Need Help: Increase Router Range?

[BrettRS]

Alright, here's my story:

I have a wireless router upstairs, about 30-40 feet from me, and up a level. On my computer's wireless adapter I have a directional antenna pointing towards the wireless router, and on the router is the default omni-directional antenna. On this computer, I get a low signal strength. Is there anything I can do to increase the range/signal strength? I've thought of a directional antenna for the router, but will that affect my family from connecting to the network if the directional antenna isn't pointed towards them? Any cheap hacks I can do by myself?

Thanks,

Brett

[picohat]

Try to download and install latest firmware on wireless router, and also latest install latest wireless adapter driver on computer. You can then also tweak the wireless settings (transmission rate, burst, beacon interval, etc), making some testing yourself..

Why my wireless network speed is slow

Hope helps..

[Panda]

Hi,

If you are looking for peace of mind in this case use powerline Ethernet adapters PL-100 or PL-400 from ZyXEL between floors.

PC or NB or LAN ------PL-100 ------ Electrical wiring --------PL-100------ Router ------ Internet

Powerline is a technology provides network connectivity over existing electrical wiring in a building. There is no additional wiring required. Simply connect the PowerLine Adapters to existing power sockets at both floors and you get networking infrastructure instantly. Powerline products provide transmission rate at up to 85M ~ 200Mbps.

As a Wired/Wireless LAN alternative choice, the Powerline series transforms your existing electrical wiring into a functioning network without additonal cabling efforts or suffering from disrupt connection wirelessly.

one important note here: Both floors must be in the same electrical phase to have a successfull conection.


Good Luck

Panda,
http://www.networkingland.com/dsl_technology.htm

[TonyT]

cheapest way to increase range is a better antenna on the router.
You mentioned already have a directional antenna, but what type? Omni-directional, yagi (30 degrees), etc. Most home routers have 2 lso, sdb antennas whereas you could replace with a 7 or 15 db antenna.

Also, some routers will take 3rd party firmware and some of these firmware can increase the ap output signal considerably, just be sure to keep the output within legal limits so as to avoid frying eggs in neighbors refrig.

[ChrisB8084]

cheapest way to increase range is a better antenna on the router.
You mentioned already have a directional antenna, but what type? Omni-directional, yagi (30 degrees), etc. Most home routers have 2 lso, sdb antennas whereas you could replace with a 7 or 15 db antenna.

Also, some routers will take 3rd party firmware and some of these firmware can increase the ap output signal considerably, just be sure to keep the output within legal limits so as to avoid frying eggs in neighbors refrig.

i have looked for some antennas for my d-link 624 wireless router but can't seem to find any on the d-link website?

[YeOldeStonecat]

i have looked for some antennas for my d-link 624 wireless router but can't seem to find any on the d-link website?

See if this place can help you...
http://www.fab-corp.com/home.php

[BrettRS]

Thanks, I looked at my router(Netgear MR814v2) and it doesn't have a removalable antenna. I've decided I'm going to go buy a Linksys router, pop a 3rd party firmware on there, buy a new antenna for it and then make a cantenna for my computer.