FAQ
TL;DR: Apartment Wi‑Fi often runs amid around 34 devices; "It is worth checking if the coverage problems are caused by the 'clogging' of 2.4 GHz WiFi channels." Best fixes: cable an AP from Livebox 2.0, optimize channels; avoid basic repeaters. [Elektroda, PPK, post #17203714]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps apartment users with Orange Livebox 2.0 get reliable, budget Wi‑Fi to the last room without messy installs.
Quick Facts
- Livebox 2.0 has no external antennas, so you can’t swap or tilt them for gain. [Elektroda, PPK, post #17202939]
- Repeater mode is slow and unstable; one radio both receives and transmits. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203005]
- For AP‑Client links, target around −70 dBm from Livebox; then feed the room over LAN. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203005]
- Expect heavy 2.4 GHz congestion; one user saw ~34 devices and changes channel monthly using InSSIDer. [Elektroda, PPK, post #17203714]
- A 5 m flat Ethernet run under a door worked well and beat a repeater for stability. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17203692]
What’s the most reliable way to extend Livebox 2.0 Wi‑Fi in an apartment?
Run an Ethernet cable from the Livebox and add a small access point in the target room. Livebox 2.0 lacks external antennas, so relocating the radio with an AP is effective. This keeps things simple and robust for multi‑room coverage. [Elektroda, PPK, post #17202939]
Will a simple Wi‑Fi repeater work well with Livebox 2.0?
Not reliably. Livebox can fail to assign DHCP addresses across repeaters or AP‑clients. You must run DHCP on the client and configure both devices. “Repeater is a slow, unreliable and unstable mode, one radio receives and transmits over WiFi.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203005]
Where should I place a repeater or AP‑client to avoid dead zones?
Place it where the Livebox signal measures about −70 dBm. That provides a usable backhaul. With an AP‑client, receive over Wi‑Fi there, then carry the connection by LAN cable into the last room. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203005]
How do I fix Livebox DHCP issues when using an AP‑client or repeater?
Enable the DHCP server on the AP‑client and align settings on both devices. Livebox has trouble giving LAN addresses through AP‑client or repeater links without that. After enabling, verify leases and connectivity from the far room. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203005]
Can I use a flat window/door Ethernet pass‑through instead of drilling?
Yes. A flat Ethernet cable under a door or window works. One user runs a 5 m flat Ethernet under a door successfully and found it better than a repeater. You can pair it with a TL‑WR740N running Gargoyle as an AP. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17203692]
Does Livebox 2.0 support external antenna upgrades?
No. Livebox 2.0 has no external antennas to replace or reposition. To improve coverage, move the Wi‑Fi endpoint by cabling an access point into the needed room. [Elektroda, PPK, post #17202939]
Are powerline adapters a viable alternative when I can’t run cable?
Yes. You can extend the network using devices that work over the electrical installation. This approach can link rooms without pulling an Ethernet cable through walls. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #17203051]
How do I pick a better 2.4 GHz channel in a crowded building?
Scan and change channels manually. One user observed about 34 nearby devices and adjusts monthly using InSSIDer. How‑To:
- Scan with InSSIDer to see congested channels.
- Set the Livebox to a less‑used channel manually.
- Re‑scan monthly and adjust if neighbors shift. [Elektroda, PPK, post #17203714]
Will my TL‑WR543G bridge Livebox seamlessly?
No. TL‑WR543G connects as Client Router or WISP, then creates a second Wi‑Fi network. Devices on Livebox and TL‑WR543G sit on different networks and cannot see each other. It lacks a true AP‑Client mode. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203242]
Which budget router/AP should I consider for this job?
TP‑Link TL‑WR740N with preloaded Gargoyle is recommended as an AP or repeater. It offers good capabilities at a low price point for this use. Configure it as an access point when possible. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17203692]
If I must stay wireless, what setup is least painful with Livebox 2.0?
Use an AP‑client where Livebox signal is roughly −70 dBm and run a short LAN cable into the final room. Avoid pure repeater mode, which is slow and unstable on a single radio. This keeps one network across rooms. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17203005]
What budget should I plan for an extender or AP?
The thread’s target was an inexpensive device around ±PLN 100. If you follow a similar budget, look for entry‑level access points or small routers that can run as APs. [Elektroda, adriano1191, post #17202928]
Is ASUS RP‑N12 a good match for Livebox 2.0?
ASUS RP‑N12 was suggested as a repeater option, and similar models exist from other brands. If choosing a repeater, confirm placement and compatibility during setup. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #17202969]
