[Don_S]

My Linksys WRT54G is falling a little short. It has worked great for my laptop but won't work on a music server that is farther away.  Can anyone recommend a good booster that will work with this router? 

Will longer antennas help?  Reviews I read on Amazon pretty much trashed longer antennas.  But maybe someone knows of one that does work.


I think I read one review on Amazon that said the booster they used increased range but it was at the expense of speed.

[skunark]

You might try different channels and mounting it high in the room.

When my trusty WRT54G router died i upgraded to the latest N version.   It seemed to have a much better range with G devices.    So that might be a better option, but I can't recommend linksys routers anymore.   Parental controls took a step back and worse yet, I had to reboot it every few weeks, it got so bad that I just gave it away and went and picked up another brand.

[Don_S]

You might try different channels and mounting it high in the room.

When my trusty WRT54G router died i upgraded to the latest N version.   It seemed to have a much better range with G devices.    So that might be a better option, but I can't recommend linksys routers anymore.   Parental controls took a step back and worse yet, I had to reboot it every few weeks, it got so bad that I just gave it away and went and picked up another brand.

Thanks for the information.  Do you rember the Linksys model that you had problems with? What is the new brand/model that you like?  My Linksys has always worked well for me.  I just don't have the additional range I need now and I don't have any place to move the router to that would help.  I don't need parental controls, I am the only child in the house. 

[MaxCast]

this thread may help.  I had a similar problem.  I ended up moving the router.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=78348.0

[turkey]

Thanks for the information.  Do you rember the Linksys model that you had problems with? What is the new brand/model that you like?  My Linksys has always worked well for me.  I just don't have the additional range I need now and I don't have any place to move the router to that would help.  I don't need parental controls, I am the only child in the house. 

Asus has some good routers now, although I'm not sure I'd say one brand is that much better than another. (I haven't had any problems with Linksys either, although I haven't used any of their latest models.)

What I've seen with add-on antennas is that they boost the signal in one or more directions at the expense of other directions. In essence, there is only so much power coming out, so if you boost it towards the front and back, the sides won't get as much.

That can work out just fine if that's what you really need though.

I haven't seen any add-on antennas that actually boost the entire signal, but there could well be some out there. I don't know how well they'd work.

Both MaxCast and skunark make good suggestions. Try changing the channels and also moving the router.  Sometimes rotating it where it sits will help, or sometimes you have to move it to another location. You just have to play with it and see what happens.

Replacing your router could help, but I don't think it should be your first step.

The best way to get better coverage is to have two or more wireless access points, but it's more complex to setup and more expensive.

[Don_S]

Thanks for all of your input.  Please don't stop because I have not found the magic bullet yet.  I had enough trouble installing the Linksys. I am not looking forward to installing a new router or booster.

skunark,  Why would using a different channel make a difference?

MaxCast--thanks for the thread link.  I got to this product because of it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320023

Installing it seems even more complicated than the Linksys since I have to flash it with third party firmware.  I am not sure how to do that and what firmware I should use.  Sad that the manufacturer's firmware is so deficient.

Turkey, thanks for the recommendation for Asus which is a +1 for the NewEgg link.  I had never heard of Asus before I started this journey so I was skeptical.

I would still like to buy local in case I need to return the item.

[skunark]

Thanks for the information.  Do you rember the Linksys model that you had problems with? What is the new brand/model that you like?  My Linksys has always worked well for me.  I just don't have the additional range I need now and I don't have any place to move the router to that would help.  I don't need parental controls, I am the only child in the house. 

The linksys router was model 610N or something like that, I went with an apple airport extreme N router which has been working rock solid and covers the entire house, but it has no parental controls.    Since then I've suggest other routers like netgear so I can "learn" from their experiences as I "get" to install/connect up all their computers  .  I can't say anything bad about them yet ..   I don't think you will get a favorable review from me with any wireless router until basic things like parental controls work.   I even researched the 610N and read nothing but favorable reviews, and owner of a previous product I was happy to buy from them again, but a few weeks after i brought it home I had to do the first reboot.

Why change the channel?
The different channels use different frequencies which might eek out a few more feet in your house.   Also if there's interference on one frequency from another router or device then just changing the channel would also improve reception.

Believe it or not I have the airport extreme mounted in the garage and is very usable upstairs in a three bedroom home, I've always ran with a access point upstairs but I managed to turn that off. The 610N also had that kind of range.

[roscoeiii]

IIRC, the Apple Airport Express can be used to expand your wireless range. It also has an analog or optical audio output as well (up to 16/44.1), although the quality of the analog out is only so-so, and the optical output has been reported to have jitter that is on the high side of things. But overall, very useful device.

[Jon L]

Just do NOT ever get Linksys WRTXXX N wirless routers.  There's a good reason Linksys revamped their entire N line and there are so many refurbished WRTXXX routers on the sale sites nowadays.

If range is issue, strongly suggest buying N router with external antennas, not the sleek antenna-less designs.

[Doublej]

If the problem is being caused by interference from other 2.4 GHz devices like microwaves and cordless phones, then changing the channel may eliminate the problem as it changes the frequency of transmission.

Yes there are antennas that will increase the range. I have never used one so I am not sure how well they work. I don't think a longer antenna does anything as optimal antenna length is a function of the frequency of transmission. (If my recollection of college days is correct)

Reorienting the antenna or moving the router can make a huge difference often more so than a better antenna.

Many laptops come with software that show you the signal strength that it is receiving, You can use this to confirm that the problem is signal strength.

If you install DD-WRT on your current Linksys router you can crank up the transmitter output. Instructions for installing DD-WRT are available on YouTube.

I had a friend with a wireless transmission problem. He solved it by replacing his router with an Airport Extreme. If you live near an Apple store and value your time this may be the fastest solution. Check at the store but I think it is easily returned if your problem is not solved. He had planned to install one as a router and the second one as a wireless repeater but simply putting in the Airport Extreme solved the problem.

BTW I was having problems that appeared to be signal strength related but turned out to be a problem between my Linksys router and cable provider. When the service dropped for a minute the Linksys would lose it's connection to the cable modem and never reconnect. I solved it by changing the firmware to DD-WRT. I haven't had a problem since then.

[lcrim]

The broadband wireless devices come set from the factory to channel 6 I think.  Very few think to change this.  I can see perhaps ten SSID being broadcast where I live in a condo.  The simple act of changing channels will get you some free air.  After you make an initial connection, you can shut off broadcast of your SSID.  Use the deepest format of encryption available on your device, AES or WPA is pretty much widespread now.
I have never had the issue described by Jonl on the Linksys units, I've found them to be sturdy and easy to use.  I just added a USB n draft card to this laptop , it was about $10 from newegg, I am a floor away in my bedroom , the wireless router is downstairs in the kitchen, near a micowave and I have a 144 mbps connection according to the software.  Numerous plaster walls intervene and no antenna.  I can see about 10 SSID's being broadcast, all on channel 6.  Except mine on channel 9.  (Netstumbler-free download.)

[Don_S]

Thanks for all of the information.  I am frustrated that everything I looked at has a high number of 1&2 stars (out of 5) user ratings.  Sometimes they approach 25%.  I pretty much figure I would end up in that crowd.

I will stop at Office Max and Office Depot tomorrow to see what they offer.  Even though they may have good return privileges, I could end up in a mess just by trying a product. My laptop and SB work now and I hate to mess with that. I could end up with more problems than just my music server not connecting.

[Don_S]

I am not having any luck finding a range booster.  Sucks because I have the perfect location for it. The local stores only stock new routers.  I asked several clerks and got different answers so I repeat the questions here.

My existing router is a Linksys WRT54G.  Is there much difference in the range and performance between routers operating in 802.11g?  If so, what models are better? I could buy a new "N" router but I would have to base the purchase on its performance in "G" which is what my peripherals are.

Suggestions so far are the Netgear WNDR 3700. But at $165 out-the-door, it is more than I wanted to spend and I am not sure it will give better "G" coverage.

Thoughts on Linksys WRV210 Wireless-G VPN Router with RangeBooster
http://www.frys.com/product/5970664?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Question about WEP key codes.  My Linksys generated four WEP keys based upon my passphrase.  Is each of those restricted to a specific peripheral device or can I use the code more than one time.  I tried to set up my new toy using Key #2 and then realized I had previously used it for something that is no longer in use.

[srb]

The WEP keys are used one at a time and the four are generated to allow you to manually change keys to maintain a secure network.  WPA2 uses stronger security than WEP and is based on a key that changes automatically at a regular interval.  It is the recommended one to use if your other devices support it.
 
My old D-Link DI-624 wireless G router did not have the WPA2 security protocol, but did after updating the firmware, along with a few other newer features.
 
The Linksys WRT54G will also support the DD-WRT open source firmware (depending on hardware revision #), and if you are so inclined, you may be able to install it, which could allow you to increase the number of milliwatts of transmitting power and improve the range.
 
Here is the supported router list:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#Cisco
 
Here is an article on tweaking it:
http://lifehacker.com/178132/hack-attack-turn-your-60-router-into-a-600-router
 
If you're not into 3rd-party firmware, hacking and tweaking, that is certainly understandable, but you may want to see if a factory Linksys/Cisco firmware update is available for your router at the very least anyway.
 
Steve

[Don_S]

Steve,

Do you mean that all devices connected to my router should use the same Key?  What happens if I try to use Key #2 for a new device when I am using Key #1 for my laptop. 

If I get the second device working and it is at the limit of my router's range can I expect trouble when I try to operate my laptop (wireless) too?

As for updating the firmware.  That is beyond me but I am trying to get local tech support.  A friend who will work for food. 

[srb]

Do you mean that all devices connected to my router should use the same Key? What happens if I try to use Key #2 for a new device when I am using Key #1 for my laptop.

In the handful of wireless home routers I have used or setup, the WEP keys were selected by a radio button that only allowed you to choose one active one.  If yours works differently, I'm not familiar with a setup that lets you choose more than one at a time.

If I get the second device working and it is at the limit of my router's range can I expect trouble when I try to operate my laptop (wireless) too?

Always expect trouble!  No, each one should work independently within their range, except of course for sharing available bandwith.

 

As for updating the firmware.  That is beyond me but I am trying to get local tech support.  A friend who will work for food. 

I know what you mean.  I have a friend who shares the year between two cities, and here I am his IT guy in exchange for the house-smoked salmon plate and draft beer at a local happy hour!
 
Steve

[tvyankee]

Hello,

Just go here and read until your head is about to explode.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/

Good Luck.

[Don_S]

Steve, Thanks

If you are ever in Sacramento I owe you a beer.  But you have to catch your own salmon out of the American River.


Yes, I meant bandwidth sharing to the point that the weakest connection failed.

Would a wireless access point work?  Would it pick up the signal better than the wireless device I am trying to connect? It also has a wired input so I could connect the two via wire. The WAP would be located at essentially the same location so there is no position advantage.  I would run a cable from the router to the device if I could but I don't play in the attic anymore and there are other serious obstacles. 

Would this work and be any advantage:  Router wireless>WAP wired>device

[Doublej]

Don_S

Why not simply solve the problem by getting one device that will serve a signal sufficient for the whole house?

Sure you can add an antenna range extender or wireless bridge or connect your devices using wires but I think it would be a whole lot easier to just buy one new router that will likely make the problem go away.

As far as configuring them, they are very straightforward to set up these days. It should take 10 minutes.

[Don_S]

Doublej,

Your suggestion would seem obvious and I am certainly leaning that way now.  I had reasons for trying to extend the range of what I have now.

My existing system works fine except for the last addition.  I remember it taking much longer than 10 minutes to set up the router and modem connection and then my laptop. After I had everything running I had problems with the router and modem interface losing connection.  I struggled with it being finicky for at least a year. But now the problem is solved and the system has been rock solid for several years.  I hate to start over again. And I wanted to spend less money. 

I have no guarantee that any new router I would purchase would have the range I need. I asked if there was a difference in range between routers operating in 802.11g but did not get any feedback.  All the new routers boast of expanded coverage but that is for 802.11n.  I don't know if they will give me expanded coverage in the "g" I need.

I asked about a specific model of new router (Netgear WNDR 3700) that I was considering but I did not get any feedback.  Maybe nobody is using it.  I don't want to drop a bundle on something that may not be returnable for a refund only to find out it did not do the job and meanwhile I ruined the system that now works for me on most things.  I should add that someone else helped me get the modem and router working together consistently.

Some Circle members could change a router faster than they change their socks.  I would be one of the 25% of users who would be stuck at the 1 star rating cursing the router, company, and off-shore tech service.

In short, I was hoping to take a baby step (with a booster), not a leap off a cliff.

Don_S

Why not simply solve the problem by getting one device that will serve a signal sufficient for the whole house?

Sure you can add an antenna range extender or wireless bridge or connect your devices using wires but I think it would be a whole lot easier to just buy one new router that will likely make the problem go away.

As far as configuring them, they are very straightforward to set up these days. It should take 10 minutes.