extending wireless-n range??

[hulkster]

here's the deal....

ive got a dlink wireless-n router and it's working fine....however i need to extend the range a little better.  i know i can buy an AP to put in the middle of my house but i dont want to spend any more money.

i have a linksys WRT54G router (802.11g obviously) and im wondering if that firmware upgrade everyone talks about WRT something or other will allow me to extend the signal (albeit in 802.11n) or is that a limitation of the hardware itself? 

eh...no im confusing myself.  anyway, i have an old router....can i use that as an AP to transmit 802.11n to the rest of the house, or do i need to buy an official 802.11n AP?

[MustardTent]

The wireless protocol specifications (802.11a/b/j/g/n) all define a physical interface as well as a link layer interface.  That means you need hardware specific to each protocol supported.

You need to buy a new router to get 11n functionality.

[hulkster]

The wireless protocol specifications (802.11a/b/j/g/n) all define a physical interface as well as a link layer interface.  That means you need hardware specific to each protocol supported.

You need to buy a new router to get 11n functionality.

what about doing the aluminum-foil-antenna-range-extender thing? 

[ChadTower]

i have a linksys WRT54G router (802.11g obviously) and im wondering if that firmware upgrade everyone talks about WRT something or other will allow me to extend the signal (albeit in 802.11n) or is that a limitation of the hardware itself? 

I believe DD-WRT does allow you to adjust the signal strength but you could not use your G router to transmit N.

[MustardTent]

The wireless protocol specifications (802.11a/b/j/g/n) all define a physical interface as well as a link layer interface.  That means you need hardware specific to each protocol supported.

You need to buy a new router to get 11n functionality.

what about doing the aluminum-foil-antenna-range-extender thing? 

You could look into getting antennas that provide stronger signal, but you'll still have the problem of the laptop reaching the AP, which you haven't improved.

[BobA]

Nobody on the internet knows how to do this.  Nobody knows how to turn a router into a repeater, either.

You can spend 500 hours in chatrooms, forums, and searching google and you still will not have an answer.

WRT DD will let you use a modded router as a repeater.   Old tutorial

As for N from a G router it will never work.   Great for extending your G thou.

[hulkster]

Nobody on the internet knows how to do this.  Nobody knows how to turn a router into a repeater, either.

You can spend 500 hours in chatrooms, forums, and searching google and you still will not have an answer.

hmmm, im not sure if you are being retarded or a d0uchebag.  regardless, if the sarcasm is at the level that i think it is....yes i know that a router can be turned into a repeater.  i just wanted to know if an old G router can be turned into an N repeater.

[orion]

Personnally I generally prefer wireless signal boosters over repeaters as they are easier to set up and usually provide a really great range in signal. Other than moving your router to another spot (provided this is possible) I don't think your going to find a solution without investing some more money. Wireless is always a PITA to set up, good luck.

[MonMotha]

Good antennas are always a great option.  They can be had fairly cheap (look for closeouts or visit hamfests): I picked up a decent set for my old WAP11 (years ago) for like $10, and it did make a marked difference.  Contrary to somewhat popular belief, upgrading the antennas on only one end is effective since a good antenna helps on both transmit and receive.

Just make sure you don't exceed FCC EIRP regulations.  Most WAPs are pretty wimpy in terms of output power, so this isn't usually a concern.

[ark_ader]

Sure - get yourself a pair of Folgers Coffee cans, two APs and position the antennas inside the cans.  Make sure both cans have line of sight.  You can put contact paper on the cans to hide them or leave them as they are.

I tried this at my brother's ranch.  He wanted net access in his tackle shack near the barn.  We got decent signal with G  from the house.  I used two Airlink AP431W.  These are kinda special as they act as a bridge, AP, Repeater and a Client adapter.  Really functional.  He has an acre between the house and the shack/

I got these cheap at Frys for $14.99.  Oh they also operate at 5v so in theory you can make an access pod out of one with a solar panel.  At that price you could make several pods.

I don't know about N, but I got decent speeds with G.  Since my brother isn't too net savy and the house net speed was 1mb we didn't notice any lag in performance.

[massive88]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156232&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL041609&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL041609-_-NetworkWirelessAPBridge-_-L8A-_-33156232

[ark_ader]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156232&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL041609&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL041609-_-NetworkWirelessAPBridge-_-L8A-_-33156232

I had a few Trendnets in my time - well worth the money

[massive88]

I had a few Trendnets in my time - well worth the money

At that price I dont know if thats a knock against them or an endorsement!   

[ark_ader]

I had a few Trendnets in my time - well worth the money

At that price I dont know if thats a knock against them or an endorsement!   

Yeah, after reading that I see your point.  No every time I got an earful from a neighbor, friend, associate or relative regarding crap adsl routers, I sold them mine. Trendnet makes solid routers.