All about range

[Miharu]

I have move out to a new appartment and they HAVE a pool on the TOP!

I was interrest to take out my laptop on the top and connect on my WiFi connection... but my signal wasn't strong enough.

I have to cross over 2-3 !concrete! floors
OR having enough range to go by outside (should be around 100-150ft).


I think about change my router for one with a better range.


Most benchmark talk about transfert speed but nothing about range because the range is variable.

I have an old "Linksys WRT54GX2 Wireless-G router with SRX200" which is twice the 802.11g range.
I read about 802.11n, and basicly, it's twice times the 802.11g range.

So my router should be around the same thing as a "normal" 1 time 802.11n (except 802.11n router pass a bit more though thing like walls but what about concrete ?)

...I don't want buy one for having less range...

Did someone have a benchmark about router range or recommendation about hi-ranged router ?

 

[mhelm1]

Not just concrete, those floors should have alot of steel mesh or rebar in them.
They're basicly shields for radio waves.
Is there any way to hang your router out the window or can you get it near the window?

 

[Miharu]

Thank you mhelm1 for your reply.

I tried to put the router near a window.. but the window is at the complete opposite. So I got worst result put the router near my window.

But today I bring my laptop for do some test.
Intesity test...
I got 100% in my appartment.
55% one floor above in the stairway.
25% 2 floors above in the stairway.
Other side of the door (in from of the starway / 2 floors above) 0-5%
I got drop here... 10-20 meters before I get where I want...

I estimate I need something like at least 3-4 times 802.11g range.

Did 802.11n works better around concrete and steel mesh... ?

 

[Miharu]

I find something what could help me..

http://www.linksys.com/Product_Comparison_Chart/Index_Scrollable.htm

Thank you.

 

[Miharu]

I receive an WRT310N (2 intern antennas) today.
He should be 2 times better than WRT54GX2... but turn out.. my WRT54GX2 beat the WRT310N on the range.
My WRT310N was about 2 times better on the range...


I return it tomorrow.

I think about an WRT300N right now.

He should 2 times better than WRT54GX2.
But if I buy this one I can't return it if he give me bad result...

 

[Miharu]

I think WRT300N wasn't a good idea.

I finally find a similar topic on another forum.

http://homecommunity.cisco.com/t5/Wireless-Routers/Should-I-switch-from-a-WRT54GX2-to-a-WRT54GX4/td-p/118554

I feel frustrated since I just need something like 20 feets (10 meters).

Did someone have already change the antennas ?

 

[mhelm1]

Keep on trying, If you find something that works I'll probally buy it too.
For now, could you run a wire down from the roof for your router?

 

[hang-the-9]

I doubt you will get a signal form your appt. up to the roof through the walls/ceilings. If you want to use your laptop outside, you can get a USB Cellular modem that will work with your cell phone plan (if you have one). That is a pretty expensive thing though and limits you to how much you can browse before you get hit with data charges.

Have you actually tried your laptop outside? The sun will probably wash out your screen so much you won't be able to read anything.