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Best way to improve wireless network signal?

H

Hmongkeysauce

Senior member
Hi,
Im in need of advice to improve my wireless network signal. My current setup is as the following: Click here for picture of current setup The two computers on the network are represented by the numbered yellow rectangles(referring to the picture). Computer 1 is on the first floor and in the office room. Computer 2 is on the second floor, which is my computer, and in my bedroom. The router and the cable modem is in the same room with Computer 2 (second floor). My computer is connected to the router via a Cat5 cable, while, Computer 1 is using a Dlink wireless (model G510) card to access the wireless router (also a Dlink router model DI-524). Problem is, though, that Computer 1 is only receiving a 'Low Signal' to a 'No Signal' at any given time. I was thinking about moving the router downstairs, but the only other cable outlet in the entire house is where the tv is, right below my room (yes, theres only two damn cable outlets in the entire house!). At the moment that option is still open, but I would like to stay wired for various reasons. Another option I was thinking is to buy a Hawking directional antenna and set it up outside my room on point A (in picture). According to its description, it improves wireless dramatically so Im thinking this might work. The last idea I have is to buy a repeater and set it up on point B, which is downstars right at the corner of the hallway to the office room. Again, according to the description of the repeater, this option also sounds do-able. I guess what I'm asking is which option is the best? I would like to increase the signal strength to 'Good Signal' at the very least. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated and feel free to suggest other options. Thanks.
 
Cantenna, better antenna, stronger wireless router, move the router a bit closer to computer 1, better client card/antenna for computer 1...
 
Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment. This may not help much, but it might be worth it, just for kicks.

As your entering the room (from the door, facing the window) Try moving the router to the right wall near the window corner. (in\near what looks like a closet)

Probably won't help, but something to keep you busy until somebody more knowledgeable responds 🙂

I honestly have never been too fond of D-Link stuff though.
 
You guys think switching the router to a linksys WAP54GX w/ SRX technology would increase signal ? anybody with that router have any comments to share ?
 
have you by any chance tried pointing the antenna on the router downward sorta in the direction computer 1 is in? Do what JustAnAverageGuy says put the router in the bottom left or right corner of the room(going by the pic). Looks like it would only need to travel through a couple walls and should help allot. If you have it near the door the signal is having to travel through twice as many walls.

nice looking house BTW
 
802.11n is coming out now. It's meant to have 3x the range of 802.11g, and faster transfer rates.

Otherwise, you could try another antenna. Make sure it's bigger than your current one, and is designed for 2.4GHz. If you get one with cable at the end, you can also position it a few meters from the access point, which may be all that is required.

Also, about the repeater, these slow down your network speed, because there is a delay between when they receive the signal and when they re-transmit it. Hopefully, just one wouldnt slow you down noticeably.

Also, have you checked that there aren't any other 2.4GHz interfering with your signal?

RoD
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. I tried moving the router to the corner like suggested above, but to no avail. Next up, I will probably try using a Hawking Antenna and attach that to the router to see if that helps. If not, then I guess I'll build two cantennas or something. Anybody else with any suggestions?
 
I also have crap signal with my DI-524. But.... I'm 2 floors down from the router, so it's no surprise in my case.

You can buy a SMA connector antenna to increase the signal output on the router. I'd suggest trying that, and returning the connector if it's not satisfactory.
 
Always worth playing with device location and antenna orientation. If that still leaves you weak, then pick up a couple of Hawking Technology +6db blade antennas. They're about $30 at Compusa or online.
 
Try attaching the antenna to computer 2 instead of the router. I have a dlink-524 router that constantly gave me 10-25% connectivity. With the antenna i am at 80-100% with no more dropped signals.
 
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