Using dd-wrt router as a signal booster?

[wctkdman]

Hi, I was wondering if I could use my dd-wrt'ed router to boost a wifi signal that is near my home. I live in an apartment that is really close to my school campus and it's wifi internet. I was wondering if I could use my router to boost and receive the signal so that I could use the campus internet on my laptop at home. My laptop antenna sucks and hi speed internet is really really expensive where I'm at, so would this work?

 

[ForumMaster]

i know that some routers can be used (with the appropiate firmware hack) to extend a wi-fi network's signal. there are plenty of devices on the market that do this and you can also consider getting a mimo card for the laptop.

 

[Cloud Strife]

You need to set up WDS under the wireless configuration tab. WDS doesn't always work for me, so I just set up the router as a client and use a wired connection to my laptop/desktop.

 

[Madwand1]

You could try using your DD-WRT'd router as a wireless client using its "client bridge" mode, and then connect using a LAN cable to your laptop.

The WRT54g can take add-on antennae, and also boost its own output, although that might be overkill. It's a two-way problem -- better positioning, antennae, and radio smarts are the best solutions; amplification of weak incoming signals is not all that viable; amplification can be used for the output side, but even then better antennae, etc., would generally be preferable.

You could also try the parabolic antennae tricks -- even with your existing NIC.

http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/

Note however that wireless is an ever-changing problem. You could solve it once only to be blown away by a neighbour doing the same thing with an over-powered WRT, etc..

 

[ArizX]

I had the exact same problem. I live in a hotel right across from campus and couldn't pick up the wireless. I went to best buy and bought this

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/pro...detail.php?productid=118&categoryid=29

It was a little bit pricy and a bit of a pain to set up, but once I got it working I got a stable connection and cable/dsl quality speed.