What's the best way to boost signal strength of a wireless router?

Question

I have a linksys wrt54gl router with a d-link dwl-g510 adapter. The router is in the room above me (although I wanted it 2 floors above me) and I'm getting a low signal. After some investigating, I found out the ceiling is the kind that has lots of metal strips to which plaster is applied. I'm wondering if there is some sort of signal booster or antenna that can blast though this metal shield above me.
Are there any recommendations on something that is proven to work? Can someone point out a specific product too?

Thanks,
Mike

Answer 1

Mike,
Well, there are things you can do, but there are things you need to be careful about. First, what is proven and sure to work is placing a 2nd wireless router on the same network on the floor where you are, that's the ideal solution. If it's not an option to run wiring to do this, then you're stuck with some trial and error.

First, a signal booster won't work, it'll just give stronger reflections.

Second, in a situation like this, do NOT use high gain antennas. The reason is that they will focus down the RF energy coming out of the antenna, it'll be shaped less like a doughnut and more like a pancake... so it will actuall send LESS signal in the up/down direction and your signal will get even WORSE upstairs and downstairs. You might also think you could use these high gain antennas, but tilt the antennas horizontal instead of vertical, but then half the RF energy is being shot into the ground, and the other half is just going to give stronger reflections off the metal in the cieling/floor.

Third, beware of using a wireless repeater, they operate on the same channel and because of the way the wireless protocols work, your performance is just about cut in half every time you add a wireless repeater. Still, if that's not an issue, then consider using a Linksys WRE54G range expander. It may be trial and error on where to place it, to get between floors you might need to place it in the stairway, etc.

Finally, if it's an option, try moving the existing wireless router around in the room above you, a central location is best. Sometimes only moving it a few feet helps because of things you cannot see like metal ductwork in the walls, etc. Also try changing channels, select channels 1, 6 and 11 in turn and see if one works better than another.