Poor range with USB Network adapter... Any suggestions ?

[imported_spike99]

Hi,

I recently bought D-LINK DIR-855 and USB Adapter DWA-160. The problem is that i have router on first floor and my PC Desktop is on second floor. I bought the USB DWA-160 thinking I would take advantage of 5GHz signal... The USB adapter DWA-160 is showing the following signal strength...

2.4GHz 35%
5GHz 2%

From above I'm not getting that much signal strenght from USB adapter. I am no longer concerned with using the 5GHz signal... just the best signal strength which seems to be the 2.4GHz. In order to improve the signal strength I am now considering buying the Desktop adapter DWA-552 or Wireless Bridge DAP-1522. I imagine I'll get a better signal stregth...

I have worked with D-Link reps to change router configurations and it did not make a difference. Does anyone have any suggestions on what should be by best course in order to get a better signal reception ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JackMDS]

There is No magic Wireless Routers and in many environment one Entry Level Router might Not cut the mustard.

Get a second inexpensive Wireless Router.

Connect it with a wire to the first Router and place it in a better location (like out of the Room in the hallway.

Using a Wireless Router as a switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[n0cmonkey]

Directional antennas might help.

 

[imported_spike99]

Update:

Back home... I have a notebook with an integrated Wi-Fi. When going to the second floor where my desktop is.... The signal strength shows 4 out 5 bars. In other words, the USB adapter DWA-160 sucks big time.

Going back in thinking about replacing USB adapter with desktop adapter DWA-552 or with Wireless Bridge DAP-1522. I do like the idea of the wireless bridge... With the bridge, there's no need to have router in the living room... have router in the second floor and have the bridge on the first floor.

What you guys think ?

 

[spidey07]

You could also make sure the antennas aren't "pointed" at the client. You want to be perpendicular to the antenna, not parallel. Try turning them horizontally as well as changing channels to 1, 6, 11.

A workgroup bridge could work as a router/AP generally has a better radio.

 

[imported_spike99]

Originally posted by: spidey07
You could also make sure the antennas aren't "pointed" at the client. You want to be perpendicular to the antenna, not parallel. Try turning them horizontally as well as changing channels to 1, 6, 11.

A workgroup bridge could work as a router/AP generally has a better radio.

Yes, antenas are perpendicular (standing up) relative to the router. Also, I did try changing channels to various channels and made no difference.

I'm gonna see if I try the Wireless Bridge... and RMA USB adapter.

 

[Fardringle]

Originally posted by: spike99

Originally posted by: spidey07
You could also make sure the antennas aren't "pointed" at the client. You want to be perpendicular to the antenna, not parallel. Try turning them horizontally as well as changing channels to 1, 6, 11.

A workgroup bridge could work as a router/AP generally has a better radio.

Yes, antenas are perpendicular (standing up) relative to the router. Also, I did try changing channels to various channels and made no difference.

I'm gonna see if I try the Wireless Bridge... and RMA USB adapter.

You don't necessarily want the router's antennas perpendicular to the router unless everything is on a flat plane such as a single level house. You want them perpendicular to your computer. Radio signals radiate out in a shape like a donut with the antenna as a line through the center of the hole of the donut, so if the tip of the antenna is pointing toward the client computer, the client won't get a good signal (if any at all). Adjust the antennas so that the flat (long) side of the antenna is facing in the direction you want the signal to be the strongest.


edit: evil typos

 

[imported_spike99]

You don't necessarily want the router's antennas perpendicular to the router unless everything is on a flat plane such as a single level house. You want them perpendicular to your computer. Radio signals radiate out in a shape like a donut with the antenna as a line through the center of the hole of the donut, so if the tip of the antenna is pointing toward the client computer, the client won't get a good signal (if any at all). Adjust the antennas so that the flat (long) side of the antenna is facing in the direction you want the signal to be the strongest.

OK, I see what you mean... I'll make change when I'm home later this after noon and check... But, I really don't think it will make a difference.... If my notebook can pick up the signal, then the USB Adapter should also pick up the signal.

 

[USAFdude02]

Originally posted by: spike99
OK, I see what you mean... I'll make change when I'm home later this after noon and check... But, I really don't think it will make a difference.... If my notebook can pick up the signal, then the USB Adapter should also pick up the signal.

I agree...that USB adapter should not be getting that crappy of a signal. RMA it...what is the loss except for time. I used 2 different ones when I was hooking up a family members wireless because signal strength varied greatly at the same place in the house.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: spike99

You don't necessarily want the router's antennas perpendicular to the router unless everything is on a flat plane such as a single level house. You want them perpendicular to your computer. Radio signals radiate out in a shape like a donut with the antenna as a line through the center of the hole of the donut, so if the tip of the antenna is pointing toward the client computer, the client won't get a good signal (if any at all). Adjust the antennas so that the flat (long) side of the antenna is facing in the direction you want the signal to be the strongest.

OK, I see what you mean... I'll make change when I'm home later this after noon and check... But, I really don't think it will make a difference.... If my notebook can pick up the signal, then the USB Adapter should also pick up the signal.

If you antennas aren't aligned properly then it would make perfect sense that the laptop works well and the USB doesn't.

 

[imported_spike99]

Update,

After adjusting the antennas to be straight, to the side... etc... It made no difference. Actually, after adjusting the antenna to be straight it made it much worse...

Forget it !!! RMA'ing USB adapter... I decided to try DAP-1522

 

[imported_spike99]

Update:

I received DAP-1522... It was a nightmare to setup but I got it working now... I had to escalate to level 3 (3 different tech guys) with D-Link tech support.

Signal strength is as follows
2.4 GHz 60%
5 GHz 52%

I would have liked a better reception but it's much better than 35% I was getting with USB adapter.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Originally posted by: spike99
Update:

I received DAP-1522... It was a nightmare to setup but I got it working now... I had to escalate to level 3 (3 different tech guys) with D-Link tech support.

Signal strength is as follows
2.4 GHz 60%
5 GHz 52%

I would have liked a better reception but it's much better than 35% I was getting with USB adapter.

USB wireless cards are notoriously bad in my experience