How can I extend the length of my wireless network?

Question

I want to use my wireless network in my room (which is just out of range) is there something i can buy to extend the range of the network?

Answer 1

yes, you can get booster antennas that will extend the range of your wireless network

Answer 2

Usually you extend the range with better antennae on either end (from your router or your computer's wireless card). Typically integrated cards in laptops are better because the use the LCD screen's area as the antenna.

Another idea that could work is to use a USB wireless car and then use a few USB extensions to get the card right outside of your room.

Also, if you have a wireless and wired router... could you run a wireless access point into a wired port on the router? That might work.

Linksys makes a WRE (Wireless Range Extender); it sucks and initial versions were impossible to configure but I heard they rebuilt it... not sure that you need a linksys router for it to work, but you'll want to check for compatibility with your wireless router.

You might also try an N router or G router if you're using a B router as the range can improve with newer types.

Answer 3

- change the channel
( 1 or 11 as a start) and change your ssid from the defaults

- make sure router is clear , high and not cluttered
- moving the router a foot or two over can make a big difference sometimes

You can concentrate or focus the signal with an reflective antenna behind the router

http://www.freeantennas.com/

- if you are using a pci adapter in pc it may be low to floor and shielded by the metal case of the computer
- get a usb (zyadas generic types are best) adapter and move it away from the computer with a usb extension.

You can make an inexpensive powerull wi fi adaptr

http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/

- if you have an antenna in the lid of a laptop they are good.'
If it is a pcmcia add on laptop adapter - get the usb one or you can build or buy a cantenna. The usb bowl ones are good since they are inexpensive and use off the shelf components ( or worse)

- lastly you can get an older Linksys wrt54g ( or now sold as a wrt54gl) router and apply a third party firmware ( sveasoft) and bump up the power

http://www.sveasoft.com/

also try changing the setting to b only , or g only with a low transfer rate


hope that this helps

Answer 4

Is it possible to move the wireless router so that it sets closer to your room? (That is the "free" option).

If not, then they make booster atennas, and repeaters (a box you put half way to your room which picks up the signal and rebroadcast it).

Also, if you wait about 3 moths, the new 802.n routers should be appearing on the market. They will be four times faster and have twice the range. You could replace the router with a 802.n for about the same price as the other options. And get speed as well as range.

Answer 5

I would avoid the average consumer wireless repeater...they don't work all that well.

If it's your network, and you can get wired access, then just wire another Access Point or router (turn DHCP off) closer to your location. Set up the AP with the exact same settings as the main network, except change the wireless channel (1-11), preferably 1, 6, or 11.

Answer 6

Don't think about the Belkin pre-n, under tests they perform badly on range. They have just had to pay a punitive fine for over-quoting range on routers. You need a wireless range extender. This needs no cables apart from power, site it within range of your existing router and towards your machine. It acts as a relay for the original signal.

Answer 7

You can buy an additional wireless AP that supports bridging. When you bride two APs, the latter acts as a mirror which reflects the original APs signals. So you extend your length x 2.

Answer 8

You can purchase a longer antena for the wireless router. Walmart has it for a fairly good price. This will extend the range

Answer 9

Buy a better wireless router. It is listed on side of box the exact range in feet from base of router how far its reach is.

Answer 10

If possible, place your router in the most highest position or elevation. Height helps to increase the range and quality.