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Hotspots for Wireless networks

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6 replies

by cyclepro

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I currently have a wireless network setup in my home. I have a pc located in my basement that I would like to get onto the wireless network. The signal strength is very weak. I can actually sign onto the network and get out on my dls modem but the system drops me after a few minutes or so.

Is there any sure way of boosting the signal. I have tried the rabbit ears antena's. Would a repeater (range expander) work?

6 replies

by rwhite

Well, here is a issue ou must address. There are 3 different wireless ranges A, B, G (right now-more on the way). The difference between the three that will concern you is the Antenna Range:

A: is for vertical
B: is for horizontal
G: is a mix between the two

So if you have A or G ou will improve your vertical spread (from basement to upstairs)

There are several solutions you can try (I will list them from easiest to hardest)
1. Buy a wireless repeater\extender (must buy from same vendor and same range)
2. Buy a Yagi antenna to connect to your access point for vertical signal boost (most wireless consumer vendors sell there own).
3. If using a laptop buy a long range wireless pc card (cisco is the best)

I have done all these configurations for many clients and they all work. If you have problems please email me. Good luck!!

by omnicef

If you have a linksys Access Point WRT54G, WRT54GS, (I know these do it)you can update the firmware with an open source linux version and increase the output. It made a huge difference on mine.

by wlbowers

I am sorry I gotta jump in on this one.

The RF envelope for all 3 versions of 802.11a wireless is omni directional. You can "work the signal" using different types of antennas.

The difference between the 3 protocals is the frequency that is modulated, the type of modulation and the number of subcarriers that are modulated.

By adding high gain antennas to your router and a remote high gain antenna to the PC in the basement you will stand a better chance of increasing the signal.

Remember you have to increase the send and receive of both router and PC.

If you are using a Linksys there is a hack on the web that allows you to increase the output of the RF amplifier.

http://www.sveasoft.com/
http://www.wrt54g.com/

I do caution people to use this with extreme reserve. You can fry the output if you increase the output without additional cooling on the components.

I am currently running a linksys with the high gain antennas. 300' down the hill is my cousins house with his computers. With high gain antennas on his boxes they keep a steady connection, even during heavy rains.

You don't mention the brand of your system.

Lee

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