Router antenna

talos2 · Mar 25, 2008, 13:05:36

I have fitted my wireless router in what I think is the optimal (rangewise) position, I am governed as to where it can go by the availability of plugskt's and phoneskts, but the no of walls the signal has to go through severely limits my range, I live in a bungalow by the way. Ive looked at range extenders with the possibility of putting it in the loft that way there would be less walls to go through, only rather thin flimsy plasterboard, or could I just extend the twin antennas on my router into the loft?.
Any idea's ?

Rik · Mar 25, 2008, 13:10:23

Have you thought about mains networking as an alternative?

Steve · Mar 25, 2008, 14:09:27

Very impressed with mains networking, no issues since installation.You can also purchase a mains network wireless access point to extend your wireless range. Solwise homeplugs are competitively priced and delivery is prompt.

Sebby · Mar 25, 2008, 14:46:38

Another option is wireless extenders, such as these (though I must admit that given the price I'd probably go with wired mains networking).

talos2 · Mar 25, 2008, 15:55:33

Quote from: Rik on Mar 25, 2008, 13:10:23
Have you thought about mains networking as an alternative?

I did originally but was concerned about security, so I went for a Belkin system which had a good review. I don't really want to go to the expense of starting again, is moving the antennas not an option then?

Rik · Mar 25, 2008, 16:00:37

I don't know the Belkin router, Talos. Is the antenna detachable?

talos2 · Mar 25, 2008, 16:14:10

No, they are two flexible rubber type about 6 in long.

Rik · Mar 25, 2008, 16:24:06

Not sure you could do anything except move the router into the loft, then, or add an access point there as a repeater.

talos2 · Mar 25, 2008, 16:33:00

Thats just what I was thinking, thanks Rik, I'll have to raid the piggy bank again.

Dangerjunkie · Mar 25, 2008, 17:15:38

If you don't mind the expense you could change over to an 802.11n (MIMO) router. The building penetration is supposed to be much better on "n" than it is on "g." Would anybody care to confirm this from experience and recommend a router?

Cheers,
Paul.

Sebby · Mar 25, 2008, 17:17:43

I don't have any experience of them, but I've always been under the impression that they should be avoided, for now, as "n" is only a draft standard and could change, rendering the equipment obsolete.

Rik · Mar 25, 2008, 17:18:53

There's often a need to match router and adapters to a single manufacturer.

talos2 · Mar 25, 2008, 17:31:41

Quote from: Dangerjunkie on Mar 25, 2008, 17:15:38
If you don't mind the expense you could change over to an 802.11n (MIMO) router. The building penetration is supposed to be much better on "n" than it is on "g." Would anybody care to confirm this from experience and recommend a router?

Cheers,
Paul.

The one I use is G+Mimo, Ive been quite happy with it, but I have it positioned in the central room in the house, the signal has to travel through at least two concrete block walls to reach any room but the one its in, a signal of 2-3 bars is the best I can get
and that is patchy.

http://80211n.wifinetnews.com/
This site can tell you more about "N"

somanyholes · Mar 25, 2008, 18:22:43

if you like playing with things, and your a tight fisted yorkshireman, or scottish

this may be of interest, http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/

Sebby · Mar 25, 2008, 23:31:47

Very interesting link - thanks! I remember reading about the Pringles can antenna some years ago, but the ones on that page are apparently better.