How To Increase Wireless Signal Strength??

Wallygator · Post by **Wallygator** » Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:07 am

Hello Everyone. It's been awhile since I've posted, but I need some help and this is always the place to find it. I have a home network, using a Linksys wireless router. I have four computers, two wired, two wireless. The router has been moved to a room in the basement, and the signal upstairs is quite weak. I can connect but it is a low signal. I wanted to know if there is anyway I can increase the signal strength, or I wondered if I can put a access point in the other room to increase my range? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Sat Dec 27, 2003 9:27 am

Linksys has some "signal boosters" which piggyback on top of some of their models.

http://www.linksys.com/products/product ... 8&prid=548

But....honestly I've heard of mixed results with these. Never used one myself.

First thing you can try....yeah, get that router upstairs out of the basement....you want centralized height. Wireless can be very finicky...it's all about what environment it's in. Different buildings have different results when it comes to wireless performance. Just keep moving it around, here, there, test it in every place you can. Moving those antennas around can make a difference.

There are some 3rd party hardware out there that makes customized booster antennas for Linky products also.

If wireless is a must in your house, you may want to try Buffalo Tech, they have some good wireless repeater projects...one base station...which can have several repeaters...say one on each floor, opposite ends of the building, etc.

I'm about to do a 1 story school with it. Haven't worked with their product yet...but my first contact with their tech/sales was very favorable, I'm looking forward to trying their stuff.

http://www.buffalotech.com

JackMDS · Post by **JackMDS** » Sat Dec 27, 2003 10:29 am

Let say you have a Warehouse with open space 200' long. You use Wireless, but past 150’ the connection is not stable.

You put a booster and you will get better signal at 200'.

However if you are in home environment with wall and obstructions and your Wireless Router is some where in the corner of your room the booster will not do too much.

You probably better off buying an extra Wireless Cable/DSL Router and use it as an additional Access Point.

More about it: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Configuration instructions here: Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

However if you want to go with a Booster.

This Site sells it, and they will give you a straight answer about compatibility.

Link:

HDCom Linksys Booster.

.

Wallygator · Post by **Wallygator** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 1:46 pm

Thanks for the suggestions, both are good options. Wallygator.

Shinobi · Post by **Shinobi** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 10:33 am

Before you go out and buy a booster or external antenna,
try making a parabolic antenna.
I have tried this, and it works great!

Go here for easy instructions:
http://osiris.urbanna.net/antenna_designs/projects/template/

Be Happy.

Shinobi

gieslel · Post by **gieslel** » Thu Jan 01, 2004 9:54 pm

Hey that's a great idea. I will have to try that myself.