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Thread ID: 93592	2008-09-24 00:19:00	Extending Wireless network range	Geek4414 (12000)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
707384	2008-09-24 00:19:00	Does anyone have any recommendation on products that can extend an existing wireless network range? Some form of wireless repeater that does not require hard wiring from the existing wireless router would be good.	Geek4414 (12000)
707385	2008-09-24 00:22:00	A range extender, like this (www.ascent.co.nz) one will do the job great. The cool thing about those is they are reasonable inexpensive, and you can daisy chain them from here to anywhere you want. Edit - there in an issue with getting bigger antennas. The access point may be able to throw it's signal an extra 40 or 50 meters, but the PC/laptop in question will more than likely not be able to reach back. It will improve it, but from experience only very slightly. Getting the wireless signal out there is only half the job, the device receiving it has to have the power to be able to send the signal back. With wireless N, you run into much the same issue, the access point is broadcasting further, but the PC/laptop (unless you install Wireless-N gear - very dear) will not be much (if any) better off. Sorry. :o	wratterus (105)
707386	2008-09-24 00:24:00	You could: - Get a bigger antenna for your existing access point - Get an 802.11n router (these have greater range and higher speeds in the right conditions) - Get another router (preferably the same make/model as your existing one) and set it up as a repeater, if it supports that (pretty sure most well-known makes do) What are you currently using?	nofam (9009)
707387	2008-09-24 00:32:00	A range extender, like this (www.ascent.co.nz) one will do the job great. Edit - there in an issue with getting bigger antennas. The access point may be able to throw it's signal an extra 40 or 50 meters, but the PC/laptop in question will more than likely not be able to reach back. Getting the wireless signal out there is only half the job, the device receiving it has to be able to send the signal back. With wireless N, you run into much the same issue, the access point is broadcasting further, but the PC/laptop (unless you install Wireless-N gear - very dear) will not be much (if any) better off. Sorry. :o Thanks wratterus for the suggestion, I have been looking at couple of WiFi router that can act as repeaters as well, but have never used them in that manner before and don't know how they perform. I will have a search on some reviews on that router you suggested.	Geek4414 (12000)
707388	2008-09-24 00:37:00	You could: - Get a bigger antenna for your existing access point - Get an 802.11n router (these have greater range and higher speeds in the right conditions) - Get another router (preferably the same make/model as your existing one) and set it up as a repeater, if it supports that (pretty sure most well-known makes do) What are you currently using? Thanks nofam for your reply. The 802.11n option is possible but there are unknown issue such as what Wratterus mentioned ... With wireless N, you run into much the same issue, the access point is broadcasting further, but the PC/laptop (unless you install Wireless-N gear - very dear) will not be much (if any) better off. The Netcomm router already has dual aerials so not sure if a bigger aerial is going to help that much. I think the wireless repeater is probably more fail safe so long as they can work transparently without introducing more complications.	Geek4414 (12000)
707389	2008-09-24 09:22:00	In my experience bigger aerials don't add much if any range to a low powered router. What you need is a gruntier router coupled with an appropriate antenna for the distance or coverage area desired. Most manufacturers don't quote power ratings or distance ranges as there are too many variables involved, so it is hard to choose which brand is best . Routers aimed at the home market are generally pathetic and only good for one room to the next. Repeaters need a power supply which is not normally available in a wireless path. If you can run a power cable you can run an ethernet cable. What you need to do is find somebody who has a working setup over the distance you want to cover and copy it.	NIGGEL (2358)
707390	2008-09-24 10:07:00	You could try one of these: www.netgear.co.uk .. I have one but I have no real evidence to suggest the range is any better than anything else!	johnd (85)
707391	2008-09-24 20:10:00	I'm on holiday here in England and I've seen advertised a plug-in device to an electrical socket near the router. Then a plug-in device to an electrical socket near the distant computer. Providing; I presume, that they're on the same domestic circuit, This would suit me fine back home, as I live in a granny-flat in my daughter's garden.	sarum (6222)
707392	2008-09-24 20:47:00	I'm on holiday here in England and I've seen advertised a plug-in device to an electrical socket near the router. Then a plug-in device to an electrical socket near the distant computer. Providing; I presume, that they're on the same domestic circuit, This would suit me fine back home, as I live in a granny-flat in my daughter's garden. That's an option I didn't think of! :blush: I've seen several setups and they seem to be fine.	wratterus (105)
707393	2008-09-25 02:47:00	Wratterus is dead right when he says you have to have BOTH ends souped up for any real benefit. How do I know? Don't ask! Just getting a nice strong signal on the PC is only half the battle.	linw (53)
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