Wireless Extender

[BoredBloke]

At home my main PC is upstairs, in the extension. I have it connected to the router by some netgear homeplugs. while these are ok they have a tendency to drop their connection and then restart after a short while. This isn't a problem for most things but will be because I want to use the PC as a media server and stream its contents to the TV. So I figured dropping the home plugs and going wireless might be an option. Unfortunately the room I use is in an extension so there are 2 rows of bricks between the PC and the rest of the house - when I used to have the router up there my PS3 (in the lounge) struggled to stay connected via wireless. I was toying with getting a range extender and sticking it upstairs to boost the signal - my son uses wireless on his pc also upstairs.

Have any of you lot any experience with kit to boost the signal? Any recommendations.

I don't want to move the router from its current location as it's close to my PS3 and the master plug socket.

[RichardCranium]

Hmm. I was going to suggest using your mains to extend the network but you have tried that.

I have:
- house with WiFi router A
- office in the garage with WiFi router B
- the routers connected via Devolo dLan Ethernet connectors using the mains

because router A cannot be seen properly in the office and router B cannot be seen in the house.

If your WiFi cannot get through the wall how will a WiFi extender help?

2nd thought: I am using the mains Ethernet devices quite close to each other on the ring main. Are yours? Would a similar setup to what I have work? That is, a WiFi router either side of the wall and the NetGear Homeplugs as close as possible on either side of the wall?

3rd thought: run a cable!

[BoredBloke]

Cheers for the comments.

WIFI does reach the room but the reception is not great and can drop out. I figured if I put in some kit to boost the signal upstairs it might be enough to give a good reception for my main PC.

[voodooflux]

You could try fitting a high gain directional antenna to your router: http://compnetworking.about.com/od/w...terantenna.htm

[VectraMan]

Those wireless extenders work by using the same power lines as your homeplug kit (unless you're thinking of something else). So it's not likely to be any better, in fact you're going to be getting the worst of both worlds.

A different make of power line connectors might work better. But my Netgear ones have worked 100% since I got the several years ago.

Running a cable is always going to be the best solution, if you can.

[BoredBloke]

The extender thing I'd seen was a wireless device that sits within the range of the signal and simply broadcasts it on again. So my PC would be communicating with a 'router' that was a short distance away, which inturn passes it onto the real router.

I do have a couple of old wireless routers around - one is a netgear n gage thing that was a bit flakey from the off. Is it possible to get a home adsl wireless router to communicate via wireless? I've not tried and I'm hundreds of miles away from all my kit at the moment!

[Moscow Mule]

The extender thing I'd seen was a wireless device that sits within the range of the signal and simply broadcasts it on again. So my PC would be communicating with a 'router' that was a short distance away, which inturn passes it onto the real router.

I do have a couple of old wireless routers around -

Quite a few routers will act as a wireless bridge/extender - which is what you are trying to setup if I recall the terminology correctly. Have a look in your instruction manual.

Failing that, buy an apple airport express, that will do what you want after about 3 hours tinkering.

Failing all that - http://www.dabs.com/products/belkin-...l?refs=50909-4

[bellymonster]

Have a look at Buffalo's wireless kit. I have one of their wireless bridges out in the garage and it works pretty well through 3 brick walls and at least 15 metres and this is paired to a verry average Linksys router.

According to the manuals you'll get even better distance if both devices are Buffalo.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...ProductID=2375

Plus you can extend the aerial by buyinng a 10m extension cable should you find the power is still not enough.