Decreasing Wifi range

[Nathaniel Pysklo]

I have a Netgear Router WNR3500L and I was hoping that I could lower the wifi strength to only be seen/used in one room. Is that possible? Will I have to open it up and see if I can remove an antenna?

 

[Natsukage]

Hello.

From what I've seen, there is a detachable antenna inside. (black/white wires)

Spoiler

But usually, removing the antenna will make it not usable even in one room....you can always test it out?

But can't you just make your SSID hidden in the configuration? Hiding your SSID makes no one capable of connecting unless they know the exact wifi SSID name.

 

[Nathaniel Pysklo]

Hello.

From what I've seen, there is a detachable antenna inside. (black/white wires)

Spoiler

But usually, removing the antenna will make it not usable even in one room....you can always test it out?

But can't you just make your SSID hidden in the configuration? Hiding your SSID makes no one capable of connecting unless they know the exact wifi SSID name.

I can hide the SSID, but it will still be seen on windows computers as well as scanners.

 

[Natsukage]

Well, if you really don't want that, try and remove those two wires? Then check the effective range with a tablet? I think it'll be around a few feet...if it still works.

 

[Nathaniel Pysklo]

Well, if you really don't want that, try and remove those two wires? Then check the effective range with a tablet? I think it'll be around a few feet...if it still works.

I will do that and report back!

Alright, so I ran into a predicament....I don't have the black and white cables. PIC

for some reason, I can't post the pic here.

 

[Natsukage]

Just pull gently on the white and black wire, holding the closest possible to the connector, and upwards. They will disconnect quite easily. ^^

 

[Nathaniel Pysklo]

Anyone know of a solution to my router?

 

[Natsukage]

Oh, you should have posted another post earlier. Edits aren't updated. ^^;

There is one last drastical solution....cut off the internal antennas with a scalpel/knife/etc. Be aware that this is last resort...if you do this, and it doesn't work anymore, you'll need to solder back the antenna.....or buy another router.

Cut at the red lines:

 

[bill001g]

Before you modify your router you may want to look into dd-wrt firmware. It has the ability to adjust the radio output power.....at least I think it does this is a older router and they cut some features to make the code fit in older devices.

 

[Nathaniel Pysklo]

So what I ended up doing was flashed the dd-wrt firmware and made the levels go as low as possible, which was still too powerful. I then switched out the ethernet cables for longer ones and put the router in the back of my closet, which did the trick.

Thank you for both for your help!
Have a thumbs up!

 

[Natsukage]

Well, I was about to ask why you didn't simply use Ethernet...xD Glad you've found a solution.

You're welcome. ^^

 

[Nathaniel Pysklo]

Well, I was about to ask why you didn't simply use Ethernet...xD Glad you've found a solution.

You're welcome. ^^

I was setting up a Chromecast lol