Wireless Network Question

[jeffy777]

I have a wireless router that has 3 PCs connected to it: 2 wired desktops and 1 wireless laptop. The router is a D-Link DI-524. A cheap, but decent router. The laptop has an internal Wireless G 54Mbs adapter.

The problem I'm having is with the range of the wireless and maintaining good signal strength when on the other side of the apartment. The router is located on one end of my apartment, so it's range is not as effective as it would be if it were in the center. I have it on this end since thats where the wired PCs are.

When I'm in my bedroom on the other end of the apartment, the signal is sometimes "Very Good", but "Low" at other times. I stream my cable TV from one of my PCs to the laptop and when the signal strength is low the TV buffers. I need to figure out a way to get the signal strength higher.

Do you think I should just get a better router that has better range? (If so, please suggest a model). Would an N router perform better even though the laptop is G?

OR should I get a wired router for the two wired desktop PCs and then connect my wireless router configured as a WAP and then get a longer cable so I can move it more to the center of the apartment?

I want to keep the desktops wired, so I guess a third option would be to move the router to the center, and then run two LAN cables to the PCs, then all I would need to buy is the two cables.

What would you do in this situation?

[jeffy777]

Here's something else I just thought of: One of my desktops has Dual LAN ports. Can I use one to connect to the router, then one to connect to my other PC and share the connection that way? But then I guess that PC with the Dual LAN would always have to be on to use the network on the other PC?

[phuckingduck]

If you want to keep the router you have now, you can look at new antennas. I think most are in the $20 range (think!), and they should offer slightly better performance.

[jeffy777]

Actually, I picked up a new antenna from Newegg, but it didn't really help.

Any other suggestions?

[Firecat]

How many feet are we talking about? Because unless the apartment is really huge, I can't see why you won't get a very good signal strength at all times. I think you should just move the router into the center, and just run some cat 5 cables (through the walls I guess) to it so you can keep your PCs wired.

I had 2 linksys routers, not sure about the models....I think the one is a WRT54G and the other was older, just B. I think I also have the same d-link router as you in my one store, but I have the wireless signal turned off.

Currently in my condo i'm using a Motorola SURFboard (SBG900?) cable modem gateway (so that takes care of my modem and wireless router needs, downside is that it only has one spot for an ethernet cable). Signal is pretty good throughout the condo and outside as well.

Probably not much help, I know.

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by Firecat

How many feet are we talking about? Because unless the apartment is really huge, I can't see why you won't get a very good signal strength at all times. I think you should just move the router into the center, and just run some cat 5 cables (through the walls I guess) to it so you can keep your PCs wired.

Yeah, it's a decent sized apartment (two bedrooms, two baths). Not sure the exact footage, but I think the router should be doing better. Most of the time the signal is "Very Good", but it doesn't stay stable, yet it never kicks out completely, just goes down to "Low". I wouldn't mind replacing it if that would help. My wife doesn't really want a lot of cables in the living room running to the bedroom where the other PCs are. I'd have to run 3 LAN cables: 1 from the cable modem, and 2 for the PCs.

Is there a router that is known for better wireless range?

[watisdis]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

Actually, I picked up a new antenna from Newegg, but it didn't really help.

Any other suggestions?

Could've made your own from a pringles can: http://www.oreillynet.com/etel/blog/...p_er_chip.html

More tips: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantenna

Please tell me you weren't a sucker and bought this one: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...4533&CatId=374

Putting the router in the middle with the two extra long wires is a good idea. cat5/6 cables are quite cheap. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Sort=3&Recs=10

[phuckingduck]

As far as range goes, a WRT54G can have its power turned up to ungodly levels and combined with custom antennas or even the default pair, they can make a helluva setup. Of course, this requires using custom firmware. Looking at my router, default broadcast power is 42mW. However, I can turn it up to 251mW using Tomato firmware. (Hmm....I'm pretty sure that would cook my wedding tackle...) Right now I have the router set to 84mW (200% default power). This gets me a 2/6 signal all the way across my house. This is through the kitchen, a floor, 5 walls and is used by two wireless computers.

Having said that, the WRT54G is getting a bit outdated. Even with custom firmware. I'm sure there's better routers out there, and I'm nowhere near knowledgeable enough on the subject to provide you with a recommendation.

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by phuckingduck

As far as range goes, a WRT54G can have its power turned up to ungodly levels and combined with custom antennas or even the default pair, they can make a helluva setup. Of course, this requires using custom firmware.

Actually, I was just reading about that a little while ago as I was googling this topic. That may be a good option unless someone can recommend a better router.

I would go with the Pringles can option, but I'm not that handy with tools

[phuckingduck]

From my experience (1+ year) with the WRT with hacked/custom firmware, you don't really need special antennas unless you're going for long distance ie your neighborhood.

[Firecat]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

Yeah, it's a decent sized apartment (two bedrooms, two baths). Not sure the exact footage, but I think the router should be doing better. Most of the time the signal is "Very Good", but it doesn't stay stable, yet it never kicks out completely, just goes down to "Low". I wouldn't mind replacing it if that would help. My wife doesn't really want a lot of cables in the living room running to the bedroom where the other PCs are. I'd have to run 3 LAN cables: 1 from the cable modem, and 2 for the PCs.

Is there a router that is known for better wireless range?

If you fish the wires through the wall (or whatever it's called) and make an outlet for them, they will be out of site. In fact, you could go ahead and wire all the rooms, which could come in handy.

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by Firecat

If you fish the wires through the wall (or whatever it's called) and make an outlet for them, they will be out of site. In fact, you could go ahead and wire all the rooms, which could come in handy.

I don't think the landlord would like me if I did that

[phuckingduck]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

I don't think the landlord would like me if I did that

Only one way to find out

[jeffy777]

Yeah, I'm not allowed to drill any holes. I live in a married housing apartment on campus and their really strict about tenants making modifications.

I think I'm gonna order this and then install the 3rd part firmware if need be:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124190

[phuckingduck]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

Yeah, I'm not allowed to drill any holes. I live in a married housing apartment on campus and their really strict about tenants making modifications.

I think I'm gonna order this and then install the 3rd part firmware if need be:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124190

Here's the best resource I've found for info on 3rd party firmware
http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/fo...play.php?f=116

[jeffy777]

^^^ Thanks man. Which firmware is the best? Seems that DD-WRT is the most popular?

[matt2000]

that's pretty much the router i have, except mine is the WRT54GS. no idea what the difference is

great piece of kit, but i still con't work out how to turn it onto speedboost mode

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by matt2000

that's pretty much the router i have, except mine is the WRT54GS. no idea what the difference is

great piece of kit, but i still con't work out how to turn it onto speedboost mode

Yes, it's very similar Got mine today (newegg got it to me in less than 24 hours), and it's running great so far, but haven't tried flashing the firmware yet. Probably will tomorrow night though if I have any more video streaming problems.

[phuckingduck]

I'm running tomato and loving it. It's extremely easy to use, and has a great interface. I had been using HyperWRT and then HyperWRT-Thibor, but it was causing me to have to reset my connection ever 3-4 days. If you read the forums, that seemed to be a pretty common thing so I switched boats and flashed Tomato. Remember to do your research though

[jeffy777]

I was just reading up on Tomato. I think I'll give it a shot, thanks