Will a good G router fix my crappy B network?

[Todd33]

I have a Netgear 802.11B router. I had some issues with visiting relatives, they had all kinds of problems getting on the network and I had very weak signal just going downstairs. Are there any good G router with better signal strength? I was think of Lynksys or D-Link. Do the double antenna router perform better at a distance?

I have no G devices yet.

 

[Wizkid]

You may wish to relocate your router to better service your entire house. Where is now?

 

[Transition]

The Linksys WRT54G is a very popular G router w/ hackable firmware. Although, you should follow Wizkid's advice and make sure your device is in an area where the signal propagates well.

 

[Todd33]

It's in an upstairs bedroom where the DSL modem and computer is. I want to leave my main rig plugged in so moving is not really an option.

How well do G networks get along with B equipment?

 

[mordantmonkey]

i don't know of any g routers that don't support b as well, though i'm sure there are somewhere. but if you don't have any g devices then your G router won't change anything. to get the G speed you'd have to have a G wireless card. some people have said that using b and g devices, that is one pc with a g card and one with a b card, thus transmitting both will slow down the whole network. don't know if there is any truth to this... i only have g.

as for which brands/models have the best range.. i'd like to know myself

 

[compso]

Random helpful thoughts (mini blog):

Good brands 2wire, orinoco, www.cantenna.com, the linksys extended range antennas, I recommend a Linksys WRT54G and WUSB54G for desktop or WPC54G for notebook. Also get 1 Linksys range extender eventually, just has to be plugged in. You could use POE (power over ethernet) adapters too. Transition did a sick install using 2 of them in a server rack or something and they seem sweet; can't wait to use them; maybe he can enlighten us to how they work 🙂

additions:

HGA7S = model of the Linksys High Gain Antenna for SMA type connectors
WRE54G = model of the Linksys Wireless Range Extender works with your WLAN now and in the future
HGA7T = model of the Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors

Makes me wish I knew the difference between SMA and TNC connectors in my head. Anyone know?

 

[JackMDS]

If your 802.11b is really "crappy" (i.e. bad hardware) then 802.11g might help.

If it is Not performing well because fn the envioroment, or because of your lack of knowledge, then you would waste your money.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

:sun:

 

[Philippine Mango]

Wireless just sucks period, go wired or have them use the computer really close. I've used wireless and yes it's nice at cafe's but otherwise it just really sucks, I get disconnected at random times and a PITA to deal with. Yes I am currently on wireless right now in my house but I'm less than 20 feet from the router and sometimes I get random disconnects, I would so much rather be on a wired network (got some CAT5e cables and plan to install them).

 

[ktwebb]

" Wireless just sucks period"

Spoken out of ignorance. Get good hardware and know what your doing. That's just about all it takes.

 

[Todd33]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
If your 802.11b is really "crappy" (i.e. bad hardware) then 802.11g might help.

If it is Not performing well because fn the envioroment, or because of your lack of knowledge, then you would waste your money.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

:sun:

Thanks for the link. I think my problem is just weak signal going from upstairs to downstairs. I think 802.11n will fix my problem according to the pre-N reviews. I'll just sit this round out and wait for N.

 

[Devistater]

I second the recommendation for linksys wrt54g or gs. Those are GREAT. They also have adjustable transmission power. I know of some people who have used the linksys on a 6km link (roughly 3 miles).

BTW, something I didn't notice others mentioning. Directly above and directly below a router are the WORST spots to receive a wireless signal. If you use the rooms right below then thats one reason why you have a crappy signal. Consider standing the router up on its top or bottom edge or wall mounting, or moving the antennas around if they are adjustable.

 

[compso]

I've never heard of signal being bad directly above or below a router. John Hinds, teacher of some A+ classess I took at COM IVC said the radio waves that emit from the antennas take the shape of spheres or concentric circles that balloon outwards. I can see being below the antennas could be a bad spot but not on top. Devistater is right, you should mount your router using a Linksys SM01 (eBay) or Device Works Cable-Safe (www.cable-safe.com). 802.11n sounds cool.

 

[Devistater]

Originally posted by: compso
I've never heard of signal being bad directly above or below a router. John Hinds, teacher of some A+ classess I took at COM IVC said the radio waves that emit from the antennas take the shape of spheres or concentric circles that balloon outwards. I can see being below the antennas could be a bad spot but not on top. Devistater is right, you should mount your router using a Linksys SM01 (eBay) or Device Works Cable-Safe (www.cable-safe.com). 802.11n sounds cool.

Well what I'm thinking is that its shaped like those spheres from a microphone pickup. The worst place for the microphone to pickup sound is behind it. I do know pretty sure directly below is bad, and I've heard directly above, but thats more anecdotal.

 

[Kelemvor]

The signal range from a wireless router is like a squished sphere. It goes out much farther horizontally than it does vertically. Usually you can get coverage 1 floor above and 1 floor below where the router is but I wouldn't count on more than that. I have my Netgrear MR814 B router in the ceiling of my basement and it works fine. I normally use it sititng almost directly on top of the router and it works great...