How to extend the range of a modem/wireless router

Praxeas · #1 12-13-2008, 11:44 PM

I've got one of those DSL all in one Modem/Wireless routers and the range stinks. I have another wireless router I want to use to extend the range. It's range is far better.

Anyone know? Do I turn off the wireless networking part of the modem/router from the panel and then connect the new router with a network cable as though the modem/router was just a modem?

Do I or can I leave the wireless networking on?

Unfortunately Verizon gives out cheap stuff...there is no wireless repeating ability in this thing. My new router can do that but the base router has to have that ability in it.

RandyWayne · #2 12-14-2008, 01:10 AM

Turning the wireless on or off is irrelevant if your connected via Ethernet cable. This is ALWAYS the best way to connect if possible. It is by far the fastest AND most secure.

However, a few things to check: Are you using a 2.4 gh cordless phone? They use the same frequency as most WiFi signals (5 gh 802.11n being the exception). Another thing to change is the antenna on one or both devices. Unfortunately these are not cheap, especially for a wire covered in plastic, but a better (6 to 9 dbl) antenna can do wonders.

There are actually plans on the net for modifying antennas. It involves simply making a dish-like structure of aluminum foil around the antenna and pointing it in the right direction. It actually works and MAY be the first thing you want to try.

Praxeas · #3 12-14-2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Turning the wireless on or off is irrelevant if your connected via Ethernet cable. This is ALWAYS the best way to connect if possible. It is by far the fastest AND most secure.

However, a few things to check: Are you using a 2.4 gh cordless phone? They use the same frequency as most WiFi signals (5 gh 802.11n being the exception). Another thing to change is the antenna on one or both devices. Unfortunately these are not cheap, especially for a wire covered in plastic, but a better (6 to 9 dbl) antenna can do wonders.

There are actually plans on the net for modifying antennas. It involves simply making a dish-like structure of aluminum foil around the antenna and pointing it in the right direction. It actually works and MAY be the first thing you want to try.

The problem is the wireless signal through the many walls of our church. I already have a router with a better range in all directions (we have upstairs rooms too). A better gain antennae isn't going to work on the new router as it does not have external ones. I think this new router will have the range

So I don't have to turn the other router off. I just connect the cat cable from the router to one of the network jacks on the other router

RandyWayne · #4 12-14-2008, 03:54 AM

CAT 5e (or 6) cable is always the best option if your physically able to run it.

Oh yes, IF your wireless is still active it is important to set the encryption to WAP(1 or 2) AES along with a good password of 16 or more characters. (WEP can be broken in less than 60 seconds but WAP -with AES, is unbreakable even by NSA and everything they could possibly throw at it.)

Praxeas · #5 12-17-2008, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

CAT 5e (or 6) cable is always the best option if your physically able to run it.

Oh yes, IF your wireless is still active it is important to set the encryption to WAP(1 or 2) AES along with a good password of 16 or more characters. (WEP can be broken in less than 60 seconds but WAP -with AES, is unbreakable even by NSA and everything they could possibly throw at it.)

I already know all that. I'm just trying to extend the range of the network.

Unfortunately though I'd have to replace some adapters if I want better encryption, but given my area I'm not to worried.

Praxeas · #6 12-17-2008, 02:46 AM

BTW the new router has better range in all directions but in a more "line of sight" direction the old router is as good...I might try a high gain antenna

One of the brothers here can probably help me run cable so I am thinking of placing the router in an area that will service the upper and far back parts of the building for wireless and hard wire the main PC we use. This will give those with laptops their access wirelessly too. The PC way way in the back I would not even think of running wires due to how the church is built and I there is no way they'd allow me to run wires showing along the walls no matter how good I hide them...plus that is a lot of extra cost for me for all wires and conduits etc etc...

I see what you mean too about not having to turn the other router off, which is good...If I had more money to spend it might be fine to run the wires and hide them.

Baron1710 · #7 12-17-2008, 04:20 AM

We just bought the time machine from apple...the range is so much better. There are places in the house I couldn' get a signal and now I get an excellent signal, plus it was easy to network all the computers to it so that all the computers have wireless internet and printing as well as an automatic backup with 500 gb of memory.