Wireless Network Range Extender

[F1118]

I have my wireless router in the bedroom and I need something to extend the range of the network so that I have a better signal out on my balcony. I would be placing this device in the living room and I don't want a cat5 running from the bedroom to the living room ... Can I use a basic Wireless Access Point to do what I need to do without wires?

Thanks

[BJ_M]

you might just want to get a better antenna, as many repeaters don't work that well (in the lower cost home models) , but with a good ant. you can easily get 100-300 meters ... I get (well) over 400meters (@125Mbps) on my setup using a external full wave dual ant. setup and a standard USR dual ant. output wireless router. Dropping down to 48 or 36Mbps I can reach a km. I am on the top of a hill though and have the ant. up in the top floor and added a ground plane.

You can convert a normal sat. disk ant. also btw -- but very directional, but you can rip a signal out to several kms...

[Prot]

If you have 802.11B, consider moving to 802.11G. Longer range and better signal. Also, ditch your 2.4GHz cordless phone if you have one, and move to 5.8GHz.
Why not just install a wireless NIC card in your PC?

[F1118]

If you have 802.11B, consider moving to 802.11G. Longer range and better signal. Also, ditch your 2.4GHz cordless phone if you have one, and move to 5.8GHz.
Why not just install a wireless NIC card in your PC?

I don't need a wireless nic on any of my desktop pc's .. they are all in the room with the wireless router so the cat5 cables for those are fine ... I have two laptops that I would like a better signal on while im outside on the balcony. What I was thinking of was putting an extender in the living room (which is closer to the balcony) so that my signal would be a little better. I have a 802.11G Router and NIC in one of my laptops but the other laptop has a pcmcia 802.11B card and thats the one im having the biggest problem with. I suppose I should just try buying a 802.11G NIC for the other laptop first. Does the fact that the outside of the structure is brick play a significant part in my signal while i am outside?

[BJ_M]

a little but not that much as you would think .. but foil backed insulation will really effect it ..

[greymalkin]

coat hangers and tin foil man...

I know Linksys sells bigger antennas to strap onto their existing routers..i saw some the other day @ office depot.