Improving the range on WRT54GS

nintenjo

nintenjo

nintenjo

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I have the above router.. but i am struggling to connect to it as its very far from my PC. IS there a way of improving the range using the standard firmware??

Is wireless B better at range than G .. what about all the options like

Authentication Type: (Default: Auto)
Basic Rate: (Default: Default)
Transmission Rate: (Default: Auto)
CTS Protection Mode: (Default: Disable)
Frame Burst: (Default: Enable)
Beacon Interval: (Default: 100,Milliseconds, Range: 1 - 65535)
DTIM Interval: (Default: 1, Range: 1 - 255)
Fragmentation Threshold: (Default:2346, Range: 256 - 2346)
RTS Threshold: (Default:2347, Range: 0 - 2347)
AP Isolation: (Default: Off)
Secure Easy Setup: (Default: Enable)

Can any of these be adjusted to improve range?

I am not too fussed about connection speed as i only use it with a 512k connection, just need a good connection to my PC and Xbox 360.
 
Only issue is the wired sockets are knackerd.. So can i update the firmware via wireless? (as i know its not recommended) and then i am worried once i apply a new firmware it will change my wireless options so i wont be able to re-connect.

... I'll try those suggested settings tho.
 
b is not better than g, but N is, as your router sounds like its knackered anyway, and youre struggling with your signal, Id recommend you go buy an N series router - I had same thing, my ISP supplied me with a G series router free, but its signal struggled to reach my PC, so I went and bought an N series, it runs like a dream :) PS you might then also want an N series receiver card too tho
 
Trouble with that is id have to upgrade both my laptop HTPC and Xbox to wireless N to get the benefit.

Might try and get a new aerial to improve the range.
 
nintenjo said:
Trouble with that is id have to upgrade both my laptop HTPC and Xbox to wireless N to get the benefit.

Might try and get a new aerial to improve the range.
Click to expand...

It is a waste of money on a knackered router. If you really cant spare £35 for a new N spec one then have a look for one of the old BT jobbies that you can hack to give you 100 mile range for a fiver.
 
An 802.11n router for £35? What model?

The alternative is a new WRT54GL. You'll be able to change the firmware, and you can get new antennae for it too, you could even use it (or the old one) as a repeater and put it somewhere in between.
 
tolien said:
An 802.11n router for £35? What model?

The alternative is a new WRT54GL. You'll be able to change the firmware, and you can get new antennae for it too, you could even use it (or the old one) as a repeater and put it somewhere in between.
Click to expand...

Edimax BR-6504n is sometimes on a certain 'today only' page for under £35 including delivery, otherwise it is £37.94.
 
Ah yeah, it's £40 from the shop. Point remains, though, that you wouldn't get much benefit without replacing the adapters at the other end.
 
95thrifles said:
b is not better than g, but N is, as your router sounds like its knackered anyway, and youre struggling with your signal, Id recommend you go buy an N series router - I had same thing, my ISP supplied me with a G series router free, but its signal struggled to reach my PC, so I went and bought an N series, it runs like a dream :) PS you might then also want an N series receiver card too tho
Click to expand...
b isn't better than G for range by a is sometimes better if range is reduced by obstacles like walls. 5GHz band penetrates walls and other objects more effectively but compromises on speed. the best way by far to boost a router's range is high gain antennae. However communications are 2-way so if you boost the router range you still need the adaptors to be able to talk back. 9/10 times the router will have a greater range than the adapters you're using so i'd try putting new antennae on those first.
 
Well i can get a good signal in certain areas of the house.. Can i configure my spare WAG200 router to work as a repeater to extend the signal? Or is this also not possible?
 
That's possible. Though easier done if it's wired into the other router rather than try wireless bridging. You could certainly add it as a second Access point using the same security and SSID just on differing channels
 
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