Improving wireless signals across floors

[lykaon78]

I use a Linksys wireless-G WRT54G router in my 2nd floor office and I am having signal strength issues to the 1st floor family room on the opposite side of the house. Both me and my wife use laptops in this room.

I am considering a couple solutions to solve the problem and would like some feedback or alternate suggestions. My options are:

1) Hard wire a new access point to a more suitable location.
Approximate cost: $80
Pros: Probably the most reliable option
Cons: Time spent wiring an concealing the new connection

2) Buy this wireless range expander.
Approximate cost: $80
Pros: No hard wiring
Cons: Sketchy reviews and reliabilty also difficulty with set-up

3) Try one of these high gain attenna to improve the signal strength.
Approximate cost: $40
Pros: No wiring, cheaper
Cons: I've read reviews that this doesn't help with floor to floor issues.



Any suggestions or opinions from you AT networking gurus?

 

[boxed]

Im currently having hte same problem. I don't know why but for some reason my dell wireless card is weak! or my route sucks(i have the same router as lykaon78 except i have the speedbooster)! i can't get a good signal when im out in my lanai working out. which is right under my dad's room. I use his Mac laptop out there and it works great...


do you think by just changing my current Dell Wireless 1390b/g (54Mbps) card to a Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g would help get the range it needs?

 

[skyking]

My observations with my dell with the intel wireless? it does kick ass on other other lappies, sitting right next to mine. That could explain your dad's MAC working and yours not working in the same spot.

OP:it is really worth it to relocate the wireless access point to the most logical point. Nothing will compare to having it properly sited.

 

[spidey07]

There is no reason why your wireless access point cannot go through a few walls.

Change your channel to 1, 6, 11. signal quality is much, much more important than the number of bars you get.

 

[boxed]

well its just for nights when i have t work out...lol i do like being online while i workout..take that extra 1min of break inbetween hahah...

but the router is in my room! so for the most part..i have EXCELLENT connection when im not downstairs

its just that...i SHOULDA got the intel pro wireless card...not the pos dell wireless 1390

 

[boxed]

i have the router set at 6 already...

should i try 11?...

 

[jlazzaro]

try 11, then 1. those are the only 3 non-overlapping wireless g frequencies.

http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsSe...e8-a699-cb8e4676874f1033.mspx?mfr=true

 

[nweaver]

actually, I like the 1390 better (iirc) isn't that the Atheros based card?


I would try changing channels, then do option 1

 

[lykaon78]

OP here: Bump - would like more opinions.

 

[kehi]

You guys with version 1-4 wrt54g routers can try either of these firmwares to boost the output power of the router.

http://www.thibor.co.uk/

http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato

 

[ForumMaster]

the access point sounds like the best idea. however, try this first. this a cheap way to boost your signal by 9-12db. you can concentrate the signal upstairs.

 

[c3p0]

I have a similar setup to what you have described. My WRT54g is located in the basement of my house. My office is on the second floor of my house. I have excellent signal strength in my upstairs office. Try relocating your router a few feet either way. Also, in addition to changing channels play with the antenna orientation. If none of that helps you might try one of the 3rd party firmwares. And if none of that helps, then you might try either option 1 or 2. I have used the high gain antennas before with very little or no improvement.

c3p0
:beer:

 

[JackMDS]

Under such a situation, there are three options.

1. You do "eni mini minie moe" and try any of the one mentioned in your OP, and hoped for the best.

2. You lay a cable to about half of the way to an open space in the hallway and put an additional Access Point (or Wireless Router acting as an Access Point. ( Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point ).

Option 2 would work for sure.:thumbsup:

Option 3. You buy a unit that can do WDS put it in the middle and give it a try.

Does not work well, the same unit can be used as option 2.

:sun:

P.S. The Logic 101 that I took 40 years ago is still in working.

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
the access point sounds like the best idea. however, try this first. this a cheap way to boost your signal by 9-12db. you can concentrate the signal upstairs.

I've put that on my WRT54G. it works great. I also must admit I use one of the modded firmware to boost signal stregth a bit too.