sprian12
@range81-153.btcentra
|  Extending network just a little bit
I've a Belkin ADSL modem/wireless router and three PC's with D-Link Air DWL-122 Wireless USB adapters. One PC is on the groud floor 20 metres from the router, the second is on the first floor and the third is on the second floor. The signal to the second floor PC is very poor. Any suggestions on how to improve the situation would be very welcome, as would suggestions of forums where this question would be more appropriate. |
|
unimind
join:2002-04-29
england
clubs:
| Would it be possible for you to move your router upstairs to the first floor? The signal strength drops as it passes through walls etc, so having your computer as close as possible to the router will help.
Maybe moving this thread to the wireless networking forum would help?
Richard. |
|
rperkin
join:2003-12-12
UK
| reply to sprian12
As unimind implies, with a wireless network positioning is everything.
Also, you don't say which model you have. If it has removable antennae, then you should consider fitting ones with higher gain.
Most devices come with a stock 2 dBi gain antenna. Fitting a 5 dBi gain antenna will give noticeable improvement, and a 7 dBi antenna even more so. A 5 dBi antenna should cost £7 - £10 or so.
Or - well worth trying, because the cost is insignificant - have a look here:
»www.freeantennas.com/projects/te···dex.html
and also browse the rest of the site.
Hope this helps |
|
sprian12
@range81-154.btcentra | reply to unimind
Moving the base point is a major problem. |
|
sprian12
@range81-154.btcentra | reply to rperkin
Thanks.
The Belkin model number is FSD7630-4A. On first glance it doesn't look as though I can unscrew the antennae |
|
unimind
join:2002-04-29
england
clubs:
2 edits | reply to sprian12
Since it seems you are unable to move the router or replace the ariel then maybe a signal repeater is what you need. I've found a tutorial article which explains what they are. However, I've never had to use one. Alternativly, buy an a access point (the dabs value one is around £30 i think) and use that linked with ethernet cable to your router. We did that in our student house last year. Using the same SSID and a different channel on the access point than the wireless router we had great signal everywhere in the 6 bedrooom house over 4 floors and also in the garden.
»www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/ar···/1571601
Also, try a visit to the wireless forum
»Wireless Networking
Hope this helps 
EDIT:
Just a thought, do you have any neighbours who also have wireless networks set up? Make sure that you are running your setup on a different channel to prevent any interference.
If you do end up using an extra access point, this thread will hopefully help you set up your network so that you can roam between the different networks as you move around the house and the signal strength changes:
»2 Access Points. |
|
sprian12
@range81-154.btcentra | Thanks. |
|
