What damage does hacking router firmware to increase antenna strength cause?

Question

I was speaking to a friend about increasing the signal on my WRT54GS so I can use it 2 floors up in my house (in a new extension)... Currently I get 0% signal, but after buying a Linksys Range Extender (putting it halfway) I could get about 50%...

But he said to me the best way to increase signal would be to use a hacked firmware such as HyperWRT (I know there are many others but he recommended this to me) which is simple to install, and would allow me to increase the antenna power (increasing the signal).

Apparently EU models are restricted to 28mW, whereas American ones are 50mW, but the full limit is 250mW (which would damage the router)... You can only change the power with the hacked firmware..

I was wondering:
a) does increasing the power leave a health risk?
b) how far could I go up without damaging the router?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Well when you realize that Microwave ovens also operate on 2.4 gig, you certainly get the idea what high power and concentraded 2.4 gig radio waves can do!

Most countires have rules as to what power limits can be run when using 2.4 Wifi. The FCC sets these for the US and the limit is 36 db ERP (effective radiated power) at that setting you really don't want to get right up against the antenna and stay there for any long periods.. no one really knows what the damage would be over long time exposure but they do know it wont be good.

You can probably up the power on your Linksys (there are other routers built to handle the higher output linksys wasnt') to 75-100mw but you will need to monitor the heat! Those routers that are built for higher output have radio cards built to safely handle that level using heatsinks, good design, etc. Linksys wasn't! But you need to check local laws to be sure you do not exceed the maximum allowed... the fines are very high!

At those levels there probably isn't any increased health risk but I would sit the unit away from where I sat all the time. Remember the signal drops off with distance.

Answer 2

no longer too undesirable a router.you have N with selection max so it won't enable you to plenty to hack your router using a firmware improve like "DDWRT" or "tomato". those are unfastened and you will improve the income on your antenna, yet probably won't enable you plenty. if it won't penetrate, you will desire to evaluate, so as of my selection a million use 2 routers located to boost section to OR use a "selection extender" additionally referred to as a "WiFi repeater". A repeater is a stand-on my own unit located interior of selection of the router that then rebroadcasts the sign. this would artwork yet will fee you 50 -80 greenbacks 2 use hardwire ethernet. it is quicker, and extra safeguard than wifi and it will likely be rather inexpensive to impliment. My little ones say all extreme game enthusiasts use ethernet. (they have XPS computers, razor mice and kbs and that they made me hardwire their rooms for gaming. For non gaming use, they use their notebooks all over the abode) 3add accessory antennas on the two your router and your ps3, this won't likely artwork, yet would be inexpensive. A 7db router antenna and a 3db antenna on your ps3 would desire to tripple your skill. 3db is double skill 4 make your self a "cantenna". (exceptionally unidirectional antenna which will properly be produced from a "pringles" tube. it is nice for 10-12 db improve. in basic terms google the instructions this won't artwork, yet back, it incredibly is going to easily fee one dollar for the pringles, plus they are tasty 5moving the router to the ceiling, this would provide extra suitable selection because of the fact they broadcast in a around shape. shifting the antenna up will provide wider diamater plus it may get you around the wall. 6 upload a bi-directional WiFi sign amplifier to prompt instruments as needed. A WiFi sign amplifier (additionally popular as "sign booster") attaches to a router, get admission to element or wireless customer on the area the place the antenna connects. Bi-directional antennas strengthen the prompt sign in the two transmit and get carry of instructions. back approximately 40-60 money, yet won't artwork 7 i do unlike that networking which you lpug into your residences electric powered wiring. perchance in some gerations it incredibly is going to likely be ok, yet i would not do it. THE links under would enable you