Boosting Wi-Fi

[gehenna]

Folks

I have a BT hub, for my wi-fi. The range is marginal for another computer in my house (computer drops off-line from time to time). Can anyone suggest a way to overcome this problem and boost the signal please.

Thanks a lot.

[green granite]

Try:
1) Moving the hub around a bit, 12" can make a difference.
2) Make sure the Antenna are of the same orientation, i.e, both vertical or both horizontal, as this will make a big difference.
3) Try a different channel as sometimes this helps.

[g4phil]

YouTube - Wifi Signal Booster for less than $1 New! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyH-Uu1U7ik)

[cats_five]

You can download InSSSider and/or Netstumbler to check if you are getting channel conflicts from a neighbour's wifi. I gave up trying to make mine work and switched to HomePlugs.

[Saab Dastard]

If you are using a desktop PC (rather than laptop), you can replace the directly-attached NIC aerial with a free-standing one - google for Wireless Desktop Antenna - that you can site in a better location, cable length permitting!

I use such a device on one PC and it improves the reception dramatically - 1 bar to 5.

SD

[Aerouk]

Tried:

Belkin 802.11g Wireless G Range Extender/Access Point: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-802-11g-Wireless-Extender-Access/dp/B00008XYJ5)

We have one and it's great.

[Biggles78]

If you have a removable antenna, you could replace the omni-direction stick antenna with a direction Yagi antenna. The problem with a yagi is that they work on a 70° tranmission arc hence it will transmit only in the direction that you point it. Not the best idea but it may be an option.

Don't know the wireless device you have but some are shipped with the transmit power set to about 30% of maximum (eg Linksys). There may be a setting in the interface that allows the transmit power to be increased.

[rgbrock1]

See this link for tips on improving your wireless access point's performance:

10 tips for improving your wireless network (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/wirelesstips.aspx)

[gehenna]

Just wished to say thanks to all who replied to this thread with good advice.

I currently have a BT Home Hub, and need to boost the strength of the signal. I cannot move it from its current location, so am looking for a booster device.

Thanks again ..............

[rgbrock1]

Why can't you move it from its current location????

But if you can't move it and just want to boost the signal, go here:

Boost Your Wireless Signal With a Homemade Wifi Extender - DIY - Lifehacker (http://lifehacker.com/296367/boost-your-wireless-signal-with-a-homemade-wifi-extender)

[Jycommuter]

There are a few wireless range extenders on the market.

The Belkin Wireless Range Extender can be a bit tricky to set up, particularly if you use WPA. It is happier with WEP and happier still with no security at all. The supplied software only does half the job and you have to set a PC up with a fixed IP address wired to the unit to get to the full on-board config screens.

Sitecom 300N is pretty good, and supports Wirelss N, B and G. Antennae are also detachable so can be upgraded if necessary

Best value is the Edimax Wireless 300M. This supports N, B and G, has detachable antennae. It is also the simplest to set up. DABS.com knock these out for £40 or so.

[M.Mouse]

Homeplugs work for me. Fairly cheap, very simple and work well.

[Specaircrew]

Use a wireless extender like this one.

Devolo dLAN Wireless extender Starter Kit - Radio: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devolo-dLAN-Wireless-extender-Starter/dp/B00287V81I/ref=pd_sim_ce_5)

[seacue]

I bought a Belkin Range Extender. Mine is deaf, deaf, deaf. It doesn't extend range.

It also has an Access Point mode, but eventually locks up in that mode.and has to be turned off and back on to recover. Cheap, but not worth it.

[Keef]

Rule A with anything ADSL, in my experience, is "avoid Belkin".

If you can pull cables around, a separate Wireless Access Point nearer the distant PC is a good way to go.

A decent aerial on one end (or both) will improve things no end.

Check (there are several software packages to do it) that there isn't another local wireless network on the same channel.