Wireless router range ?

[bambam]

I am looking purchasing at wireless DSL router but need to know which brands / models have the best range. I have seen claims ranging for 300-1500 feet . I need the higher end or slightly better. - Thanks

 

[cipher00]

I like my SMC 7004AWBR. Nothing near 1500', though. Are you going through walls, using laptops or other means of linking, etc?

 

[JackMDS]

This is an example of what SMC claims.

SMC Networks 802.11b Wireless Products Maximum Distance Table

Most of Modern homes contain wall insulation with Aluminum Foil Cover, as well as metal screens, appliances etc.

In the office, metal desks, file cabinets, shelves, etc.

Out Side there is trees, shrubs, wires, etc.

Most people are not aware of the importance of Antenna positioning, and install them in "bad" places.

So, in the real world the range is much less.

As sad as it may sound, the "Real" range is 30% of what SMC's table claims.

Take a look here:

Wireless Networking Reference - Antennas / Range Boosting.

 

[Eug]

Netgear access point on 2nd floor of townhouse in home office - lots of equipment and crap in that room. Laptop with Netgear wireless card.

I am using the laptop right now one floor down in the living room. I can game on this signal.

Laptop works on patio one floor up (on roof). Great signal too.

Laptop also works in garage 2 floors down while I'm sitting in my car (not a convertible 😉). Mediocre to poor signal.

Laptop does not work out front door 1 floor down. It works across the street out back just barely, in line of sight of the window of the home office. However, as soon as I lose line of sight, I lose the signal. (Lots of brick buildings around.)

I betcha if I had the access point outside though with the laptop outside, with nothing around and no walls, I'd get several hundred feet.

So the real world indoor range is much less than any of the companies claim. Even 30% is optimistic, and my setup is considered one of the more robust ones.