Boosting Wifi Strength

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:28 pm

Okay here goes, I have had Linksys WRT54GS v.2 for years now and really didnt have any complaints whatsoever since it has been good for what it is. Although, I do have one complaint and that is the fact that since the router is on the second level of the house various spots on the main level have trouble receiving reception from the Wifi signal. The basement is another thing as it is VERY hard to come by receiving the signal. Now another thing to make matters worse (I believe?) is that over the past year or so neighbors have been springing up wifi signals like wildfire, so there are a various number in close proximity of each other. Now I have changed the transmission frequencies, changed to Tomato firmware, etc. and also have modded the actual antennas themselves (which gave a great boost) but I was wondering is there anything else anyone knows that may give a performance boost? Am I just left to buying A.) a new more current router B.) a signal repeater C.) newer model electronics wishing to use the wifi?

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 5:34 pm

If you can afford it, switch to 802.11n. The range is dramatically better. Naver use PCI wifi cards unless you have a remote antenna for it. There is nothing worse than an antenna mounted directly to a PCI card - the metal PC case blocks all of the signal.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 5:55 pm

Yeah, I always wondered why they just slapped an antenna to the PCI card, couldn't be a worse place for an antenna. Wireless N does help, I'd probably try that first before anything. You may end up running at sub N speeds, but you'll at least get a decent speed. I've had good luck with mounting my router's antenna flat (parallel to the ground) for vertical reception issues like yours. IMO though, I'd rather use ethernet cables for my own home. I just can't stand the unreliable nature of wireless.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:42 pm

I recently used this 802.11n router: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... et%20633GR.
with two of these USB NICs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6833166026

I was very impressed with the performance. I read a LOT of reviews an opinions and found several people on Newegg that had used this combination of hardware and were very happy with the results, and you can add me to them.

I'm using this hardware to connect two offices that are located across the street from each other. I originally used 802.11g with poor results. I'm getting very nearly normal 100Mbit LAN throughput. These people are using Quickbooks enterprise and accessing some rather large (over 250Mb) company files on the server.

You could also use a power line network link to get a CAT5 line to another access point in a location in the house that is between your existing access points. I know people that have had good results using power line network links.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:51 pm

I did think that 802.11n would probably be the best for the bang as well as a laptop being 3-4 years old as well the card itself was probably doing it (newer laptops used in the house seem to have far fewer problems). We'll have to see what takes place I guess.

As for the power line networks I like the concept, have known about it for a while now, just wish I knew more people who have used them themselves specifically.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 10:08 pm

I have to say that my new Acer laptop has incredible range. It picks up access points my old laptop can't even see. With the new laptop I can connect to either of my home access points, while every other laptop I've ever had in this house (including clients) can't hit them both from my home office.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:05 pm

Yeah honestly I think that the problem is the devices themselves. Like you have said and I said, Flyingpenguin, seems that any newer devices/laptops work flawlessly and have a far wider reception range.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:06 pm

Ohh also what is anybody's thought on the fact of there being so many wifi networks in such a small range? Just for shits and giggles.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:52 pm

Other signals can have an effect, but it's predictable as to how much. Once again, that's why I avoid wireless if I can. Spending a few hours running cat 5 can save days messing with glitchy connections.

Err · Post by **Err** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:55 pm

Nomad wrote:Ohh also what is anybody's thought on the fact of there being so many wifi networks in such a small range? Just for shits and giggles.

I'd try to connect and see if they have any security on them at all.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:33 am

Haha... yeah I could do some work with Backtrack (soon to be version 4 thank you) but other than that I mainly like to just use my own signal. Almost all that show up use some sort of security measures.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 10:09 am

Hmmm, gonna have to check out version 4. I'm with you though, the only time I'll grab someone else's signal is if I'm traveling. I like the security of my own line as well as knowing that I'm not a low down dirty rotten under handed thief.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:32 pm

Haha... yeah if you already have your own why use someone else's? This is the sole reason I love Backtrack, if on the go you can inevitably grab up FULL-Access Wifi wherever you are, and none of that "Ohh no our S***bucks signal wont allow access to that site".