Wireless internet in your home?

[tomneal]

My daughter has two computers at opposite ends of her house

It's not that big a house but the USB gadget gets a max of 25% signal from her router.

Is there a solution that doesn't require running wires in the attic?

[seamusTX]

Something like this might work. I haven't tried one.

- Jim

[tomneal]

Thanks Jim

That might work although the reviews weren't all that great.

Any one else have an idea?

[Keith B]

What router brand and model is it? If it is one with screw-on antennas, you can buy Hawking gain-types that will help. You can also get the Linksys gain antennas that will buy you better coverage.

If you need rock-solid coverage, you can purchase newer MIMO routers and USB thumb Wi-Fi NICs that have higher output power and better receivers.

[MoJo]

I have a Linksys Wireless G router and get 50% on my laptop out in the shop that is 50 yards from the house. It was about 60 bucks at Wallyworld.

[tomneal]

She is using a Link Sys

There were two wireless networks that got picked up

The strongest one was from the neighbor across the street. The wireless computer is farther away from the neighbor than the Linksys. Odd.

[Keith B]

Have her try to place the main WAP (wireless access point or router) higher up. If the other unit is a desktop computer, she can use something like this http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit ... 2262965B08 to get the NIC higher and out from behind the computer and up in the open.

Wi-Fi signals are 'line of sight' radio waves and are influenced by many differnt factors. 2-3 interior walls with metal appliances between the main router and the computer will weaken the signal more than a single wall or window facing a neighbors house who may have a higher power router; that is probably why their signal is stonger.

[jimlongley]

As a "wireless professional" I will tell you that there are many things that could have a major effect on your signal strength. Walls, air conditioners, furnaces, and appliances (even a cable tv wire) could all have an effect.

Just about all of the wireless routers out there have pretty close to the same signal strength, and most of the laptop or PC models do too. The reflection and attenuation of the signal by objects in the path may be all that is the problem.

In your daughter's case the clearest line of sight path might be to your neighbor's house, while the most direct path from her computer to the router may be through the air conditioner and multiple walls. Move the router around vertically and horizontally

BTW, I don't really do this for a job anymore, but I do teach the subject.

[Keith B]

You will find a variance in effective radiated power (ERP) output on several different brands, mainly from the design of their final output stage and antenna configuration. Many of the antennas have different radiation patterns and various gains, so these all make a differnce. The sensitivity of the receivers in different units also will affect the signal strength.

The new MIMO routers have a LOT better output gain than the older routers since they have multiple inputs/multiple outputs (MIMO). This compensate for multipath reflection issues common on 2.4Ghz that can plaque older style routers with single or even dual antennas.

Keith
FCC Commecial Radio License
and Amateur Radio Station KE0FV

As a "wireless professional" I will tell you that there are many things that could have a major effect on your signal strength. Walls, air conditioners, furnaces, and appliances (even a cable tv wire) could all have an effect.

Just about all of the wireless routers out there have pretty close to the same signal strength, and most of the laptop or PC models do too. The reflection and attenuation of the signal by objects in the path may be all that is the problem.

In your daughter's case the clearest line of sight path might be to your neighbor's house, while the most direct path from her computer to the router may be through the air conditioner and multiple walls. Move the router around vertically and horizontally

BTW, I don't really do this for a job anymore, but I do teach the subject.

[lrb111]

Can the router be moved closer to the center of the house? Or to a spot that allows a cleaner shot through open doors and hallways?
Is it possible to put an internal pci bussed wireless card in the far computer?

and finally, a wired connection will boost the speed. A wireless connection is near 54Mbs, wired is 100Mbs. Nearly twice as fast just to begin with, and no signal attrition to other RF sources.
Me, I fling a wire.

[tomneal]

25% was the max reading.
The other PC couldn't connect or stay connected.

The best idea may be moving the the antennas up and down, left and right.

[fadlan12]

I had a Belkin pre-n router with "800% more range" unfortunately it did not like to stay connected consistently. After 2 years or so of wifi frustration I bought a D-link 655 and its a world of difference. $119 on amazon.

[tomneal]

Thanks to all.
They are going to relocate the PC to the spare bedroom
and try it


Between the router and the 2nd PC there are:
two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a big screen TV.

Moving to the spare bedroom with angle away from all that junk.

[mcub]

How is your cell phone coverage? I ask since you can also have environmental problems. In my house there are periods when both my wifi and my Nextel have serious problems.

It is possible that with multiple devices that the router could be trying collision avoidance, if you can check to make sure the router channel setting is not on auto. If it is try picking a channel that you know the neighbor is not using and set it to use that channel only.