Wifi Signal Through Wall?

BeK

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How can I go about improving my wifi signal through walls? My router is located in my living room beside my computer. When I'm upstairs my wifi signal diminishes. This is frustrating and I was wondering how I could go about boosting the signal strength when upstairs.
By the way, I don't have a cheap router. The ASUS RT-N66U is my router of choice.
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1
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    Intel i5 4690K
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    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
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Try disabling the 5 GHz band and just use only 2.4 GHz radio since 2.4 GHz can penetrate walls much better than 5 GHz band.
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 with Media Center
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    Tablet
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    Surface Pro 3
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    Core i5 4300U @ 1.9 GHz
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    Surface Pro 3
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    8092 MB DDR3-L 1.35 V SDRAM @ 1600 MHz
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Try disabling the 5 GHz band and just use only 2.4 GHz radio since 2.4 GHz can penetrate walls much better than 5 GHz band.

Thank you for the recommendation but I'm not sure how to go about disabling the 5GHz band :-(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
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    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
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    Google Chrome
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    Windows Defender
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    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
If you have a spare wireless router you can set it up as a relay. Put it where it can get signal and it will extend the signal.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
Try disabling the 5 GHz band and just use only 2.4 GHz radio since 2.4 GHz can penetrate walls much better than 5 GHz band.

Just figured out how to disable the 5GHz band.
Question though, how would this help? Would the router use/direct more power into the 2GHz band since the 5GHz band is no longer enabled?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
Try disabling the 5 GHz band and just use only 2.4 GHz radio since 2.4 GHz can penetrate walls much better than 5 GHz band.

Just figured out how to disable the 5GHz band.
Question though, how would this help? Would the router use/direct more power into the 2GHz band since the 5GHz band is no longer enabled?

1. Lower frequencies tend to penetrate solid walls better and gets better range than higher ones. 5GHz frequencies is more easily absorbed by walls while 2,4GHz frequencies is harder to absorb.

2. I don't think so, if it does so it may cause health issues regarding overpowered wireless radiation etc.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
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    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
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    OEM Lenovo
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    4GB DDR4-2400
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    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
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    Realtek HD
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    1920x1080
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    100 Mbps
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    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
Try disabling the 5 GHz band and just use only 2.4 GHz radio since 2.4 GHz can penetrate walls much better than 5 GHz band.

Just figured out how to disable the 5GHz band.
Question though, how would this help? Would the router use/direct more power into the 2GHz band since the 5GHz band is no longer enabled?

It won't help at all to turn off the 5Ghz band. The 5Ghz band won't go through walls worth a darn anyway and it doesn't effect the 2.4Ghz frequency which is the one to use if you are going through walls.

I'm surprised that the 2.4Ghz won't go through your walls, there must be a least three or 4 walls between you and the router because this router has by far the best 2.4Ghz radio on the market. I have the same router myself set up as an access point and it goes through walls like I can't believe.

It may help to use an 802.11AC dedicated NIC to get the optimal signal from this new wireless standard. Certain wireless devices will have problems connecting to the Asus AC66U so using a dedicated 802.11AC NIC is best.

The PCI-e versions have antenna's that would help or the USB versions have extension cables to help pick up the signal.

This would be easier than setting up an access point or wireless repeater and should be tried first. You shouldn't need a repeater with this router because the 2.4Ghz radio is the best on the market, mine goes through 2-3 walls with 5 bars signal strength.

There are also special antenna's for the AC66U that are supposed to work extremely well.
Amazon.com : Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna : Electronics

And the Asus AC66U PCI-e NIC can help you get the most from your new router.
Amazon.com: ASUS PCE-AC66 Dual-Band Wireless-AC1750 Adapter: Computers & Accessories
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
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    Thermal Take 1000watts
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    Thermal Take Xtreme
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    9 fans air cooled
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    G15 logitech
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    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
You have a few options to increase the range of your wifi signal. One, like escentric stated, you can use an old or buy a cheap wifi router and set that up as a wifi repeater. You could buy a pre-built repeater to match the brand of your wifi router, but those are pricey. You could get some power line wifi adapters, which uses the power lines of your home to create/extend your wired/wireless network.

You could try and move your current wireless router to a more central location so the signal is spread more evenly. Since this is a multilevel home, that could prove to be difficult. My personal suggestion would be to purchase a reapeater, it's the easiest to setup...plug and go type of deal.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X 4 965 BE
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4
    Memory
    G-Skill 8 GB PC 8500
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD XFX HD Radeon 6790D
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    Realtek HD onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2l Samsung SyncMaster S20B300
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    1600 X 900
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    Seagate Barracuda 320 GB w/OS
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    Ultra X4 750 watt fully modular
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    Thermaltake OverSeer RX 1 fulltower
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510
    Mouse
    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
Try disabling the 5 GHz band and just use only 2.4 GHz radio since 2.4 GHz can penetrate walls much better than 5 GHz band.

Just figured out how to disable the 5GHz band.
Question though, how would this help? Would the router use/direct more power into the 2GHz band since the 5GHz band is no longer enabled?

It won't help at all to turn off the 5Ghz band. The 5Ghz band won't go through walls worth a darn anyway and it doesn't effect the 2.4Ghz frequency which is the one to use if you are going through walls.

I'm surprised that the 2.4Ghz won't go through your walls, there must be a least three or 4 walls between you and the router because this router has by far the best 2.4Ghz radio on the market. I have the same router myself set up as an access point and it goes through walls like I can't believe.

It may help to use an 802.11AC dedicated NIC to get the optimal signal from this new wireless standard. Certain wireless devices will have problems connecting to the Asus AC66U so using a dedicated 802.11AC NIC is best.

The PCI-e versions have antenna's that would help or the USB versions have extension cables to help pick up the signal.

This would be easier than setting up an access point or wireless repeater and should be tried first. You shouldn't need a repeater with this router because the 2.4Ghz radio is the best on the market, mine goes through 2-3 walls with 5 bars signal strength.

There are also special antenna's for the AC66U that are supposed to work extremely well.
Amazon.com : Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna : Electronics

And the Asus AC66U PCI-e NIC can help you get the most from your new router.
Amazon.com: ASUS PCE-AC66 Dual-Band Wireless-AC1750 Adapter: Computers & Accessories

There are only 2 walls that the signal has to travel through to reach the particular spot in the upstairs level in my house in which my Apple TV and/or iPad are used.
I actually have one of those Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna's and I usually have full wireless signal strength at least 95% of the time. With that said, I run into way too much buffering when watching videos on my Apple TV or iPad/iPhone so I assumed it was related to the signal strength. With such a good router I should be running into very little to no buffering and/or slow web page loading. I have a ATV downstairs as well but it's connected via Ethernet to my router and it rarely ever buffers.
I may just have to go through the hassle of running another Ethernet cable (through and behind walls) to the upstairs ATV to in order to significantly reduced the buffering.
Running the cable behind walls will be a pain though. I wish there was a alternate method?
Would purchasing 2 more Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna at least help at all with the wireless signal when using my iPad/iPhone?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
Just figured out how to disable the 5GHz band.
Question though, how would this help? Would the router use/direct more power into the 2GHz band since the 5GHz band is no longer enabled?

It won't help at all to turn off the 5Ghz band. The 5Ghz band won't go through walls worth a darn anyway and it doesn't effect the 2.4Ghz frequency which is the one to use if you are going through walls.

I'm surprised that the 2.4Ghz won't go through your walls, there must be a least three or 4 walls between you and the router because this router has by far the best 2.4Ghz radio on the market. I have the same router myself set up as an access point and it goes through walls like I can't believe.

It may help to use an 802.11AC dedicated NIC to get the optimal signal from this new wireless standard. Certain wireless devices will have problems connecting to the Asus AC66U so using a dedicated 802.11AC NIC is best.

The PCI-e versions have antenna's that would help or the USB versions have extension cables to help pick up the signal.

This would be easier than setting up an access point or wireless repeater and should be tried first. You shouldn't need a repeater with this router because the 2.4Ghz radio is the best on the market, mine goes through 2-3 walls with 5 bars signal strength.

There are also special antenna's for the AC66U that are supposed to work extremely well.
Amazon.com : Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna : Electronics

And the Asus AC66U PCI-e NIC can help you get the most from your new router.
Amazon.com: ASUS PCE-AC66 Dual-Band Wireless-AC1750 Adapter: Computers & Accessories

There are only 2 walls that the signal has to travel through to reach the particular spot in the upstairs level in my house in which my Apple TV and/or iPad are used.
I actually have one of those Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna's and I usually have full wireless signal strength at least 95% of the time. With that said, I run into way too much buffering when watching videos on my Apple TV or iPad/iPhone so I assumed it was related to the signal strength. With such a good router I should be running into very little to no buffering and/or slow web page loading. I have a ATV downstairs as well but it's connected via Ethernet to my router and it rarely ever buffers.
I may just have to go through the hassle of running another Ethernet cable (through and behind walls) to the upstairs ATV to in order to significantly reduced the buffering.
Running the cable behind walls will be a pain though. I wish there was a alternate method?
Would purchasing 2 more Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna at least help at all with the wireless signal when using my iPad/iPhone?

In that case signal strength isn't the problem.

If you haven't yet updated the firmware on your Asus AC66U now would be a good time to do so. It may even have something to do with the wireless NIC being used. Some don't work very well with the AC66U, it's best to upgrade to a dedicated 802.11ac adaptor, either USB or PCI-e in order to get the best performance from this router.

There are countless compatibility updates which requires a firmware update so the latest firmware may help with this problem and should be tried first.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download RT-AC66U
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
It won't help at all to turn off the 5Ghz band. The 5Ghz band won't go through walls worth a darn anyway and it doesn't effect the 2.4Ghz frequency which is the one to use if you are going through walls.

I'm surprised that the 2.4Ghz won't go through your walls, there must be a least three or 4 walls between you and the router because this router has by far the best 2.4Ghz radio on the market. I have the same router myself set up as an access point and it goes through walls like I can't believe.

It may help to use an 802.11AC dedicated NIC to get the optimal signal from this new wireless standard. Certain wireless devices will have problems connecting to the Asus AC66U so using a dedicated 802.11AC NIC is best.

The PCI-e versions have antenna's that would help or the USB versions have extension cables to help pick up the signal.

This would be easier than setting up an access point or wireless repeater and should be tried first. You shouldn't need a repeater with this router because the 2.4Ghz radio is the best on the market, mine goes through 2-3 walls with 5 bars signal strength.

There are also special antenna's for the AC66U that are supposed to work extremely well.
Amazon.com : Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna : Electronics

And the Asus AC66U PCI-e NIC can help you get the most from your new router.
Amazon.com: ASUS PCE-AC66 Dual-Band Wireless-AC1750 Adapter: Computers & Accessories

There are only 2 walls that the signal has to travel through to reach the particular spot in the upstairs level in my house in which my Apple TV and/or iPad are used.
I actually have one of those Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna's and I usually have full wireless signal strength at least 95% of the time. With that said, I run into way too much buffering when watching videos on my Apple TV or iPad/iPhone so I assumed it was related to the signal strength. With such a good router I should be running into very little to no buffering and/or slow web page loading. I have a ATV downstairs as well but it's connected via Ethernet to my router and it rarely ever buffers.
I may just have to go through the hassle of running another Ethernet cable (through and behind walls) to the upstairs ATV to in order to significantly reduced the buffering.
Running the cable behind walls will be a pain though. I wish there was a alternate method?
Would purchasing 2 more Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna at least help at all with the wireless signal when using my iPad/iPhone?

In that case signal strength isn't the problem.

If you haven't yet updated the firmware on your Asus AC66U now would be a good time to do so. It may even have something to do with the wireless NIC being used. Some don't work very well with the AC66U, it's best to upgrade to a dedicated 802.11ac adaptor, either USB or PCI-e in order to get the best performance from this router.

There are countless compatibility updates which requires a firmware update so the latest firmware may help with this problem and should be tried first.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download RT-AC66U

I have tried the official Asus software before and I have found that Merlin's is more stable so I have been using it instead.

Asuswrt-Merlin - custom firmware for Asus routers | Merlin's Tower

I didn't realize that a 802.11ac adaptor would make any difference at all because it would be considered part of my PC's hardware. How does PC hardware affect the wifi signal from the router which is a separate piece of hardware?

My current network card is the ASUS PCE-N13

http://m.newegg.com/Product?itemNumber=N82E16833320048
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
Yes the adaptor makes a difference because your new router is made to work with the new wireless standard 802.11ac, where the adaptor you have now is made for 802.11n, this can be problematic in many cases.

In fact many people have reported the same problems as you and all of them were with the older wireless n standard NIC's. Upgrading to either a USB or PCI-e NIC that is made to work with 802.11ac solved the problems in every case.

As I mentioned before there are many wireless N devices that do not work very well with this new standard and I believe this is the problem you are having now. Use either firmware as long as it's updated and yes I was aware of the Merlin firmware although I have no stability problems using the latest Asus firmware.

You will have better luck with the Asus AC66U PCI-e NIC as this was made to work with your new router using 802.11ac. Or you could try the USB versions.

Here are the wireless speeds I get using the 5Ghz frequency from 30 feet away outside my house with no walls and a few palm trees in the way from the A/P. 2.4Ghz maxes at about 450Mbps but for either of these you need an 802.11ac dual band NIC.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
If you haven't yet updated the firmware on your Asus AC66U now would be a good time to do so
I was looking at some of the newegg reviews for your router to see if anyone had the same issue as you and it looks like there are people that have connectivity issues. Asus support recommended to them to update their firmware just as Chev65 suggested. I have provided here the link for your router's firmware download page. Something else I noted was that for a few people upgrading the firmware seemed to "brick" their router or basically stop the Wifi from working at all. If this happens to you I have provided a youtube link on how to do a firmware restore, link was also included in a support reply from Asus on newegg.

Firmware page: RT-AC66U - Networking - ASUS

youtube Firmware restore: ASUS Routers - Rescue Mode Tutorial - YouTube

*the video shows the RT-N56U router but the steps are the same on the RT-AC66U.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hewlett Packard P7-1017c
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    Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    Pegatron HP
    Memory
    Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 1333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Onboard
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    HP 2211x
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 1TB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Corsair CX600 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 912
    Cooling
    Stock Intel Fan
    Keyboard
    HP Keyboard
    Mouse
    HP Mouse
    Internet Speed
    30+ Mbps Download; 2Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    New build with custom parts later in the year
I think there has been a misunderstanding unless I'm missing something here.
I own a ASUS RT-N66U router, not a RT-AC66U router :-(
My router is a N router right?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
My apologies, I looked up the wrong model of the router, you may disregard my post.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hewlett Packard P7-1017c
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    Pegatron HP
    Memory
    Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 1333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2211x
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 1TB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Corsair CX600 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 912
    Cooling
    Stock Intel Fan
    Keyboard
    HP Keyboard
    Mouse
    HP Mouse
    Internet Speed
    30+ Mbps Download; 2Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    New build with custom parts later in the year
My apologies, I looked up the wrong model of the router, you may disregard my post.

Thank you got everything. Regardless of the fact, your effort to help was appreciated.
When I purchased this router a few months ago, I should have bought the AC version. Live and learn I guess...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
Would the extender still be a recommendation or am I'm just screwed?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
You always have the option of upgrading your PCI-E NIC card or a USB variant to what Chev suggested.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hewlett Packard P7-1017c
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    Pegatron HP
    Memory
    Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 1333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2211x
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 1TB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Corsair CX600 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 912
    Cooling
    Stock Intel Fan
    Keyboard
    HP Keyboard
    Mouse
    HP Mouse
    Internet Speed
    30+ Mbps Download; 2Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    New build with custom parts later in the year
Would the extender still be a recommendation or am I'm just screwed?

I would say it would do the trick. imho, there is too much emphasis on "going through walls". I am sure your problem is one of range, although I would admit the two can be contributors. What range are you trying for, when you are upstairs?

I live in an old sprawling farmhouse. This has Rockwool insulated clay walls. Previously I was using an antique Linksys router. This got me a usable signal upstairs, about 20 mtrs. Free courtesy of my ISP, I recently installed a new router and can now get a strong signal in one of my further buildings, about 30 to 40 mtrs.

But, on reading an article on the web, I hitched up the old Linksys as a repeater and now have full and strong coverage over my whole building(s)

My point is that, within reason, don't spend too much money on another new router. It doesn't have to be too demanding and a purchase from the s/h market should suffice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
Thank you for all the suggestions. I have one more question though. What does this indicator mean on the screen shot? The Wifi icon is only half lit.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    MSI Z97 Gaming 5
    Memory
    G.SKILL*Ripjaws*X Series*8GB*240-Pin*DDR3*SDRAM*DDR3 186
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX-970
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD: Intel 520 120GB SATA III
    SSD 2: Crucial 64GB SATA III
    HDD 1: Western Digital 2TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 2: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
    HDD 3: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Antec*High Current Gamer Series*HCG-900*900W
    Case
    NZXT*Phantom*PHAN-001WT*Red Steel / Plastic Enthusiast*ATX*Full Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G13 & Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic Chroma
    Internet Speed
    75Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Case Fans 140MM (x1), 120MM (x3), 200MM (x2)
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