
Badge +8

The Ethernet over power line is a good solution if both the device and the gateway are connected together on the same circuit. If the path goes from one power circuit to another through the breaker box then the signal is degraded. Both power line adapters on outlet’s on the same circuit works pretty well. I have not used that brand but it is probably very similar. 

Thank you so much for your prompt response.

Reply