Increase range on Linksys Router

[gizmogeezer]

Hi All,

I just took a trip to my local radio Shack to browse the goodies. They have a set of replacement antenna's for the Linksys router for $29. The electrical specifications go like this. Original antenna gain 2.2dbi, and the new antenna gain 5.5 dbi. The difference is 3.3dbi. A difference of 3 db is the equivilent of doubling the transmit power and at the same time increasing the receive capability of the router by the same amount.

Could be a reasonable and cheap solution for someone with a marginal signal. I think they also have a single antenna for D-link.

Ken the gizmogeezer

[Nekkutta]

Hey gizmogeezer, I have a Linksys as well and I can pick up a signal from a good distance away with the stock antennas, I was thinking about the upgrade, but using wifi-where one day, I realized that I got a 30% signal from the road a good 500' from my house.
How far out are you trying to connect to wifi that you are getting a marginal signal??

Nekkutta

[Forge]

You may have a good setup then Nekkutta. I also have a linksys wireless router. My reception is 0%-20% from about 60 feet away. However, I know the cause of the lack of reception.

My problem is the wall that's between my room and the Wireless router just happens to be the one that our household cable lines run through from the attic, as well as a few power lines and such. Inside that wall is enough radio shielding coaxial and conduit to kill just about any signal. Just as an example, my brothers computer is right on the other side 5 feet away with an 80% connection.

However, there's other ways to kill wireless signals. Things like the computers position elevation to the router, Interference of other metallic objects, and the amount of solid substance that the signal has to make its way through.

Some quick fixes include simply buying or making a larger antenna. Other things that are more elaborate include building a Cantenna Or a Parabolic antenna. However, While these methods produce a MUCH clearer signal, it can be considered a bit overkill.

[lelisa13p]

Welcome to Brighthand, Forge.

Good post!

[holvoetn]

Anyone ever considered the quacking ducks ?
I have VERY good results using it at home ...

(the pic is not my setup )

[gizmogeezer]

Hi All,

Great comments! The problem with the "quacking ducks" approach is that it tends to be directional. Actually this may help some by beaming to a fixed location.

Making antenna's from cans works great if you have the time. I always have problems connecting to the router. Mine has a none standard connector,

A directional antenna would probably be better for me since all I want to do is get a little more signal to the back yard. The radio Shack antenna's are omni directional.
Ken the gizmogeezer

[fnagle]

I've been running Satori 4.0 firmware (do a Google search on linksys satori). I found this forum about two years ago, and it has provided added features on the Liniksys WRT54G that I've been running, including increased transmit power to the antennas. The only caveat - IF NOT DONE CORRECTLY YOUR ROUTER CAN BECOME A BRICK! This term refers to the fact that the firmware could be corrupted and MAY BE impossible to revive.

Luckily, I've upgraded and as mentioned have had no problems for a few years. The software was free (think it still is) and since the Linksys is essentially a linux box, has other capabilities than those specified by Linksys / Cisco.

fnagle

[lelisa13p]

Anyone ever considered the quacking ducks ?
I have VERY good results using it at home ...

H, how long do you think it will take Streaky to get over here, once he hears about "Quacking Ducks"? I say we should get our helmets and, well, you know...

cover!

More On-Topic, the QD site contains non-responsive links to project templates. I downloaded templates last year but they are trapped in my Old Dead Beast. Google shows only the link posted here. Do you know of another template site? (I know there's always the Pringles can method. ) I want to direct the signal almost completely in one direction.

[Forge]

If only the mythbusters didn't come up with that duck quacking myth, then google might actually show some decent results...

Other than the cantenna, I cant think off the top of my head an emmiter that would directly focus the signal much better than that.

[holvoetn]

I never tried the cantenna (which obviously would yield even better results) but I AM able to reach the other side of my house using the quacking ducks, which saved me from buying other (more expensive) equipment.