Extending wireless network range

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cvzyl

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I have a wireless router (Gigabyte BN49G) router that connects to a D-Link DSL modem and supplies broadband to the rest of my network. This arrangement works well except that the range is not sufficient. When I am upstairs with my laptop (wireless router is downstairs), the signal is really weak and is sometimes dropped. I ordered an indoor omnidirectional 5db antenna but unfortunately this did not improve the situation.

I have read on the internet that I can use a second wireless router on the network to extend the range. Do I have to connect it using a LAN cable or can it be configured to use a wireless connection between the two routers? Any suggestions on routers that work well? If connected using a LAN cable, do I have to use a crossed over cable or can it be straight?

Cobus
 
I use Linksys stuff and bought a Linksys range-extender - maybe Gigabyte make a similar device.

I then had some hassles with the RE and ordered another Linksys wireless access point, to do what you want to do, but managed to get the RE working again so I have not tried the second WAP yet. In theory the second one does not have to be wired, just configured as a repeater.
 
If you can wire up an access point with ethernet, that's your best bet.

You can wirelessly extend the range, but there are caveats:
-The router must support WDS (wireless distribution)
-The access point must support it
-You can't use WPA over WDS, only WEP.
-The speed halves, at the least, for anything connecting to the access point
 
Yeah like Claymore said both wireless routers need to support WDS for you to be able to do what you want to do. I Would suggest moving your current wireless router upstair and connect it via network cable to you adsl modem.

I've bought a 7db Linksys wireless indoor antenna for my Netgear DG834GT here in the UK coz my range were too weak upstairs. It did the job. I would suggest adding atleast a 7db antenna if that's the only accessory you want to add.
 
Thank you for all the replies. I am still trying to figure out a solution for this problem. I am currently considering buying an Apple Airport Extreme (I use Mac's :)) to extend the range. The main reasons why I am considering this:
- It is 802.11n
- I can connect my external drives via USB (and USB hubs) to get NAS functionality.
- It can act as a print server as well.
- It's Apple.

How would I connect the two routers? Do I just run a normal ethernet cable between two ports of the two routers? (Say port 1 to port 1?) Should it be a crossed over cable or can they be straight?

Thanks
Cobus
 
I suggest that you just replace the B49G with the Airport Extreme N. There is no comparison in performance.
The B49G WDS is very particular and I tried for months to get it to play nicely with a Netgear 834GT.
Also when you add a G router to the Extreme in WDS, it degrades the performance but not as much as adding B devices to a G network.

IMHO the airport extreme is best value for money and best performer out there.
 
The range for the N is also 3 times better so your range issue might be resolved
 
I also think the range should be better but I have read that the benefits of N will be lost as soon as earlier generation devices (e.g. G) are connected to the network.

Further, I am worried that the transfer speed will not be high enough to stream video over, that's why I am considering an ethernet connection between the two routers.

Cobus
 
Id also use Cat5 to connect but if you want to really use wireless you can always get an indoor booster which has min transmit of 100mW ( 20dbm ) and max 500mW ( 27dbm ). Only thing is @ the price it goes for Cat5 would be wayyyy cheaper.
 
yeh connect the gigabyte router to the apple one via ethernet
 
Last edited:
V_Tech
I have tried swiveling the antenna to point in different directions but could not see any improvement.

acidrain
Any recommendations for a booster? How much are they?

Cobus
 
To read up more on the indoor booster heres a link ( its a cpt distributor but im sure you can find it from a distributor in your area ):
http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php?cPath=49_27&products_id=314

It is listed as R650 ex. VAT for resellers so cash price will be a little more. But find out more from people here cos im not too sure about concrete floors.

Like i said its pricy ( too pricy in fact and id rather settle with LAN cable ). Hell for R650+ you can buy a nice long drill bit, drill a hole, feed the cable then patch it up again and itll still cost you less but if it were me id deal with CAT5 running around my house.
 
cvzyl said:
I also think the range should be better but I have read that the benefits of N will be lost as soon as earlier generation devices (e.g. G) are connected to the network.
Click to expand...
The device suggested by BobJones uses MIMO so afaik adding some G (or lower) devices should have no effect on anything using N.
 
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