REVscene Automotive Forum - View Single Post - Most straight forward way to expand network range

trd2343 · 09-12-2011, 09:47 AM

What's the easiest way to increase a network's range? It just so happens that my computer is in the area of my house where the WiFi signals drop, so my internet speed and connection is unstable, but I can't move the router anywhere else either. I do get signal, but it's weak and sometimes internet is slow. The router is on the main floor north east corner of a 2 floor 1 basement 2500 sqft house, and my computer is on the upper floor south west corner. Currently using WRT54G.

I would have went out and just bought a new N router thinking that would solve the problem. But after reading articles on smallnetbuilder, it seems like N router doesn't increase the network range at all.

I'm comfortable with software settings as long as there is straight forward instructions to follow, but anything beyond that I have no clue about because I'm not very familiar with networking.

There isn't really a budget either, as long as the new setup is stable and provides consistent connection.

I've read a little bit on smallnetbuilder, particularly on wireless repeater/bridge(?), but I'm not sure I totally understand how it works, and I think it also cuts your internet speed in half?

09-12-2011, 09:47 AM	#1
trd2343 Where's my RS Christmas Lobster?! Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 817 Thanked 120 Times in 62 Posts Failed 21 Times in 14 Posts	Most straight forward way to expand network range What's the easiest way to increase a network's range? It just so happens that my computer is in the area of my house where the WiFi signals drop, so my internet speed and connection is unstable, but I can't move the router anywhere else either. I do get signal, but it's weak and sometimes internet is slow. The router is on the main floor north east corner of a 2 floor 1 basement 2500 sqft house, and my computer is on the upper floor south west corner. Currently using WRT54G. I would have went out and just bought a new N router thinking that would solve the problem. But after reading articles on smallnetbuilder, it seems like N router doesn't increase the network range at all. I'm comfortable with software settings as long as there is straight forward instructions to follow, but anything beyond that I have no clue about because I'm not very familiar with networking. There isn't really a budget either, as long as the new setup is stable and provides consistent connection. I've read a little bit on smallnetbuilder, particularly on wireless repeater/bridge(?), but I'm not sure I totally understand how it works, and I think it also cuts your internet speed in half?