Posted: 3/2/2007 1:30:41 PM EDT
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I just got a Linksys wireless router (the D-Link died) and the range sucks. The reviews of their range extender say that also sucks because the installation is problematic (for instance see http://q.queso.com/archives/001535). Any suggestions? (please be kind) |
Diameter is all wrong. Do not use. |
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CJ, whats the matter with the dia of the pringles can? I have seen this type of antenna made for this freq. range for a long time now. B & G both use 2.4Ghz. Seriously, I would like to know why you state this. I am a Advance Ham ticket holder and a FCC radio and telegraph holder. But I can always learn something new. |
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How far are you trying to go? Get this: www.netstumbler.com/downloads/ Set it up, then click on Channel, and then find your MAC address of your router. Your MAC is right next to your SSID on the right hand side. When you click on your MAC address under channel, it will show a graph. This is the signal strength coming from your router. Get a second person to watch the graph (higher equals more signal), and then move your router around with an extension cord connected. The other person should have an FRS radio set or a cellphone to give you feedback. Moving the router UP will usually give the greatest signal strength, but placing it in the attic may also help. When you use a range extender, speed drops by half. |
Just an FYI... |
Pringles Cans are used for a yagi type shotgun antenna with an extensive PVC construction. For a waveguide, the optimum diameter is around.. oh hell, I'll just link it. Short story is that a pringles can was used for one type of antenna but it doesn't work as well for waveguides, which are simple and easy. http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html |
| Which model Linksys? One of the WRT54x series? I'm surprised no one has mentioned putting the DD-WRT firmware on the router. You can increase the signal strength from the router web interface with DD-WRT. One caveat though, the stronger you make the signal, the hotter the unit will run. |
Try www.dd-wrt.com 
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My Linksys router is a WRT54GP2-VD. I see that ebay has Hawking Technology Hi-Gain 2.4GHz Omni-Directional 7dBi Antennas: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=hi+gain+antenna Will this do the trick? It would be a lot cheaper than an extender which you ansl say will cut the speed in half. Thanks. |
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It's all friggen radio. Stick to the rules for the freq. in question. I have used Pringle cans for narrrow paths. I have also used homemade omni's for wide coverage. Pringle cans are used due the foil lining, metal coffee cans work also. Google is your friend, but you must use trial and error for your application. |