How to extend the range of my 802.11b network?

[Fis]

I have 4 PCs sharing a cable modem using 802.11b. It works fine for 3 of them but the one that's farthest from the access point works less than 50% of the time. It is completely impossible to connect this particular location via hard wire as it is on the other side of a cinder block wall.

I saw this item and was wondering if it would solve my problems. I downloaded the product manual from D-Link to check it out and it wasn't really clear, because it acts as a 'repeater' as well as an access point. The instructions say to plug it into my router but how will that help? Wouldn't I position this somewhere between the router and the PC? Is it a problem if my equipment isn't D-Link?

Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

This item can be configured as an Access Point or a Repeater.

It is a good price, since it is a refurb. (Make sure that it has warrantee and it is returnable).

BTW. In repeater Mode the Bandwidth gets cut into half past the Repeater.

Read the following pages and make sure to choose the best solution for your specific situation.

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

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

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / SOHO Network.

:sun:

 

[sjgmoney]

Perhaps another wireless router would be a cheaper alternative to a WAP. I think Jack's site has a section on that.

 

[Fis]

Perhaps another wireless router would be a cheaper alternative

Not sure I understand how that would work as a 2nd router or access point has to be connected via cable to the router or cable modem, right?

The D-Link device seems to be available for $30-$35 on eBay. I may just take the plunge and give that a shot.

 

[jjyiz28]

Originally posted by: Fis

Perhaps another wireless router would be a cheaper alternative

Not sure I understand how that would work as a 2nd router or access point has to be connected via cable to the router or cable modem, right?

The D-Link device seems to be available for $30-$35 on eBay. I may just take the plunge and give that a shot.

you cannot setup a wireless router to act as a repeater, only an AP can do that, or is this case a dedicated repeater product

 

[Fis]

you cannot setup a wireless router to act as a repeater, only an AP can do that, or is this case a dedicated repeater product

Now you have me intrigued. I do have an extra wireless AP. It's a Uniden model I got free after rebate somewhere. Can this be used as a repeater?

 

[jjyiz28]

Originally posted by: Fis

you cannot setup a wireless router to act as a repeater, only an AP can do that, or is this case a dedicated repeater product

Now you have me intrigued. I do have an extra wireless AP. It's a Uniden model I got free after rebate somewhere. Can this be used as a repeater?

most likely, go to your webconfiguration of your AP and you should be able to set the mode to it

AP, bridge, multi bridge, wireless client, and repeater are teh modes you can set it to

 

[Cogman]

another simple solution is to get a stronger antana for the AP or the clients

 

[Fis]

Originally posted by: Cogman
another simple solution is to get a stronger antana for the AP or the clients

I like that idea, but where? I've never seen them for sale. The client with the reception problem is a Belkin 802.11b PCI card. Are there stronger antennas that will work? Are they expensive?

Thanks so much everybody.

 

[jjyiz28]

Originally posted by: Fis

Originally posted by: Cogman
another simple solution is to get a stronger antana for the AP or the clients

I like that idea, but where? I've never seen them for sale. The client with the reception problem is a Belkin 802.11b PCI card. Are there stronger antennas that will work? Are they expensive?

Thanks so much everybody.

buying a stronger antenae will give you very very little improvements if any if the AP is not powered. there is a better wording for it instead of "not powered" but i forgot exactly. most AP are unpowered, but you are able to get a powered one for most AP out there, but i forgot the website to it.

http://support.dlink.com/products/


here are some antenae's, but remember it is useless if you AP is unpowered which it most likely is. most powered AP are too expensive i believe. i could get allthe imformation when i go back to work at dlink

 

[jjyiz28]

ok you would need to get a standalone amplifier for your AP

at hyperlinktech.com

its runs in the hundreds of dollars. Dlink does not sell any AP with a built in amplifier. once you have an amplifier, buying an antennae will boost your signal pretty good. but no amplifier, then buying an antennae is worthless.

 

[Garion]

Two thoughts here..

WIFI PCI cards generally stink. They put the antenna too close to the ground, you don't have flexibility to move it around and to aim it to a place with better reception, etc. This assumes, of course, that your PCI card has a built-in antenna that you can't mess with, other than changing the angle a bit.

You might consider heading to a solid electronics store that has a good return policy and picking up a USB WIFI adaptor and a USB extension cord. Move it around, fiddle with the angle, and see where you get a decent signal. If it doesn't work or you're not happy with it, return it.

If it's still too far off, you can consider buying some kind of directional antenna for your PCI card (if it supports it) and aim it at your router, which should do the trick. If you're a resourceful person, you can also try and use that USB wifi adapter and build yourself a spider strainer parabolic antenna or something similar (think metal bowl from the dollar store with a hole cut and the USB antenna stuck into it!) Be creative, have some fun with it, practice those math skills you learned in migh school, try something interesting!

- G

 

[Fis]

Originally posted by: Garion
You might consider heading to a solid electronics store that has a good return policy and picking up a USB WIFI adaptor and a USB extension cord.

I never would have considered this. I always thought USB adapters would deliver the worst performance. You think this will do a better job than getting a repeater?

 

[Garion]

Very possibly. A repeater cuts performance in half, whereas a USB 2.0 dongle can easily transfer the 11+Mb/s of 802.11b. It's certainly worth a shot!

- G

 

[Fis]

Based on this advice, I picked up a PCI card today that had a longer antenna instead of the small fixed one on my previous model. Worked like a charm! Getting solid throughput just from being able to move the antenna about two feet to the right. Best of all, the new card was free after rebate from Staples. Thanks to all who posted here for the inspiration.