Improving My WiFi Signal - Over a Decent Distance.

[3PointJ]

Hi Guys,

I am recently moving house back to my parents property.

I will be living in a shed about 50-90 metres from the main house.

Now would it possible to spread the signal that far?

There is a Wireless Dlink Modem/Router (not sure of model) and just curious if there are any ways to improve the signal?

Is it possible to use another Wireless Modem/Router as a Repeater of some sort?

Running an Ethernet Cable is not really a viable option.

Any Suggestions/Help would be great...

Thanks in Advance.

[ksterns]

a couple, you can try using a linksys range extender. I have found from experience that you can use these in reverse and pull the signal closer. Now the second one is more complicated and more expensive. Our shop is in KY so we network alot of large farms that need more wireless range. What we use is a high yield dbs signal e xtender. These sell for around 150.00 (just 50 more than the linksys) but you will need to mount this on the outside of the home who is broadcasting. Works great for us every time.

[simpswr]

Do you have a clear line of sight? . . If so, almost any wireless router should reach that far.

[3PointJ]

It is not very clear, like you can see it but there are some shrubs in the way, and of course the Walls on both buildings.

My dwelling is a Shed, so it is made of sheet metal, I don't know if that will interfere with the Signal.

Below is a screenshot from Google Earth of our property.

I will see how far I can get a decent Signal with my laptop.

Are the "Boosters" useful. I have seen them on eBay, but I don't know if I trust them...

[johnwill]

Hawking Tech has a number of products that will help you increase your wireless range. The root page is Hawking Hi-Gain™ WiFi Range Extending Products.

Some of the more interesting products are this Hawking [HSB2] Hi-Gain WiFi Signal Booster, which can be used on either end of a wireless connection to boost the signal power.

Another way to increase your signal strength is by the use of hi-gain antennas. You can choose from omni-directional or directional models, here are a some examples.

Hawking [HAI7SIP] Hi-Gain 7dBi Omni-Directional Antenna

Hawking [HAI15SC] Hi-Gain 15dBi Corner Antenna

[HAO14SD] Outdoor Hi-Gain 14dBi Directional Antenna Kit


This is just a sample of available products, many people have hi-gain antennas with similar specifications, but I haven't seen any other suppliers of signal boosters.

[clyde123]

Get the two ends as high up on the properties as you can, above the bushes, and try it. Looking at your picture, my guess is it should work.
Except maybe for the sheet metal walls ..... Need to try it.
2.4 GHz wireless signal does not need much to block it, the wavelength is so short.
Do you have any other cables running from the house ? Electricity or anything, water ? Could you run an ethernet cable ? Just an idea.

[johnwill]

External antennas will solve the sheet metal wall issue.

[3PointJ]

Sweet Guys, I will be going out this weekend, so I will test how far the signal will go with my laptop, then I will go from there.

Originally Posted by clyde123

Except maybe for the sheet metal walls ..... Need to try it.
2.4 GHz wireless signal does not need much to block it, the wavelength is so short.
Do you have any other cables running from the house ? Electricity or anything, water ? Could you run an ethernet cable ? Just an idea.

That photo I posted is quite out of date, so there is a pool in the path and some other things. There is electricity running from the shed to the pool, but that's it. Both the Shed and House have their own Distribution points for electricity. I would like to run Ethernet cable, buts its more effort than its worth, with the watering system, the driveway and stuff in the way.

I was just curious to what solutions there may be.

Again, Thanks

[johnwill]

Although I've had lousy luck with them, one possible solution would be power line networking, which would eliminate the issues of antennas and sheet metal.

[3PointJ]

Whats power line networking. I have never heard of that.

[3PointJ]

Well I tested it over the weekend.

With my laptop according to the signal meter (Vista) I get 1 bar, and where my desktop PC I get Limited to No Connectivity.

So I am assuming it must be just out of range.

I just had a quick look on ebay. Are these Wireless LAN Boosters any good?

[3PointJ]

Sorry,

Another thought, I heard something about using a Wireless Router as a repeater.

Is this possible, or is someone pulling my leg.

[johnwill]

If you've tried external antennas on each end with no walls in between, a repeater probably won't do the trick.

You might consider the Netgear HDX101 Powerline Adapter, but I'd them from a store where you can return them if they don't do the trick.