WIreless N router has worse range than my G router, how can i improve the range?
I have a WRT54g linksys router at home. I purchased a WRT160N linksys router to test for a client. My client needs to have his wireless reach a little farther than his wireless g connection can transmit to. When i hook the WRT160N in the adjoining room of the WRT54G(on a seperate channel), and go out side, the G reaches just as far, if not a touch farther than the N device. I have always steered away form N devices since it is not standardized yet, but needed the extra reach the N device supposedly provided. I just have the default auto settings on, any ideas on why distance is so poor? I tried a WRE54g range extender first, but that device was terrible. After connecting it to the network, I could be standing right next to the range extender and only gt a 40% signal strength.
ASKER
The channels were 5 apart. Out of the box i assumed the n router would transmit farther. Does it matter that i have it in mixed mode. I am using a g card in my laptop, but from what i read, the signal should still reach farther. I really don't want to purchase another antenna, I guess I can return the device though I don't think that is the problem.
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ASKER
That is some good info axiom, thanks. I was going to accept as a solution but wonder if i could get a little more info first (recommendation actually)? There is a WRT54g in one end of the building, and i need the signal to go slightly farther to cover the whole area. The area i need to put either a WAP or range extender is in an area without wiring. My question is, how would you extend the signal? Will a linksys WAP54G repeat a signal? I was trying to avoid having to buy 2 WAP's and running in bridge mode. Do they make a high gain antenna for the WRT54g, if so is there a certain brand you recommend?
The WRT54GC supports an external antenna option.
Please excuse the ridiculous link:
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&cid=1115416825655
And antenna (7db):
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416829339&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=2933939789B55
Another antenna option... higher gain, though of a different brand (9db):
http://www.hyperlinktech.com/item.aspx?id=1925 (Make sure to get the R-SMA connector that matches the router)
A good tool to use if you aren't already is netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com). Run it on your laptop and you can wander around the location and see exactly how much signal is being received in various areas.
Good Luck!
-Axiomtech-
Please excuse the ridiculous link:
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&cid=1115416825655
And antenna (7db):
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416829339&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=2933939789B55
Another antenna option... higher gain, though of a different brand (9db):
http://www.hyperlinktech.com/item.aspx?id=1925 (Make sure to get the R-SMA connector that matches the router)
A good tool to use if you aren't already is netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com). Run it on your laptop and you can wander around the location and see exactly how much signal is being received in various areas.
Good Luck!
-Axiomtech-
Return it and try another is my suggestion unless you want to go purchase high gain antennas and try them.
Make certain that someone close by is not using the same channel and try different channels. ry to space your test at least 5 channels apart from the nearest wireless device.
John