On Feb 13, 2009, at 12:39 PM, Dan Crutcher <[email protected]> wrote:
> Does anyone have any experience/advice on boosting the strength of a > wireless router's signal in a home? Our router works fine in most of > the house, but there is one room in the back that we use often where > the signal is very spotty. Is there some "booster" device that I could > locate in or near that room to get better reception? Dan, It's true that "range extending" does slow the wireless side of your network down, so I don't typically consider that a solution. What I have done myself is to install one of the new Airport Expresses (not to be confused with Airport Extreme), next to my original wireless router. The Airport Express can add wireless N to your network very easily. You set it to "Just N" and you've split your wireless coverage to "the haves and the have-nots" so-to-speak. The Express, without an external antenna has much greater range than your common G wireless router/access point, so if you have computers with N cards in them you have upgraded your network, without taking away from the devices that still require the G standard. If you really need G at the other end of your house, I would employ (Lee mentioned them a few weeks back) what are called "power line ethernet adapters." Put one by your router and one at the other end of your house. They work great and then you can plug your computer or another wireless router/access point at the other end. Turn its DHCP and routing off, put it on the same channel as your first router, set it to announce itself with the same name as your original router. Then you have just increased the size of your network without losing any of the speed. Make it a G/N router (like the newer Express) and set it for BOTH G & N and you will improve all your wireless for the whole house. Feel free to inquire further if you have any questions. j. P.S. I especially like the Express because I can unplug it in a second, throw it in my bag and use it wherever I next set up: someone's office or a hotel room. I have frequently said that this one little product has more functionality per dollar than anything else Apple has ever made. -- Jonathan Fletcher FileMaker 9 Certified Developer Project Foreman NewMedia Construction Co. [email protected] Instigator The BB&J Network The "Go-To Guys" for FileMaker Development in Louisville [email protected] _______________________________________________ The next Louisville Computer Society meeting will be February 24 at MacAuthority, 128 Breckinridge Lane. Posting address: [email protected] Information: http://www.math.louisville.edu/mailman/listinfo/macgroup
