Increasing range of wireless LAN

[Kremlar]

Trying to setup a wireless LAN here. Office is divided into 2 parts. There's Cat 5 cable run throughout, but we have a couple of users we need to roam easily with their laptops between the 2 offices. Not a great distance between the 2, but 1 access point will not provide the range needed for both parts.

We can drop a 802.11g access point (I typically prefer Netgear) at one half of the office, but how is it best to extend the wireless LAN to the other half of the office?

I know D-Link sells an extender:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=18

It seems pretty cool, just repeating the signal of an existing access point or router. However, this is 802.11b. Plus I prefer Netgear.

Most importantly, I want this to be seamless. I'd rather not have the user have to disconnect/reconnect or refresh anything when walking between the 2 sides of the office. Would 2 802.11g access points be seamless, or is there a better solution?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[spidey07]

Two access points would provide the coverage you're looking for.

I don't know how well the cheap stuff handles "roaming" though. The roaming is hopping on and off different access points seamlessly.

 

[Dowfen]

I don't know what your budget is, but there are several access points on Netgear's site that say they support roaming (8011b). I would check each access point and do some more research. But 2 access points would be your easiest solution.

Eric

 

[JackMDS]

Generally speaking.

Putting good external Antenna, or and finding an optimal positioning for the Wireless Hardware can improve somewhat the range.

Otherwise as mentioned above more Wireless hardware (in form of Access Point, and or repeaters) have to be added.

More info here.

Link: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point ? What should I get?

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

 

[ktwebb]

AP on each side. Repeater would be pointless since you have drops throughout the space. Forget about repeating. You might get away with a single AP and a high gain omni. You'd have to test to be sure but it's worth a shot. Even the high end gear can struggle with roaming but if you want to ensure the best wireless experience you might try looking at Proxim's website and their 802.11g gear. You get what you pay for. I'd recommend Cisco as well but they aren't offering G yet and generally, for what your needs sound like (a few users) it would probably be cost prohibitive anyway. If you must go SOHO, then just flip a coin. If you like Netgear then go with that.

 

[Kremlar]

Thanks, guys! I think I will give 2 access points a try...

Mike

 

[NerdMan]

In a review published by pcmag, they tested various access points and routers, including the new 54g routers.

The best performers (distance : Performance ratio) were from Linksys, Netgear, and SMC. The D-Link was admirable but it did poorly at the 100ft test.

Link

EDIT: Keep in mind these tests were performed a little more than a month ago, firmware revisions to the official specifications could alter the performance.