geniv1
join:2000-09-14
Brooklyn, NY
| Recommend on long range 802.11g router & booster?
Need help from the knowledgable users of this forum.
I'm trying to setup a wifi network on a customers house.
problem is at the extreme workstation I can barely get any signal when I did a trial run with a netgear 802.11b router & linksys pcmicia wifi card.
so my main problem is getting a good high power (in terms of wireless signal) router.
can anyone recommend a router that is
- 802.11G
- has Printer server
- 4 ethernet ports.
- long range.
- a long range/ reliable 802.11G PCI card (desktop)
- a long range/ reliable 802.11G PCMCIA card (laptop)
Also if there's an acutal product. I need something that will help boost the signal from the wifi router. I'm planning to expand the coverage to 5 floors down.
* lInk to product is also helpful
THANKS IN ADVANCE AND HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY! |
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vincentfox
join:2003-03-18
Davis, CA
| Re: Recommend on long range 802.11g router & boost
You should look into antennas, NOT higher power.
You can cross miles of open space with a puny 30 milliwatt signal using directional antenna. A simple 6 or 8 dBi patch antenna placed in the right location can cover a lot of building. And do it WITHOUT creating so much noise that you bleed signal and interference all over your neighbors property. Around my house I can pick up too many AP's all sitting on Channel 6 now, I hate to think what it'll be like if everyone gets boosters.
A patch antenna placed at one corner of the house pointing towards it's diagonally opposite corner can cover a large area with strong signal, and with minimal leakage in directions you don't want. All by directing a weak signal as much as possible in the direction you DO want, and not spewing it in every direction like the stubby built-in aerial does. Fortunately I find Hawking brand 6 dBi patch units in the local computer stores now, at around $35 US.
This question needs to be in a FAQ for this forum. |
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vincentfox
join:2003-03-18
Davis, CA
| reply to geniv1
Re: Recommend on long range 802.11g router & booster?
A little simple explanation, antenna do not "boost" your power, they focus it. Like the reflector on a flashlight lets you turn a puny bulb into something that lights a wall well instead of the air around it. When people talk about "gain" of an antenna, what this translates to is how well it focus the available power. Usually the higher the gain, the less of an angle of area it will cover. A 24 dBi parabolic dish is great but it's beam may only cover a 30 degree arc, so something with more moderate gain but greater beamwidth is usually the thing you want for in-building coverage.
Here's some products to look at:
»www.hawkingtech.com/prodFam.php?CatID=32 |
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boomerbubba
join:2001-06-15
Austin, TX
| reply to geniv1
said by geniv1  :
I need something that will help boost the signal from the wifi router. I'm planning to expand the coverage to 5 floors down.
Five floors is a tall order. You might try an attic installation with a patch antenna aimed downwards. |
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vincentfox
join:2003-03-18
Davis, CA | reply to geniv1
Basement aimed up toward diagonal opposite roof corner is usually better. Basement doesn't get so hot in summer as the attic. |
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geniv1
join:2000-09-14
Brooklyn, NY
| reply to geniv1
Re: Recommend on long range 802.11g router & boost
thanks for the insite.
I'm a dummy when it comes to simple patch work and antenna
so can someone at least point me to a product. and some link.
I have no idea what exactly you guys mean.
- first thing first I'm looking for a router that has good signal strenght right out of the box (along with the 802.11g, and printer)
thanks again |
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Luppy
Premium
join:2002-01-14
Randolph, MA
 ·magicjack.com
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| Take a peek and maybe ask some of your questions in the zyxel forum. They might be able to offer a good wireless product for your needs. I'm currently considering upgrading my wireless network and have been hanging out there.
»ZyXEL |
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vincentfox
join:2003-03-18
Davis, CA
1 edit | reply to geniv1
Re: Recommend on long range 802.11g router & booster?
It's really not difficult. You need two things:
1) Access Point
2) Antenna
As I pointed out earlier in this thread, Hawking Technology has some very good antenna right now for indoor use. Below is a link to the one you probably want. Note that they have a little picture that describes the setup you want:
»209.61.202.44/images/datasheet/H···0res.pdf
It comes with an RP-SMA connector which is what D-Link and several other companies use. Adapters included for some other types like Linksys also. The Hawking products are widely sold in places like CompUSA and other retail operations, in case you prefer to look at the thing before buying. That way you could buy the antenna and the Access Point at the same store and be confident they will work well together and you can easily return if there are problems. |
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