I need some advice…our home computers are on a wireless network (cable modem, etc.) - it seems sometimes to not have enough strength. Is there something to add to amplify the signal? Or do I need to get another router?
You can buy a booster or signal amplifier - is it a 802.11G? if not, you could buy one of those access points…greater signal output. Search google or amazon for wireless booster
heck if I know - I just looked and it is a
Motorola WR850G
so I suppose it’s a 802.11G?
what’s an access point?
Try upgrading the antenna. Also if you have a 2.4 GHz cordless phone, that can cause interference with the wireless frequency since 802.11 works in the same frequency band, IIRC.
You may want to just try repositioning the access point to a more central location in the house, minimize the number of walls the signal has to pass through, make sure the antenna is oriented perpendicular to the direction the signal has to travel between the router and the laptop. If the signal does have to pass through walls, try to set it up so that the signal goes straight through the wall, rather than at an angle, which can make the wall appear twice as thick (or more) to the signal.
Edit - my wireless router also has some tweaking that can be done from the configuration utility, including signal strength. Your’s probably has the same thing??
phone is 5.8 ghz - potential problem?
can’t move the router - gotta stay put. yes there are walls. antenna should point how? one computer is horizontal thru walls, the other is thru more walls and downstairs - so 45 degree angle.
I’ll check on the config utility
If you are only having problems “some of the time” and typically in the farther locations than you might want to try an antenna extension first. Some people have good luck with them and you can pick one up for 5-10$ at NewEgg or 3500.00$ at your local computer store.
If that doesn’t work then look at a BOOSTER.
~Matt
thanks!
which one would you suggest (from Newegg)
- XTERASYS AN-EXT External 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless Antenna
or
-
D-Link ANT24-0400 2.4GHz Omni-Directional 4dBi Indoor Antenna
One of the tech geks I work with gave me this very lo-tech, lo-cost tip for extending your wirless range. Go to your local 7-11 and buy one of those mini Pringles cans (it’s maybe 2 or 3 inches tall), open the can and eat the chips. Once the can is empty, place it over the wireless antenna. Ta da, wireless extension on the cheap. I haven’t tried it myself, but it’s cheap enough to try out
The good thing about NewEgg is they have reviews for just about everything. Click on the product and click on “customer review”. Often times they’ll have someone with your exact setup. If things went “well” you know the product works. OTOH I’ve saved myself ALOT of time when someone has said “Oh and if you have “X” product…this won’t work very well with it”. They also rate everything and if it doesn’t work or doesn’t work well the reviews will show it.
That being said I ahve no experiance with boosters but the D-link is a better known brand. I’ve used other products fo their without issue.
~Matt