Help extending wireless network range

Davey_Pitch · 26 Jan 2006 at 16:31

My friend has a Netgear router (not sure which make), and he finds that as he gets to about 10-11m away the signal becomes intermittent and occassionally drops. The router itself seems fine so he's assuming it's merely due to interference and the range needs extending. What would he need to do this? Would a Wireless Access Point (like Netgear WG602 54Mbps Wireless Access Point (NW-012-NG)) do the job for him, or does he need something else? He's prefer to keep the cost down and not spend £100 on a solution.

Cheers, Davey.

Mulder · 26 Jan 2006 at 16:34

We used to have the Netgear WG602. It worked so well that the neighbours could pick up (almost) full signal. I would probably suggest one of these if something new does have to be bought.

We also found large metal objects cause loads of interference, In our case they were aerial masts. Hasn't got anything like that has he/she?

bad_ass_neil · 26 Jan 2006 at 16:40

Books are also bad, so make sure no book cases are in the way, microwaves are bad(when they are on) so i guess most large electronic devices will have some effect on the signal!

also you can buy better omnidirectional aerials (bigger the better)

benjo plz. · 26 Jan 2006 at 16:42

Wap won't extend the range, it won't have a built in extender function, (thats asking abit much from netgear

), and the router itself probably won't support wds either. A better antenna, or a better position of the router would help, although as Mulder says, a new router would probably the best option. It could be destructive interference from another 2.4Ghz transmitter in the area.

tolien · 26 Jan 2006 at 16:42

Would suggest buying better antennae before a new device, though 10-11m is bad.

Davey_Pitch · 26 Jan 2006 at 23:43

Better antennae? Could you elaborate please, I've only just got into wireless myself so still a bit of a noob myself

tolien · 26 Jan 2006 at 23:47

Wireless devices have antennae (surprise

), and you can get better ones, which'll give better range etc.

Nice cheap example being the Pringles can-tenna

Sure the shop used to sell more. :confused:

benjo plz. · 26 Jan 2006 at 23:51

That will depend if the antenna is attached by a sma adaptor or just a wire. If not he could add a sma using an Ipax to sma adaptor, or he could just get a new router.

tolien · 26 Jan 2006 at 23:52

Yup, would need the model number to be sure, though if it's only good to 10m, it sounds like there's something wrong with it anyway.