Extending wireless strength

denz1968 · 12 Mar 2006 at 22:59

Hi

I have a dlink DSLG604T wireless router. What is the best way to increase the signal strength at the extremeties of my home? I.E. In the bedroom with the laptop we get a full speed signal but the strength varies because of the amount of block walls the signal has to travel through.

All help appreciated.

Thanks

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 17:19

OK the laptop that has problems has built in wireless.

The 2 other PC's that use the wireless network both use USB wireless adapters. Generally they are both ok, but then they are closer to the DLINK wireless router.

The laptop is OK close to the router, but looses signal as you go to the other end of the house, both upstairs and down.

I have just found that i have a 3com wireless access point that i can use. What do i need to do to use this??

Thanks

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 18:42

The 3 com is a model WL-526

Also has 2 external aerials

Thanks

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 19:34

MAllen said:
BTW - denz1968 - have you thought of using the 3-Com as your main router instead of the LInksys? Could be worth comparing signal strengths with Netstumbler.?

Thought of that but the dlink dslg604 that i have carries my broadband around the house, which is the reason i bought it!!!

Thanks

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 19:50

MAllen said:
Okay.... so what about comparing the signal strengths anyway? As you already have this kit, you could setup a second WiFi network across the house. On a different channel and SSID. 3-Com connected to D-Link by Ethernet cable. Then have two sets of WiFi networks across the house. This is only sensible to try if that 3-Com is showing a bigger signal.

Ya have the kit, so maybe worth a play.....

So if i do as you say and plug the 3com into the dlink, will the 3 com push the broadband around the house?? If so i have 2 of these 3com boxes to use, so i guess they can then be used at different points to boost signal!!!

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 20:07

Phnom_Penh said:
You could have said you have two of them before! makes things a lot easier, do as MAllen says, one into the D-Link, and the other one the other side of the house.

Sorry, reason i only said i had one was cos someone said about connecting an access point.

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 20:10

MAllen said:
Half of this job is our psychic abilities to spot this missing bits of information.... like weird model numbers at 3-Com... and people who edit their posts after posting them.... BTW - do you want that book back you threw at me?

Denzil - first job you need to do is to install Net Stumbler to find out which channel numbers you and your neighbours are using. Do a check in both the front and back of the house.

Done that mate. I am on channel 11 on the dlink. There is also a netgear unsecured network on channel 11 near the back of the house that i find with the laptop.

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 20:40

MAllen said:
If you are finding another Channel 11 at the back of the house, then you may find changing the channel on your D-Link is enough to make the difference. Try channel 1 or 7 or any other number. Try a few out and watch what your signal strength does in NetStumbler.

If that experiment doesn't help, fire up the 3-Coms and put them on a different channel to your D-Link and neighbours.

So - for example - Neighbour on 11, D-Link on 7, 3-Coms BOTH on 1

OK so what are the basics of netstumbler. I have installed it. Ran it, however it disconnects me from wireless, then does not show any networks!!!

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 20:49

MAllen said:
netstumbler should turn off your wireless, and then use your latop's wireless for a scan. Problem is that is does not support every type of WiFi card, so if there is nothing appearing - then your card id not supported.

Look in the status bar at the bottom of net stumblers screen. If it complains about no wireless, then your card isn't supported and we have to forget about NetStumbler.

OK just tried it and reports no ap's and no gps, so i guess not supported

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 21:01

Phnom_Penh said:
You'll want to open the devices menu and select the NDis driver for the device, (or the opposite to the one currently selected).

OK i have it now thanks. Can i change the channel thro netstumbler or do i have to do it through the dlink setup page

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 21:40

so which numbers in particular on net stumbler should i be looking at to do with my signal quality and strength

Thanks

denz1968 · 13 Mar 2006 at 21:50

Phnom_Penh said:
SNR, higher is better.

OK thanks i will review different channels to see which is best