Can I set up a repeater? - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

lucianp · #1 04-03-2008

I want to improve the efficiency of my home network. I have a PC in my office which is one corner of the house. I have a wireless Actiontec MI424WR modem/router connected with my IP phone and print server attached.

My wife uses a laptop which works in most of the house except the room that she uses for her crafts. The wireless signal between my office and her craft room goes through two outer walls that have brick veneer. The distance is minimal but so is the signal strength.

How can I improve the signal strength?

I do not want to pull any cable unless absolutely necessary.
Is there a way to strengthen the signal from the Actiontec?
Would I need to add an AP somewhere in the hall way? If so, can that be wireless such as some sort of repeater that does not need to be hard wired?

Can I use a spare wireless router as a repeater? I have a spare D-Link Dl614+

Any help gratefully accepted.

ih8bills · #2 04-04-2008

How about a directional antenna -- you could "focus" the signal on the region(s) you need.

WiFi Antennas | Directional Wireless Antenna Products

lucianp · #3 04-04-2008

Laptop has 3301 down and 1818 up speed when sitting right next to the router.
When I go into the craft room, the signal dropped significantly.
I did 5 speed tests and the results were:

1788 up 805 down
959 up 384 down
1353 up 486 down
809 up 527 down
328 up 416 down

I was standing in front of the laptop for the first 3 tests and sitting for the second 2. It seemed I was also adding a shield to the signal so I turned around and performed the same tests again without being in the way of the signal. The results were a lot higher.

1359 up 1557 down
2599 up 1828 down
2794 up 1823 down
3467 up 1827 down
2836 up 1828 down

The results are a lot better but are they the best that I can expect?

We are running over fiber FIOS at 5 down 2 up.
Is that number shared between both the pc and laptop or should expect high numbers.
The PC is connected to the router and has 5198 down and 1846 up.
The laptop is wireless connected and has 3301 down and 1818 up speed when sitting right next to the router.

Should the laptop down speed equal that of the pc?
Does being wireless make it slower?
Does the adapter make a difference?
The PC adapter is HP WLAN 54g W450 network adapter