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Can I extend the range of my wireless network?

MichaelD

MichaelD

Lifer
I have a US Robotics 9108 Wireless Gateway/ADSL Modem. Link to 9108 product page. I think it's a nice piece of gear.

The Modem is operating in Access Point mode (it can also operate in bridge mode...I'm not too smart on these things) and works very well.

The issue is that the modem is located in my office which is in the back of the apartment. My wireless signal in the living room is very weak to non-existent depending on where in the room you are sitting. My apartment has really thick concrete walls and ceilings and the signal dies very quickly outside the office. I've tried orienting the built-in antenna every which way and it doesn't seem to make any difference. I'm running the modem in "MaxG mode" which is the 54MB/s mode...the fastest AFAIK.

How can I extend the wireless signal?

Would something like this Range Extender be the best answer? Or is this "super antenna" a better/just as good but cheaper idea?

Data sheet on all the USR range extender antennas.

Is there another (better) way?

Thanks for your time.
 
Super antenna worked great for me. It improved the strength of my signal to my kid's room 8X. Not bad for a $15 investment. The range extender was more expensive, and despite the salesman's recommendation at Fry's, I went for the cheaper antenna knowing I could return it if needed. But it works just fine.
 
You could buy a cheap router like the Buffalo WHR-G54S and configure it to work as a repeater. Directional antennas reduce the signal strength in directions other than they are pointed to.
 
Thanks very much guys. I guess the question now is "Which one works better?" I.E. spending more money and getting a repeater/another router to act as a repeater, or the antenna?

I'm not too worried about reduced directionality; the living room is the only other room besides the office that I use the laptop in. If I happen to be sitting in the office w/the laptop, I'm sure it'll pickup the signal even from the directional antenna.

The problem is apartment; it's built like a bomb shelter, and signals don't go very far.
 
Is there a "standard instruction set" or methodology for making a wireless router into a repeater? Do you have to set up the SSID/encryption method/keys/etc on it?
 
Thanks, Jack. Nice link. I'll definitely check out the Buffalo router since they seem to be very highly recommended most places I've looked. Having them recommended by you is a "must buy" IMO. Cheers. :beer:
 
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