What is the best router to buy to use to extend my wifi network under ~$50?

[dmpp2]

I currently have the DIR-655 router.

I find that when I'm in the backyard the signal is non-existant, so I want to put in a second device to extend the network.

Some key considerations:
It is NOT an option to move my existing device.
I also cannot run a network cable.
I want to run it as an N 300 network, but I will settle for G or N 150
I don't care if it

On boxing day I bought a DIR-615 rev C firmware 3.10, but I cannot get it to work. I have the ability to buy a DIR-615 rev C firmware 3.01 but I'm not sure if that firmware will let me set it up.

Anyone have thoughts?

 

[JackMDS]

Welcome to AnandTech Forums.

No cable means Powerline Network, or WDS.

Powerline/Wireless concoction is too expensive for your budget.

I do not know if your current Router can be part of WDS.

I.e., you might need two new Routers.

WDS in general.

You start with One affordable Router that can Do WDS (the reason for the WDS support is in case you need to add more Wireless hardware).

If you are lucky and your environment is conducive to get covered with one Wireless Router you are done.

Routers that can do WDS as is are old by (Buffalo,Zyxel, SMC, Belkin, and some others have models that do WDS as is out of the Box ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Distribution_System ).

Linksys WRT54GL, and Asus, 520GU can do WDS when flashed with DD-WRT firmware ( http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page ).

Best outcome would probably be using two of these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162134

Using a Laptop loaded with Netstumbler, do a Wireless survey in the house, http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

According to the Netstumbler's signal strength reading, identify spots that have strong signal. and spot with weak, or No signal.

Evaluate how you can cover the space and start placing WDS units.

Additional Wireless Routers in WDS Mode (Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) has to be placed in spots were the signal is good about Half way to the dead spots.

How many WDS units are needed? It depends on your specific environment (that is a good the reason to buying WDS units one at the time, try it, and decide on the Next step).

Otherwise.

Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html

 

[Emulex]

pair of WRT54GL should do the trick with dd-wrt and WDS.

keep in mind WDS is not speed. it is double slow.

the lower your symbol rate for a given power output/bandwidth the farther the distance. most long haulers drop their symbol rate way down to 1megabit.

you are kidding yourself if you think you'll get 150/300megabit N over long distance

 

[wwswimming]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124190

would this work ?

$55, free shipping

" LINKSYS WRT54GL IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless-G Broadband Router - Retail"