extending WLAN range: repeater vs. high-gain antenna?

Hi. Just set up a wireless "g" home network. Our broadband cable comes in to one building (A) where we've installed a LinkSys g wireless router ( "w/ SpeedBooster "). We only need to send the signal wirelessly to one other notebook computer (with a "Speedbooster "-compatible card from Broadcom, for whatever that's worth!) which is in another building (B) right next to building A.

Our problem is distance and obstructions. Total distance from the router to where the notebook is being used is between 50 to 75 feet. Building A has brick walls. Building B is woodframe construction with old thick plaster on the walls. Sometimes we have no problem getting the connection and getting on line. Sometimes the signal is too weak to establish the connection - can't obtain a temporary address - and then we have to move the notebook closer until we obtain the address, after which we stay connected, though the internet feed-through is sometimes slow.

So what is the best solution for extending the range/signal-strength?

From what I've read, there are (at least) 2 options: a repeater ( like the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander [~$90 - $100]), or a high gain antenna [$30-50 and up]. Is this correct? If so,

First question, then: What are the pros and cons of each approach?

Second question: I also have read that there are different kinds of high-gain antennae: omni-directional, like the ones that linksys sells as add-ons to their router (the simplest and cheapest approach, if adequate?), or directional types. The later seems to make more sense to me, since we only need to send the signal in a very specific direction and in a fairly narrow cone shape to cover the entire area we need. Does a directional antenna make more sense for us? And if so, what type would be simplest to install and not too much $$? I've found one on line called a Super Cantenna (www.cantenna.com) which sound simple enough and idiot-proof enough for me, but I don't know if it's junk or not, or if I should go for something better (and more elaborate) if I go the antenna route. And if I need something better than the Super Cantenna, what type? I'm confused by all of the choices: desktop bi-directional antennae, flat wall-mounted types, YAGI (sp?) types, mini-dish-types; yipes!!

One last question: one article about antennae which I found on line said that if I use a high-gain directional antenna, then I'd actually need 2! - one at the router, and another connected to the notebook! Is that true? If so, that would be both expensive and a pain in the rear.

Looking forward to hearing your responces and opinions; thanks!

 

WLAN range

Hi,
I too had a similar problem fixed by sitting the wireless router high up on the wall on a small wooden shelf this gave me just that extra signel strength not ideal but a cheep way out ($7 for shelf kit) until the unsightly cables dangling there got the better of me, I then went to a "directional" kit that fixed all the signel problems, even running the machinery in the next building have no effect now.

 

a "directional" kit?

Hi IceBob,

Although our set-up is working "OK" since we moved the location of the router, a stronger signal would still be better. You mentioned that you 'went to a "directional" kit that fixed all the signel problems'. What kind of kit, specifically, did you get, if you don't mind my asking?

 

That cantenna is excellent - I used one with my laptop (Orinico wireless pigtail PCMCIA card) last year while on vacation and was picking up a good connection well in excess of a mile. Just how far? Can't really say - never introduced myself to any unsecured network administrators.

I also use a signal booster and have a couple of repeaters set up in our house in conjunction wth an 802.11b access point. They too work well.

For your purposes, I'd go with the Cantenna and no, you don't need one on each end.

 

Hi Rockster2U. Thanks for your suggestions and experiences! Could you please clarify two things that you said?

Sorry, what exactly do you mean by a "signal booster "? Could you be specific?

So, just to clarify, you mean that only one on the router end would be sufficient, rather than one attached to the notebook, as you seemed to describe with your set-up? Is that correct or do I have it backwards? (I emailed basically this same question to Cantenna through their website, and they never responded, which didn't exactly endear them to me.)

Thanks!

 

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=38&prid=629

 

Scott,

The LinkSys product you referenced is a repeater. Rockster2U said:

So I assumed that he was referring to something other than a repeater when he referred to a signal booster. That's why I asked for clarification.

 

Got side tracked earlier when I was posting.

I have one of these although Im not sure Linksys is still producing.

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=38&prid=548

My WIFI LAN works down the block!!

Just do a search for a WSB24 and you will find several places that still sell them.

 

I have a WSB24 same as Scott posted and no Linksys isn't making them any more. They can be had on ebay but sell for a premium to the original price of roughly $80. I also have a couple of D-Link repeaters that are hard wired and they are programmed to the MAC address of my wireless access point so they repeat the wireless signal. I picked up a few of these as factory refurbs for $20 and tehy too work quite well.

As to the cantenna - you can use it at either end. What I described was using it with a pigtail on a wireless PCMCIA card but it is just as easy to tie it into an Access point. Thus - either end. If you can't make up your mind you can certainly put one on each end but thats probably overkill. (it will also be an attention getter when hooked up to a laptop - looks like something out of I Spy)

 

Things may have changed since the time when I was installing a lot of wireless systems (802.11b and before), but I'd make the comment that in general you will effectively half network speed over each repeater. That doesn't mean don't do it. Rather be aware that there is a cost to repeating wireless signals. If you repeat a signal that is already repeated, your effective network speed will be very small. Probably not too important for this thread but worth bearing in mind as a general comment.