I recently got my parents to take their network wireless (G via Linksys WRT54GS). While I sold them on the benefits of being "mobile," I of course was secretly and selfishly thinking about connecting to their network while visiting and without being tethered to a hard line. I figured we could both benefit
Well, when I set their router up I didn't really take into account the size difference between their house and my apartment. That is, I'm accustomed to being able to roam all over my 1000 sq ft pad without problems. Meanwhile, the 'rent's place is roughly 4x the sq footage and thus... I've got range connectivity problems.
I've looked at wireless extenders but, they're ~$100 and I've seen high gain antenna kits for a little under half that price but, I'm wondering if there are any hints, tips or tricks that might be used before I spring for equipment upgrades. Here's what I've tried so far...
I've elevated the router and positioned, repositioned and then repositioned the antennae again to try and aim them toward areas where I'd like coverage. This had little to no effect. I've also tried adjusting the frequency up and down from ~2.1Ghz - ~2.46Ghz. Best results seemed to be at lower frequencies but, again, little to no appreciable difference.
The home is circa 1960's ranch style w/stone masonry exterior and drywall interior. The router is in a home office/utility room located on the opposite wall from a kitchen. Lot's of metal objects in the kitchen, of course but, that's where their computer and modem is.
Ideally, I'd just like to get a decent signal from the basement, which is only about 50'-60' away. It's down a set of concrete steps from the home office.
So any thought on this? If not, has anyone used high gain antennae and seen significant improvements? Last resort will be the extender, anyone have experience with one of those?
Many thanks in advance for any assistance.
Well, when I set their router up I didn't really take into account the size difference between their house and my apartment. That is, I'm accustomed to being able to roam all over my 1000 sq ft pad without problems. Meanwhile, the 'rent's place is roughly 4x the sq footage and thus... I've got range connectivity problems.
I've looked at wireless extenders but, they're ~$100 and I've seen high gain antenna kits for a little under half that price but, I'm wondering if there are any hints, tips or tricks that might be used before I spring for equipment upgrades. Here's what I've tried so far...
I've elevated the router and positioned, repositioned and then repositioned the antennae again to try and aim them toward areas where I'd like coverage. This had little to no effect. I've also tried adjusting the frequency up and down from ~2.1Ghz - ~2.46Ghz. Best results seemed to be at lower frequencies but, again, little to no appreciable difference.
The home is circa 1960's ranch style w/stone masonry exterior and drywall interior. The router is in a home office/utility room located on the opposite wall from a kitchen. Lot's of metal objects in the kitchen, of course but, that's where their computer and modem is.
Ideally, I'd just like to get a decent signal from the basement, which is only about 50'-60' away. It's down a set of concrete steps from the home office.
So any thought on this? If not, has anyone used high gain antennae and seen significant improvements? Last resort will be the extender, anyone have experience with one of those?
Many thanks in advance for any assistance.