Wireless range help needed

[lybush]

I am using a Belkin F5D6230-3 820.11b wireless Router with my PC
and a Dell Notebook, for Internet access and a network between the systems.
Works great within my residence. However, if I move the Laptop into the
attached garage or go outside to the corner of the residence reception is zero!
At the door next to the garage from the house, the reception is fair
but as soon as I go through the wooden door to the garage, reception goes to zero.
The Laptop uses a cardbus Type II card. I was using a different router
which worked fine in my house but since it wouldn't reach the garage which
is only about 30 - 40 ft away, I thought maybe if I changed routers,
it would work better. So, I got the new Belkin. Reception is exactly the same
as it was with the older router.

I've heard about some special antennas that can extend the range, but I
don't understand how they connect. There is a TRENDnet TEW-IA04O for about $35
antenna that I heard about but don't know enough about it to be certain
that it would cure the problem.

Do you think if I substituted a USB wireless adapter for the Cardbus adapter
in the Laptop that would give me better range?

Anyway, I would appreciate and advice that can give me better reception
at a minimal additional cost.

Thanks,

Len

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

 

[lybush]

Thanks, Jack for your advice.

I read the 'link' and it sounds like there is a solution there.
Now, I'll have to determine my best course of action.

Len

 

[Kenazo]

would the TEW-IA04O work with your router? It's an omni-directional indoor antennae, might be just what you need.

 

[JackMDS]

About External Antenna

First make sure that your device has a Removable Antenna.

Antennae Capacity is measured by gain in dbi.

Most consumer Wireless Router come with 2 or 2.2 dbi Antennae (check yours).

If you buy an External Antenna buy one that is 5.5dbi and more. (The above mentioned Antenna is only 4dbi).

There is no one type of plug that connects the Antenna to the Wireless Device.

Most OEM Antennas are sold with a plug that probably will not match your device. In such a case you need a ?Pigtail? with is a short Cable with two connectors that interface between the Antenna in you device.

Since External Antennae, Coax Extension cables, and Pigtails are not sold in huge numbers their price is relatively high.

Before you buy any part evaluate the total cost, at times it might be cheaper to buy a second Wireless unit or upgrade to 802.11g rather than to upgrade to External Antenna.

 

[lybush]

Thanks for the information.

My Router has two antenna, so if I change one will that mess it up?

Anyway, I do have another wireless router, but I don't know how to set it up receive and resend the signal. This one just has one antenna as a plug in card and one port for a wired network or a connection to a NIC in a PC. That is the router I first used and thought it was not powerful eneough so I got the 'two antenna' one. BUt, the range is the same with each.

I could just plug it in and leave it in the kitchen but what would go to the Lan/NIC port, if anything?

Thanks,

Len

 

[ktwebb]

Two antennas are used to help with multipath. Diversity antennas toggle back and forth. It's best, if your going to use an aftermarket antenna, that your AP has a setting to use only one antenna, left or right depending on which post you use for the add-on antenna. You can still use both. If you do it's best to leave the antennas within a couple feet of each other. In other words, don't get a long pigtail.

 

[lybush]

Thanks for the response and the useful information.

Since I have a second unused Wireless Router, I would like to use it as a 'repeater' if possible, if I knew how to do it.

Len

 

[ktwebb]

Check your manual but no Router/AP combo's repeat that I know of. Same with bridging although I think there is firmware that will allow a combo unit to bridge, so perhaps there is one/are some that will repeat as well. I'd doubt it however. If you want to use the second device to extend your wireless coverage, you will almost certainly be running cable to it to uplink the integrated switch.

 

[lybush]

Thanks.


I'm glad you told me that it is probably hopeless to expect my router/ap to be a repeater, so I'll keep looking for the correct solution.

Len