Anyone run a wireless router/AP in their basement?

[Antoneo]

I realize that the performance of such a setup is dependant on many variables in the environment but I'm trying to get a general answer .

I have two computers in the basement connected to the internet via router ==> cable modem. I would like to use my laptop untethered upstairs (one floor) and would like to know how other people have fared. Also, perhaps those responding could leave the name of the router used as well please. TIA!

 

[Lord Evermore]

That should work fine with pretty much any AP, assuming you don't have a huge house and heavy walls. Two floors might be stretching it if you had them. If your floor only crosses over like 100 feet or so at most, and the AP is in the middle of the basement, the signal won't have to pass through anything more than the floor and maybe one wall, with a horizontal distance of only 50 feet max and 10 feet upward, well within specs of any brand. Heck, bolt it to the ceiling of the basement and eliminate the extra distance. (Actually the lower it is, the better the angle to provide fewer obstructing walls between the laptop and AP.)

 

[PTCvette]

Here's my wireless setup:

Netgear MR314 router and WAP
Netgear MA401 PCMCIA nic
Dlink DWL120-D USB nic

The router/WAP is sitting in the basement (split level house) near the front of the house. I get good signal everywhere in the house except in the very far corner from the router, but even then I am still pulling around 50%. It even works out in the backyard, although signal gets marginal once I get too far from the house. I love my MR314, but I don't think it is sold much anymore, as the MR814 is out and supposed to be a better model (but I hear there's a lot of problems with it).

On another note, I used to live in a 3rd story apartment, and the WAP was on the side of the building facing the parking lot... I actually got signal 3 floors down, but it was kinda weak and only about 40 feet away from the car!

Hope that helps!
Jeff

 

[bobcpg]

i set up my GF's network that way and it works great. She has the wap in the basement and her labtop on the second story directly above the wap and has great success with it.

-bob

 

[rw120555]

Anyone who has trouble with wireless dead spots in their house may want to consider combining powerline with wireless. Here is a recent PC Mag article on this topic:

Power-Line Networking Leverages Wireless

 

[idea]

Netgear 814 4pt+802.11b
Netgear 401(?) PCMCIA 802.11b card for laptop

I'm on the laptop now. The WAP router is in the basement. One floor above it I get 93%, in a far corner of the house it could go down to 10%. Keep in mind, my house was built in 1936 of very heavy materials. I can't even use a cell phone in my house, I have to go outside, so I consider these link qualities very acceptable.

 

[JackMDS]

Never make an assumption about the performance of Wireless Hardware (unless it is used in the same room); it is too much environment depended.

My recommendation is to buy from a reputable Mega Store try it immediately and be careful. If it does not cover your distance do not waste your time complaining at public BBSs. Return the ?stuff?.

Most manufactures claim 300? indoor and 1500? out door. It makes returning easy since in most circumstances you get only a fraction of this claim.

 

[queenzbwai]

Antonio Lee, most APs should easily penetrate the floor and cover your first floor. Like someone else said, just bolt it to the floor joists on the ceiling of your basement...simple...did we help find a solution to your probrem?