Best way to get wireless coverage to my deck?

[walkman]

I have a v2 Linksys WRT54G wireless router that gives a middling signal across the inside of the house and a very weak signal through the brick wall to my deck.


What is the best AP/card setup I should consider for swapping out what I'm using now?



Actually, I'm planning on using the WRT54G just as a router and turning off the wireless and then attach the new AP (wireless router?) off a better located ethernet jack.

 

[vorgusa]

Belkin routers have an Access Point option that makes it easy to set up. Wireless pre-N (NOT DRAFT N) works well and so does the Wireless G Plus with MIMO.

 

[JackMDS]

The best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Environment.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

In general, the best Method involves using multiple units connected with wire to the source.

Or WDS ( Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) system using Hardware of one Brand across the board.

:sun:

 

[kehi]

I say try dd-wrt or hyperwrt thibor firmware on that router. I have used both and they work great. I would say that hyperwrt thibor is easier to use since it looks very similar to the factory linksys firmware. Up the output power to 84mw (the max safe power) and this will give you much better coverage. Hope this helps you out.


http://www.thibor.co.uk/

http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/index.php

 

[vorgusa]

why do so much when you can have just one AP that works fine... I guess he shoudl test out what works well for him... I just know I have a belkin pre-n set up at a beach house and I can get internet access on the beach

 

[walkman]

Thanks for the feedback. I tried the thibor firmware and it didn't apreciably improve the signal when I raised the power.


I saw that the Pre-N had some great reviews about a year ago, but it seems like it may be getting phased out. I was worried that if I bought that setup, it might be hard to get a matching wireless card at some point in the future since it's unlikely to be 11.n compatible. Your feedback may indicate that MIMO based routers are better at projecting the signal through obstructions.


I'm going to try setting up another wrt54g as an AP near the deck and see if that can get the signal through the exterior wall.

If that doesn't work I may try to wire an external antenna on the deck before upgrading the router and wireless card.

 

[walkman]

Just posting my solution in case anyone searches on the topic in the future.

It turned out to be much easier solved than I expected.

I just added another wrt54g as an AP in a room next to the deck where I already had an ethernet port. I gave the new AP a different channel and turned of DHCP. The new AP provides a 5 bar signal on the deck even though it has to go through a brick wall and windows.