Higher gain ariel?

[zimmerframe]

I use a netgear 834DG router/modem.  Would adding a higher gain ariel to it improve wireless connectivity?

My router is placed at the front of our house and we would usually use a laptop nar the back of the house, a distance of about 30 feet or so, through several walls.

I was looking at something like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=97700&doy=20m5

Advice welcome

[Rik]

Is the Netgear antenna detachable, Zim?

[zimmerframe]

Yes it is.  It unscrews.

[john]

I use a Netgear DG834G Router and it's in a similar location to your's Zim although usually the signal has to pass through only two walls. I've never had a problem with the signal strength though (for some reason it varies between Very Good and Excellent even if the laptop is in the same location). I don't know if the ariel advertised will make a diffeence but I think you could return it to Maplins if it didn't. It seems rather expensive at nearly £20.

[Rik]

Should be worth a try then. IIRC, Maplin will allow you to return within 7 days if it's no good for you.

[merlin]

Rik you often use "IIRC" but what does it mean ?? i know most of text speak but not this one

[Rik]

If I recall/remember correctly, Bob.

[Sebby]

Solwise do them too. They should be able to offer some advice as well.

[Dangerjunkie]

Hi,

From what I've read "more powerful" antennas generally don't help much in buildings. They're really good at increasing the range in free space between 2 given points (like between 2 buildings) though

The "gain" of an antenna doesn't mean that it produces power from nowhere, just that it concentrates the power of the signal in one or more directions at the expense of the others.

Think of the power from your your antenna as an air-filled rubber ball. With a standard (0dB - "no gain"/"omnidirectional") antenna the power goes in all directions and the ball is round. For a "more powerful" antenna squash the ball between your hand and the desk. You will see more power goes sideways but less up and down so you may get an improvement on the same level as you but your reception will suffer on the floors above and below because less signal is going up and down.

For "directional" antennas squeeze the ball on one side so it bulges out on the other. The power goes mostly one way but away from that direction it's as deaf as a post.

I would definitely recommend getting these new antennas from somewhere you can return them to if they don't give the improvement you want.

The two solutions I would sugegst would be to invest in homeplug mains networking or put in a wireless repeater in the middle of the house.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Steve]

I agree I think mains network/homeplug is the easiest solution for solving the problems of a weak wireless signal inside the house. If mobility is still required you can always buy a homeplug incorporating a wireless adaptor..

[Rik]

Even better, of course, cable the house for ethernet.

[Sebby]

Yep, that really is the best solution, Rik.