Extending Wifi Range . . . . Please help

[digitizer123]

I live in a big house and can only get signals from my Dlink router only in 25% of the house and even then it's not that storng unless I am in the next room. I see devices and antenae that will increase reception, that won't help me cause I will be buying 6 of them for all my pcs in different rooms. For a while I actually paid an extra $65 a month for a second internet connection. There must be an easy/economical way to extend the range. I would also like to be able to just take my notebook in the garden and work. Extending the signal range is the only logical option. What is the most economical way to extend my WIFI network - I will even consider buying a new router if it doesn't cost me too much. The signal must be able to reach a computer 150 feet away through wall.
Thanks . . . .

 

[JackMDS]

I would start with one good High Power 802.11g unit.

Currently you best bet is to buy one Buffalo High power,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162134

Install Netstumbler http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads on a Laptop and evaluate the coverage, if needed buy an additional Regular Buffalo Wireless Router and use it as WDS (or Access Point via one cable).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162173

Otherwise, the best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Environment.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

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

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

 

[digitizer123]

Thanks a lot Jack . . . Very valuable info for me. I think I am going to start by replacing the router first according to your advise and then look into extending the signal if that fails. My current router is an old D-link 11.b - Am I currect in assuming that I have a good possibility of getting a signal strong enough to reach my furthest pc about 150 feet away through 4 walls with this Buffelo router??? Thanks a lot ance again.

 

[nweaver]

the best/easiest thing would be to run a couple of wires and put multiple AP's in the house.

 

[imported_GLO]

you could also try fitting a 9dbi Rubber Ducky antenna!

Couple that with a DD-WRT enabled Broadcom wireless router such as Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 and increase the power from 14-16mW to 50mW.