How can I amplify the signal from a wireless router?

Question

The signal must not be strong enough or something, because the signal isnt getting to the little receiver on the computer, which makes the internet connection poor. I tried putting paperclips on the antennae, but i dont think that will work.

Answer 1

You can boost the signal range of a WiFi computer network in several ways:

* reposition your router (or access point) to avoid obstructions and radio interference. Both reduce the range of WiFi network equipment. Common sources of interference in residences include brick or plaster walls, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. Additionally, consider changing the WiFi channel number on your equipment to avoid interference.

* upgrade the antenna on your router (or access point). WiFi antennas on most wireless base stations can be removed and replaced with more powerful ones.

* add another access point (or router). Large residences typically require no more than two APs, whereas businesses may employ dozens of APs. In a home, this option requires connecting your primary wireless router (access point) to the second one with Ethernet cable; home wireless routers and/or APs don't normally communicate with each other directly.

* add a bi-directional WiFi signal amplifier to wireless devices as needed. A WiFi signal amplifier (sometimes called "signal booster") attaches to a router, access point or Wi-Fi client at the place where the antenna connects. Bi-directional antennas amplify the wireless signal in both transmit and receive directions. These should be used as WiFi transmissions are two-way radio communications.

* add a WiFi repeater. A wireless repeater is a stand-alone unit positioned within range of a wireless router (access point). Repeaters (sometimes called "range expanders") serve as a two-way relay station for WiFi signals. Clients too far away from the original router / AP can instead associate with the WLAN through the repeater.

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessfaqs/f/extendwifirange.htm

Answer 2

The wireless signal is subject to interference and blocking and signal weakening due to distance just like any other radio frequency (rf) broadcast. The wireless broadcast is a rf broadcast.

If you are within normal use distances, perhaps you are asking the rf to penetrate through masonry wall, metal ducting, silver backed mirrors, metal siding, etc. Often it just cannot do this and you need to move the wireless access point or add another access point and wire the second access point via CAT5 to the original router.

As far as antenna boosters go, they are illegal because they will then violate the rf power limit set by the government agencies that regulate rf.

Answer 3

Move the router to a spot physically high and central to the facility. Mine is in an upstairs center bedroom on top of a filing cabinet.

The signal won't travel well through things like cement or metal walls.

Answer 4

Sam Adams has the best technical answer in my mind but I had to chime in with this too...

I bought this (see link). It's a 500mW booster that fit's on a Linksys. IT ROCKS! I put one of my antenna's on the side of the house (10' foot cable extention from the Linksys, through the siding, mounted on the outside) with this amp on it and was able to take my laptop to the bar 5 blocks away and still connect at 5.5Mb with a stock Cisco Aironet wireless adapter running at 100mW!!!

Answer 5

we had same problem to so we bought a larger antenna for the router.

Answer 6

this may help, http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessfaqs/f/extendwifirange.htm

Answer 7

use replicators..





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