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Thread ID: 68610 2006-05-05 02:42:00 How to extend wireless network Kaizer (10351) Press F1
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452233 2006-05-05 02:42:00 Just wondering if anyone could give me some advice on extending my wireless network. My parents house is approx 35-40 meters away from mine.I want them to be able to use my broadband connection. I am using a gigabyte GN-BR01G wireless access point and I have put a 3com wireless pci card in their pc. I have managed to get their pc connected to my router, but the signal is quite weak and it keeps dropping out so their internet is almost as slow as their original dialup. Between my house and their house there are only a few wooden fences, no buildings etc. Is there any way (cheapish) to increase the range of my network so I can at least get a connection that doesnt drop out all the time.
Thanks
Kaizer (10351)
452234 2006-05-05 02:55:00 External aerials would probably fix it, but that would be expensive. I would try a USB WiFi (which will allow use of 5 m of cable) on the client computer. With that much cable you should be able to put the USB WiFi in a window facing the house with the AP. Graham L (2)
452235 2006-05-05 03:00:00 Hiya, the 3com pci card comes with a extendable arial on a wire, the arial has been placed on the window facing the house with the router, still no luck. Is there a way of fitting a larger arial to the gigabyte router? would that increase coverage?
Cheers
Kaizer (10351)
452236 2006-05-05 03:50:00 Can you put the router/AP in a window too? :)

Make sure both are polarised the same: make both vertical.

You could try using a reflector behind one or both of the aerials, since you only want a link in one known direction. A square of aluminium foil on cardboard would do it. It should be "about" 30 mm or so behind the active element. A corner reflector would be even better.

I have seen a suggestion of using frying scoop nets as parabolic reflectors ... a Google search for "Stan Swan wffi", with the "New Nealand" option will give the links. (He used USB adapters; your aerial on a wire will work).
Graham L (2)
452237 2006-05-05 04:13:00 Thanks for the suggestion, I will grab a role of foil on the way home from work and give it a go.
By the way the router is in a window and both arials are vertical.
I'll post back with results.
thanks
Kaizer (10351)
452238 2006-05-05 04:13:00 of course, "stan swan wifi" and "New Zealand". :( Graham L (2)
452239 2006-05-05 11:56:00 I use a Linksys access point & a Linksys Range Expander (dearer than the access point) - on my laptop - low signal without & excellent signal with it on. Maybe your one has a compatible expander as well. quarry (252)
452240 2006-05-08 02:00:00 Most of the standard aerials on routers are often not very powerful 1-2dbi, buy upgrading the aerials on both the router and client PC you should have not problems covering that range. If theres any trees/sheds etc in the way it might be a little bit harder, but 35-40m is quiet easy to get. DSE have a 5dbi omni-directional aerial and Jaycar have a 7dbi omni-directional aerial, one of these at each end should be sufficient. Plus there not that expensive $25-50 each, failing that there are 9dbi beasts avaliable on TradeMe, but if 7dbi wont cut it i doubt 9dbi will, you'd have to look into a directional setup. But before you make any purchases double check that the aerial on your router and client are removable. Pete O'Neil (6584)
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