Extending Wifi router range - MBClub UK

Ade B · 26-09-2010, 09:12 PM

Hi All

I'd like to be able to extend the range of my wifi router to cover all of my garden.

The router is currently in a bedroom at the front of the house (where the BT point comes in) and will reach through the flat to a couple of metres into the garden.

I'd like to boost it to reach the back of the garden (about another 10-12m or so) without extension cables etc.

There seems a few options on the market for this - anyone any thoughts?

TIA

Ade

Noodle-Pulp · 26-09-2010, 09:40 PM

A wireless access point would do it - if you put it on the window shelf of a window at the rear - this will give you the coverage you need.

timskemp · 26-09-2010, 09:47 PM

These work really well but are a bit odd to set up. Wireless to wireless so no other wiring needed but power. You need a wired connection to your computer to set up initially.

agatward · 26-09-2010, 10:05 PM

Or, if your existing wireless router supports it, change the antenna on it for a better one. Most ship with an antenna that has 3dB gain, so 9dB would increase the range enough for you to do what you want.

Wireless 2.4GHz indoor antenna

gaz_l · 27-09-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agatward

Or, if your existing wireless router supports it, change the antenna on it for a better one. Most ship with an antenna that has 3dB gain, so 9dB would increase the range enough for you to do what you want.

Wireless 2.4GHz indoor antenna

You shouldn't *really* do that, as upping the antenna gain ups the effective output power (hence the greater range). Output power is limited by law for the licence-free 2.4 GHz band used in wireless networking and you can bet the router is set to maximum at time of manufacture, so by increasing the gain it'll put it outside the legal limits. That said, the chances of getting caught are as close to nil as possible, so I say a give it a whirl if your conscience is good with it

. I've bought a shedload of antennas from Solwise and they're fine - the 9dB one is a bit of a monster though when fitted to your average wireless router.

Cheers,

Gaz

Ade B · 13-12-2010, 11:14 PM

Update

Finally sorted this with one of these

Seems to do the job.

Ade

ringway · 13-12-2010, 11:43 PM

Thanks for that.

I was going to start a similar thread.

Our house has some upstairs rooms that can't get a signal, so I'll try one of the range extenders.

Ade B · 13-12-2010, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ringway

Thanks for that.

I was going to start a similar thread.

Our house has some upstairs rooms that can't get a signal, so I'll try one of the range extenders.

I'd add I followed the instructions posted by a purchaser on Amazon as apparently these things can be a pig to set up. The general advice was don't follow the stock instructions.

It was a bit fiddly but worked..

Ade

26-09-2010, 09:12 PM	#1
Ade B Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South London Car: 2006 Accord Tourer iCDTI EX Posts: 1,833	Extending Wifi router range Hi All I'd like to be able to extend the range of my wifi router to cover all of my garden. The router is currently in a bedroom at the front of the house (where the BT point comes in) and will reach through the flat to a couple of metres into the garden. I'd like to boost it to reach the back of the garden (about another 10-12m or so) without extension cables etc. There seems a few options on the market for this - anyone any thoughts? TIA Ade

26-09-2010, 09:40 PM	#2
Noodle-Pulp Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SE London Car: C230 Coupe, Previous: SLK200, C200 Coupe Posts: 798	A wireless access point would do it - if you put it on the window shelf of a window at the rear - this will give you the coverage you need.

26-09-2010, 09:47 PM	#3
timskemp Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hull Car: W204 C320CDI Posts: 2,839	These work really well but are a bit odd to set up. Wireless to wireless so no other wiring needed but power. You need a wired connection to your computer to set up initially.

26-09-2010, 10:05 PM	#4
agatward Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Reading, Berks. Car: A150 SE Posts: 240	Or, if your existing wireless router supports it, change the antenna on it for a better one. Most ship with an antenna that has 3dB gain, so 9dB would increase the range enough for you to do what you want. Wireless 2.4GHz indoor antenna

13-12-2010, 11:14 PM	#6
Ade B Hardcore MB Enthusiast Threadstarter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South London Car: 2006 Accord Tourer iCDTI EX Posts: 1,833	Update Finally sorted this with one of these Seems to do the job. Ade

13-12-2010, 11:43 PM	#7
ringway Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In the Doghouse. Car: S210 430 V8. 2008 Tinworm Express Vito Dualiner 120 Sport. C240 Sport V6 Estate Posts: 4,533	Thanks for that. I was going to start a similar thread. Our house has some upstairs rooms that can't get a signal, so I'll try one of the range extenders.

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