Using a Wireless Bridge for Internet Access

[secretid2142]

My goal is to provide internet access to 4 computers that are in a remote location with internet access using a wireless bridge. I purchased this wireless bridge. It is a Buffalo wireless G mimo bridge(ethernet converter). I also have a this router that is providing internet access is a Belkin wireless G+ router.

The bridge sits in a window sill on the second floor overlooking another building an estimated 50-75 feet away. The router is in this building on the oposite side of the wall that the bridge overlooks. The signal should only have to pass through the window that the bridge is sitting next to and the wall that the router is behind. There are some computers nearby to the router but they are at least 2 ft. away they were off during this test so I don't think they are causing my problem.

Though these are both G+ devices I did not expect to see the full 108mbit that they claim. However the actual results that I am seeing are less than desirable. The bridge says that it is connected at 100% signal strength at 36 mbit. Over this short of a distance I would expect to see 54 mbit with at least 80% signal strength.

36mbit isn't bad however, there is still a problem. When I run a internet speed test on a computer that is hardwired to the router I can get close to 10 mbit download speed(the lines capacity). However if I run an internet speedtest at close to the same time on the wireless connection the most I will ever see is 5mbit download and that is rare. I see 3mbit download speeds on average. Also my upload gets destroyed over the wireless connection. I only see 2mbit at the highest as opposed to 10mbit on the hardwire connection.

I have done everything I can think of to fix the problem. The wireless is on an unused channel and I have tried to eliminate other forms of interference.

Thanks in advance

-Dave

 

[spidey07]

that's the nature of wireless. You don't get anywhere near the "connected at" rates. not even close.

you could just have a lot of noise.

 

[ch33zw1z]

What's wrong with 5mbps/2mbps over a wireless bridge from close to 75ft away with pretty much no signal loss?
what are the remote computers doing that is so network intensive that the speeds aren't enough?

If it's private property and you have the time, you can try running a cable from one house to the other.
-Cat5e or Cat6, both can be run for 100meters and provide Gb ethernet if you have the equipment.
-Fiber can go much farther than that and provides data security also. However, the price for average consumer makes it the second choice unless you have that much $ to spend.

just an fyi: the advertised 108mbps only works when using same brand router+nic as well as using the software that comes with it.

 

[secretid2142]

Is it possible to reach an actual 10 mbit up 10mbit down connection on wireless?

Is it worth shelling out the cash for N or would a waveguide antenna be a better option?

We have 4 bandwidth intensive users and we would really like the ability to recieve a full 10 mbit both ways over the wireless conection. I have access to both the router and the bridge however wireing the connection wouldn't be possible.

 

[ch33zw1z]

When it says it's connected at 36mbps, it means up/down. LAN connections 99% of the time state up/down as the same. I'd still say go with the hardwired if possible, what you have going is ok but that antenna couldn't hurt. N is still new, you may want to give it some time.

 

[spidey07]

loiok up Yagi directional antenna. That could help.

also try changing channels and retest.

also make sure that both ends are running in bridge mode only (no clients)

 

[secretid2142]

Do you think a Buffalo(same brand) mimo g+ router would help significantly? Also I've heard of alot of different options in terms of routers such as the linksys wrt54g that you can flash to give it better range. Does anyone think any of these options would be worth while?

 

[nweaver]

set the bridge in a window, so you have true LOS between the devices (or move an antenna at least)

You would be VERY hard pressed to see full 10Mb/s over G wireless.

 

[secretid2142]

Would having matching brand G+ MIMO equiptment help us get significantly closer to our goal... or would anyone recomend building a homebrew cantenna to connect to the bridge?

 

[secretid2142]

I am still having problems with getting good transfer rates over the wireless connection. I think I have found the optimal positioning where my bridge gets a claimed 36 mbit. However moving either the router or the bridge a fraction of an inch decreases the maximum bandwidth thouroput down to 24 mbit. However this is not actually 24 mbit it all but kills my connection bringing actual speeds down to 3-4 hundred kilobit on the 10 mbit line.

I don't know what my next upgrade should be. I'm thinking of building a waveguide antenna however I'm still researching this idea. Im not sure it it is the best solution.