SylvieG
asked on
wireless ? not too far
HI,
My main computer (a Compaq EVO D510 cmt 845 G CTO with Windows 2000, 2.0 GHz pent 4 ) is connected to the internet via cable (my provider is Comcast). A Linksys Etherfast wireless AP + cable/DSL router is installed on this computer.
I have two other computers with a wireless PCI-DLink DWL-650.
The first one (a DONNE LA MARQUE desktop) is 25 feet away from the main computer. On the D-Link air DWL-650 configuration utility, the link quality and the signal strength vary from 33% to 85%.
This computer normally accesses the internet and shared files.
However, my third computer, a laptop (Toshiba) , located a floor up just above the main computer, and running on Windows Me, has a difficult time accessing the internet and shared files . (link quality and signal strength may vary from 0 to 55%)
I checked for new driver or firmware and already installed it. The wireless network installation has been made by a professional, and has been working properly up to a month ago.
My questions are:
1) Where is it coming from? Comcast, The router, the D-Link PC card?
2) What can I do to get a better link quality, or at least a link to stay connected when I am working on my laptop. I heard about an antenna, but it seems that my DWL-650 cannot support it. Do I have to change something?
3) I wanted to install my laptop downstairs (half story high) 50 feet away from the main computer. I have one wall between them. When I am downstairs 30 feet away, I have 60% link quality, but the connection decreases to nothing when I go further away.
I really would like to be able to work in my home from anywhere without the hassle of losing the quality of the high speed internet. Any solutions? Thanks
My main computer (a Compaq EVO D510 cmt 845 G CTO with Windows 2000, 2.0 GHz pent 4 ) is connected to the internet via cable (my provider is Comcast). A Linksys Etherfast wireless AP + cable/DSL router is installed on this computer.
I have two other computers with a wireless PCI-DLink DWL-650.
The first one (a DONNE LA MARQUE desktop) is 25 feet away from the main computer. On the D-Link air DWL-650 configuration utility, the link quality and the signal strength vary from 33% to 85%.
This computer normally accesses the internet and shared files.
However, my third computer, a laptop (Toshiba) , located a floor up just above the main computer, and running on Windows Me, has a difficult time accessing the internet and shared files . (link quality and signal strength may vary from 0 to 55%)
I checked for new driver or firmware and already installed it. The wireless network installation has been made by a professional, and has been working properly up to a month ago.
My questions are:
1) Where is it coming from? Comcast, The router, the D-Link PC card?
2) What can I do to get a better link quality, or at least a link to stay connected when I am working on my laptop. I heard about an antenna, but it seems that my DWL-650 cannot support it. Do I have to change something?
3) I wanted to install my laptop downstairs (half story high) 50 feet away from the main computer. I have one wall between them. When I am downstairs 30 feet away, I have 60% link quality, but the connection decreases to nothing when I go further away.
I really would like to be able to work in my home from anywhere without the hassle of losing the quality of the high speed internet. Any solutions? Thanks
ASKER
It seems I already have An Acess Point. From the cable modem, I have a line going into an EtherFast Wireless AP + cable /DSL Router (linksys model BEFW11S4) IEEE 802.11b.
Do you mean, I can connect an antenna to that AP ?
Do you mean, I can connect an antenna to that AP ?
Yes, On your BEFW11S4 Router you have two antennas. Unhook one of them and install a 802.11 Antenna.
The Linksys BEFW11S4 uses reverse polarity TNC connector..
Visit www.hyperlinktech.com for atenna kits and accessories.
The Linksys BEFW11S4 uses reverse polarity TNC connector..
Visit www.hyperlinktech.com for atenna kits and accessories.
I agree with akirsch but there are too many electronic devices in todays home to try and find witch one or one's are causing the problem. I resently had a simaler installation. The client had a Linksys 4 port DSL Router/Switch. The first problem I had is the Linksys that was already installed was distributing address's from DHCP to the 3 Computers thrioughout his house. The 4 Port D-Link Wireless DLS Router/Switch which I was to install also had a DHCP server. So I removed the Linksys and installed the D-Link, Pluging the desktops into the 4 ports that where avalible and used the wireless for the 2 laptops in the house. I also ran into issues on the upper floors. I had to put a wireless repeater on the upper floor to help. Now there is no connectivity issues.
You might try a signal booster for the Linksys:
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=548&scid=38
802.11b uses the 2.4Mhz range. Same as microwave ovens, same as most home cordless phones. You can try changing the channel that is being used. Right on the main setup page, there is a drop-down choice for channel..
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=548&scid=38
802.11b uses the 2.4Mhz range. Same as microwave ovens, same as most home cordless phones. You can try changing the channel that is being used. Right on the main setup page, there is a drop-down choice for channel..
The linksys signal booster that Irmoore suggested should do the trick, I installed one for a customer and it greatly improved their wireless distance / link quality.
ASKER
about electrical devices, I already checked all my cordless phone, (I only have 900MGz) and did not find any significant improvement. I am a little chilly to install the external antenna on the DWL-650.
When I checked on the different links you gave me I can see a lot of options but I don't know wich one will be the most effecient for the less cost..
I read that linksys has a wireless signal booster ($99 to radioshack) .
The antenna you are talking about the 802.11 antenna is $45 . I read it's for the 802.11 A type, wich is compatible with the 80211.b, but ist as performant ?
For the same price ($99) I can get a new wireless 802.11G linksis AP+cable?DSL Router (seems faster, but waht about the coverage)
Or what about to get a new wireless notebook pc card with antenna (wich one ?)
I am getting lost.
I am looking for something simple, and want to spend less than $100.
thank you for all the information "Akirsch"
When I checked on the different links you gave me I can see a lot of options but I don't know wich one will be the most effecient for the less cost..
I read that linksys has a wireless signal booster ($99 to radioshack) .
The antenna you are talking about the 802.11 antenna is $45 . I read it's for the 802.11 A type, wich is compatible with the 80211.b, but ist as performant ?
For the same price ($99) I can get a new wireless 802.11G linksis AP+cable?DSL Router (seems faster, but waht about the coverage)
Or what about to get a new wireless notebook pc card with antenna (wich one ?)
I am getting lost.
I am looking for something simple, and want to spend less than $100.
thank you for all the information "Akirsch"
i have such a linksys too, it works perfectly. My firmware version is 1.2.1, what is yours?
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ASKER
Thank you akirsch for your help. You answerd all my questions. The points are yours. I will go with the Ap antenna.
Sometimes a low-tech solution is best.
I can't believe that with all of the comments posted on this question nobody has even suggest he put the wireless AP near a window if it isn't already. It's too easy to advise people to throw money at a problem like this. I admit that I did initially consider recommending adding better antennae to the AP but once again I see no reason to suggest an additional purchase is the only option. I've implimented the wifi parabolic reflector idea detailed at:
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/
It works wonderfully and I didn't need to purchase anything to make it. My only reservation with regards to the parbolic reflector idea is that it doesn't work for every type of antennae. It works like a charm for my linksys USB wireless NIC and I know it'll work with the Linksys WAP11 but I can't be sure of the compatibility with other APs. I expect that any router or AP that uses the same antennaes that the WAP11 uses should be able to benefit from a parabolic reflector but it'd be wise to get confirmation of the compatbility of your router specifically if at all possible. In any case you can't beat the price.
Good Luck,
pjimerson
I can't believe that with all of the comments posted on this question nobody has even suggest he put the wireless AP near a window if it isn't already. It's too easy to advise people to throw money at a problem like this. I admit that I did initially consider recommending adding better antennae to the AP but once again I see no reason to suggest an additional purchase is the only option. I've implimented the wifi parabolic reflector idea detailed at:
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/
It works wonderfully and I didn't need to purchase anything to make it. My only reservation with regards to the parbolic reflector idea is that it doesn't work for every type of antennae. It works like a charm for my linksys USB wireless NIC and I know it'll work with the Linksys WAP11 but I can't be sure of the compatibility with other APs. I expect that any router or AP that uses the same antennaes that the WAP11 uses should be able to benefit from a parabolic reflector but it'd be wise to get confirmation of the compatbility of your router specifically if at all possible. In any case you can't beat the price.
Good Luck,
pjimerson
2) To really improve signal strength/link quality you will either have to improve the signal to noise ratio by eliminating radio interference OR put an antenna on the router, pcmcia card, or both. The DWL-650 card is a low cost card that does not have an external antenna connector from the factory. You can add an antenna but it takes a little time and effort.
See the following link for a tutorial:
http://c0rtex.com/~will/antenna/
3) The other option you could do is purchase an Access Point (AP) and connect it to your Router. You could then hook an atenna up to your Access Point and that way you don't have to modify your DWL-650 cards.
I personally run a wireless network over 1,500 feet through several walls using 2 15dbi omni directional antennas. You can do this it just takes a little time and effort getting everything setup.