Extending Wireless Networks

[magicrichard]

Hi All,

Time for my fortnightly idiot question/plea for help.

I currently have a D Link G604-T wireless router, and several clients dotted around all using D Link USA B adaptors - and quite happily chatting to each other. I wish to extend the reach of my network however and there seems to be three options:

1. Buy a different antenna for the router to extend the reach
2. Buy a 802.11g wireless repeater (probably from D-link to prevent compatability issues)
3. Buy a 802.11g wireless access point (again probs from D-link)

Can anyone advise which might be best/cheapest option?

FYI: The signal peters off to about 22 where I could install a repeater/access point. From this point it needs to travel through: Outside wall, 3 metres straight, another outside wall and 5 metres straight inside. so altogether only 2 outside walls and an extra 8 metres.

Any help as always, much appreciated.
Cheers

[Stoo]

You can pick an access point up for about £35?

[magicrichard]

So i guess that is the cheapest option...!

Why would anyone buy a repeater then if an access point is about half the cost?

[Funkstar]

I'm not really sure about this, so bear with me.

Wouldn't a second AP need to be set up with a different SSID and on a different channel? Otherwise it's going to interfere with the existing setup isn't it?

A repeater however does what it says and extends the exisitng wireless network.

[mrbanana]

I recently upgraded my antenna (http://www.allendale-hosting.co.uk/antenna/Products.htm) and it made a huge difference. No dropouts at all now. Fast delivery too. Have a look at their power boosters.

[magicrichard]

Funkstar: So is it possible just to add another access point, by whcih i mean.. is the configuration of that likely to cause me enourmous headaches?

Mrbanana: Going to have to increase it by quite a lot I think - any advice on how the DBi measurement exactly increases the range?

[Stoo]

most dedicated access points come with a repeating mode iirc..

[SpawnofSonic]

most dedicated access points come with a repeating mode iirc..

As true as this is, some of them only repeat signals from certain acces points and models, i have a Linksys WAG354G Gateway and a WAP54G but the WAP54G only repeats other WAP54G's So my advise is if you use access points or repeaters be careful as you may find they aren't compatable.

[peterb]

A better antenna/resiting the main access point might be worth exploring as a first step...

[magicrichard]

Resiting the main access point is not possible unfortunately. The antenna must still be discreet from the main box as well -. Its hard to know where to start really, I guess as big as I can get?

[UKMuFFiN]

Pringles can, although it may be that they only work as an advantage in open air and line of sight?

[Stoo]

That only works for line of sight unfortunately, so it simply won't work in this case..

I think your best bet is either the access point (thoroughly researched of course..), or the beefier aerial (does the d-link have removable aerials?)

[magicrichard]

The D-link does have the removable aerial, yes - I suppose I ought to try that first.

What eaxctly do i need to research on the access point tho Stoo?

[Kumagoro]

Another (not so cheap) way would be to get directional antennas for the clients.

I recently bought this from scan

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=167184

Im guessing i got the last one at the moment.

Anyway I can now pick up 32 yes 32 networks in my area where as before i would pick up,
with the laptops built in one, only 3

So directional even through walls makes a massive difference

[speardane]

The removable aerial worked well for me with D-Link 624; I have also extended the netwwork with a Dlink DWL-2100AP - it works mostly well. but every now and them some devices have trouble