AP stronger signal than Adhoc ... ?

[Dolby]

Hi,

A few weeks ago I bought a Pinnacle Systems Showcenter 200 meda streamer (www.pinnaclesys.com) and purchasing a Pinnacle Systems PCTV 110i card in the next week or so. The Showcenter is connected directly (Adhoc) to a Linksys 802.11b/g PCI card. They're about 4 metres away with a single wall in between.

My problem is that the PC says 'only' 80-90% signal at such a near distance! Also, when I bought up, the PC first tells me 11mbps, then 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and eventually 54mbps. The process takes 5 minutes before the signal is at the fullest (at which it connects nicely). Is this normal? Is there a larger antenna one can buy to increase signal?

My two other options are a) get an AP and b) wire it with ethernet. Using an AP will the signal be stronger?

 

[wiki]

802.11 is very sensitive to obstacles, like the wall between them in ur case, and interferance like microwave ovens, cordless phones, cellphones ect. Usually the data rate starts picking up as data is transfered so don't worry to much about it going up and down although it can be usefull to lock it to one lower than the highest rate reported (48mpbs). Getting a AP for that distance is a waste, rather tweak ur current equipment. You can start by changing the channel on which it operate and if nothing works, try to put some sort of reflector behind the antenna or if they are removable do a google for some homebrew antennas or buy ones with higher gain.

Ps: what's ur actual throughput

 

[Carlhead]

like a custard container (custenna) I saw it in a MyADSL users sig.

If you're not planning on connecting more than 1 device then it's probably not worth going for an AP... but adhoc is just that so it's not 100% stable. An AP will solve 99% of your woes.

 

[Azrael]

With only 4 metres between the two I'd go for the wired solution rather - much more reliable - especially for multimedia streaming purposes.

 

[Carlhead]

With only 4 metres between the two I'd go for the wired solution rather - much more reliable - especially for multimedia streaming purposes.

It's of course always my recomenndation to avoide anything wireless if at all possible... this includes Keyboards, Mice, Joysticks, Computers etc. The only wireless device that doesn't give me TOOO much hassels is my bluetooth headset.

If you really want wireless, spend the money and buy decent equipment, else you're be grey in no time.

 

[Azrael]

Agreed