Need help on internet networking.

[wj4]

Here's the situation. The main desktop computer that's hardwired into the WiFi router and cable box is located on floor 1. There are 2 computers on floor 3 that are connected via WiFi, but the signal is pretty weak.

Would placing a signal booster on floor 2 or floor 3 help out the signal strength?

[snipersix]

Originally Posted by wj4

Here's the situation. The main desktop computer that's hardwired into the WiFi router and cable box is located on floor 1. There are 2 computers on floor 3 that are connected via WiFi, but the signal is pretty weak.

Would placing a signal booster on floor 2 or floor 3 help out the signal strength?

you could do that or you could install a repeater, and get those extended antenas for the router depending wat router you have to help with the signal.

[wj4]

Originally Posted by snipersix

you could do that or you could install a repeater, and get those extended antenas for the router depending wat router you have to help with the signal.

What exactly is a repeater? I just went down to check our connection and it seems that my step dad no longer uses the Linksys WiFi router we previously used. There's now a cable box that also doubles as a WiFi router.

[snipersix]

Originally Posted by wj4

What exactly is a repeater? I just went down to check our connection and it seems that my step dad no longer uses the Linksys WiFi router we previously used. There's now a cable box that also doubles as a WiFi router.

a repeater in a wireless sense, is a wireless extender. It connects 2 sections of a network together, by "repeating" the weakened signal. Thus, the name repeater.

example: http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satel...VisitorWrapper

The other solution you have is to replace your router, with a router that uses MIMO technology. A router with MIMO technology, has the ability to create multiple signals so that the signal travels farther than the usual.

This is usually offered on Wireless-N routers.

[snipersix]

i also believe that D-link offers a similar repeater product that you plug on your wall socket, and it acts as a access point that amplifies your wifi signal.

[Japanese_Racer]

You could run a ethernet cable to the second floor which you could connect to a linksys router. Then, connect to your network via the second floor router by finding out its network name and then press connect and (if applicable) enter either your WEP or WPA key.

[Japanese_Racer]

Who's your ISP? AOL? Safari?

Get Verizon FIOS! Best internet and tv ever!

[wj4]

Originally Posted by Japanese_Racer

Who's your ISP? AOL? Safari?

Get Verizon FIOS! Best internet and tv ever!

AOL is still in business? Lol. I believe it's through Verizon.

[snipersix]

Originally Posted by Japanese_Racer

You could run a ethernet cable to the second floor which you could connect to a linksys router. Then, connect to your network via the second floor router by finding out its network name and then press connect and (if applicable) enter either your WEP or WPA key.

that works too, using the bridge way..

[wj4]

Originally Posted by snipersix

i also believe that D-link offers a similar repeater product that you plug on your wall socket, and it acts as a access point that amplifies your wifi signal.

My friend has a Linksys one that he swears it works great. I may look into it tomorrow at the local Best Buy. I guess the best place would be the 2nd floor so it's within range of floor 1 and floor 3.

I don't really wanna wire an Ethernet cable to the 2nd floor. I'd prefer the solution to be as clean cut as possible.

[Japanese_Racer]

Originally Posted by snipersix

that works too, using the bridge way..

I think that might be the easier way, while still getting better signal strength.

I think repeaters aren't that great. Plus, a Linksys router can be had for what,....... around $40?

[snipersix]

Originally Posted by Japanese_Racer

I think that might be the easier way, while still getting better signal strength.

I think repeaters aren't that great. Plus, a Linksys router can be had for what,....... around $40?

i haven't really experienced this kind of setup. I have done a bridge setup using 2 wireless routers though, however one router sends out wireless N gigabit connection, and the other sends out wireless G and B signals. However, I found that the 2nd router that is bridged to the main one, gets disconnected quite often due to conflict.

so I just got rid of it. My friend has the D-link repeater that you plug to the wall of his living room and it works fine for him.

[Rick]

You could try flashing your router with the DD-WRT firmware IF your router is on this list...

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices

Also, read this article...

http://lifehacker.com/software/route...ter-178132.php

Pay particular attention to the part about changing the value of the "Xmit Power" field to boost the wireless signal of your router.

If this doesn't work for you then check out the Apple Airport Extreme router (also PC compatible). Apple routers have excellent signal strength and you can always add another Airport Extreme and run it in bridge-mode if one isn't enough.

Good luck.

[snipersix]

Originally Posted by rickc

You could try flashing your router with the DD-WRT firmware IF your router is on this list...

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices

Also, read this article...

http://lifehacker.com/software/route...ter-178132.php

Pay particular attention to the part about changing the value of the "Xmit Power" field to boost the wireless signal of your router.

If this doesn't work for you then check out the Apple Airport Extreme router (also PC compatible). Apple routers have excellent signal strength and you can always add another Airport Extreme and run it in bridge-mode if one isn't enough.

Good luck.

I currently have time capsule, works like a breeze, love the gigabit connection

[Rick]

Originally Posted by snipersix

I currently have time capsule, works like a breeze, love the gigabit connection

NICE! Can't wait till Time Capsule with a Solid State HD becomes an affordable reality.