Wireless network range (through ceiling), need some advice

[SpeedyGonzales]

Hi guys,

I want to set up a wireless network, mainly to share the DSL access at home. I am in favour of the Netgear MR314/MA101. However there is one problem:

The AP/Router will be on the ground floor and the main receiver on the second floor. It is not more than 10-12m, but with 2 ceilings (made from concrete) between them. Do I have a chance to get a reasonable (2-3Mbit should be enough) bandwidth or can the wireless LANs not go through 2 walls/ceilings ?

Of course I can buy and test/return it, but maybe somebody already tried it before...

Thanks for any advice
Cheers
Speedy

 

[JackMDS]

12 meters and two concrete ceilings I doubt (concreter ceiling usually have metal grid inside to reinforce them).

I am not familiar with the Netgear, but if you buy hardware with removable Antenna, and put the Antenna out of the Windows may be you will get connection.

Or may be just put the Hardware that you have very close to a Window.

In the U.S.A I would say, buy it from a Megastore with liberal return policy. Try it and if does not work return.

However I am not familiar with the German's Retail condition.

Good Luck.

Jack

 

[SpeedyGonzales]

Hm,

I share your doubts, to be honest. Two ceilings made from concrete is probably too much (and yes there are metal grids in it, as usual). Return policies vary from vendor to vendor, but I think it should be no prob to find one, that allows returning the stuff, but I think, if the wireless LAN will not work anyway, it will be better to invest a bit into cabeling.

I will wait a bit longer, maybe some more people have experience with wireless LANs in such conditions. If not I will draw some network cables through one of these pipes (the ones for the telephone line). Never done that before, but maybe I find somebody to help me.

Thanks for your input
Speedy

 

[Tallgeese]

In my experience, you won't get any connectivity through the concrete...but might get some signal spread if you can get the AP close to a major transition point between floors (a stairwell is your best hope).

 

[Soybomb]

I've shot through one concrete ceiling with no problem, I'm not sure if I could do another though. Couldn't hurt to try.

 

[rw120555]

Cabeling would be quite nice, if you can pull it off. You'll have faster and more reliable connections between your machines. Plus, you could always add wireless access points to your wired backbone if, say, you got a laptop later.

If both cable and wireless prove unfeasible or unworkable, consider powerline or phoneline as alternatives. I have phoneline and am happy with it, but it would be nicer still if we could easily cable connect everything.

 

[ScottMac]

Radio @ 2.4 gig doesn't penetrate much if anything (certainly not construction materials). Signals at 2.4Gig BOUNCE like a mother ... it's just the way they are. If you have a reasonable path between the two endpoints, you have a pretty decent chance of getting some signal through at a usable strength.

Just try to eliminate any biological material in the path (plants/trees/vegitation eat VHF + freqs), hard flat surfaces are the best for the bounce. Textured surfaces tend to scatter the waves (scatter is bad).

There's no way to know without doing a survey. Probably your best bet would be to get the stuff from somewhere with a decent return policy and try it out.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[SpeedyGonzales]

thx guys,

I will do it parallel. I have asked somebody to help me with the cabeling (but it will take 1 or 2 weeks before he has time), but I will try to get the wireless router with a good return policy. I will keep you posted. Any other opinions are appreciated.

Speedy

 

[Pilsnerpete]

Here's something to get you started while you're waiting for your buddy! Try this and maybe one of these!! Hehehh..