WRT310N extend range

[IndyJaws]

I have a Linksys WRT310N wireless router. Overall, I like it, especially the gigabit connectivity. However, I would like to extend the range. The bad thing about this router is that there are not external antennas (antennae). Can I put together a parabolic antenna for a router without antennas? Has anyone had experience with DDWRT with this model? Would increasing the power help solve my reception issue? Any suggestions would be very welcome!

 

[kevnich2]

DDWRT works just fine with DDWRT. Best way to extend range is to buy an additional unit and put DDWRT on configure as either an access point or WDS.

 

[JackMDS]

The general approach that I take for Coverage issues is the following.

The best way is to lay few CAT6 cables to central locations in the house, install Access Points, or Cable/DSL Routers configured as an Access Points ( Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point ), and connect them to the Main Router.

You do not want/can not/hate/your client hate to lay Cables.

You start with One affordable Router that can Do WDS (the reason for the WDS support is in case you need to add more Wireless hardware).

If you are lucky and your environment is conducive to get covered with one Wireless Router you are done.

Routers that can do WDS as is are old by (Zyxel, SMC, Belkin, and some others have models that do WDS as is out of the Box ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W...ss_Distribution_System ).

Linksys WRT54GL, and Asus, 520GU can do WDS when flashed with DD-WRT firmware ( http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page ).

Other Routers can do DD-WRT too. If you already have a Router check the DD-WRT List.

Using a Laptop loaded with Netstumbler, do a Wireless survey in the house, http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

According to the Netstumbler's signal strength reading, identify spots that have strong signal. and spot with weak, or No signal.

Evaluate how you can cover the space and start placing WDS units.

Additional Wireless Routers in WDS Mode (Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) has to be placed in spots were the signal is good about Half way to the dead spots.

How many WDS units are needed? It depends on your specific environment (that is a good the reason to buying WDS units one at the time, try it, and decide on the Next step).

Otherwise.

Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html

Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html

Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html

Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html

 

[kevnich2]

Jack, do you just keep these in a big notebook somewhere or something?

 

[rocadelpunk]

it was through one of those links I did the simple parabolic template for one of the router's antennas. worked like a charm - thanks! Saved me $$$ I would've spent on another router.
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/

edit: REALLY well

I get signal throughout entire house - basement, first floor, second floor. Before I had problems going outside the same room as the router (dlink extreme 108g)

 

[wlee]

I use the WRT310n with DD-WRT in Repeater/Bridge mode. I have my PC, iMac, NAS Box, and printer on the ethernet ports. There is a how-to in the DD-WRT WiKi that explains it. The major prob with this model is the heat it produces. I bought some tall stick on rubber feet to jack up the tail end of it. This helps vent the heat. I use a WRT-150n as the primary router.

 

[Rabbits]

I got a WRT54G, managed to score a old one from a closing retailer.
DD-WRT and increase your range, then your set.

Or you can buy those signal extensions, not sure how much those would run if they are even worth it.