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How to increase the range of your wireless network!
If you currently have an existing wireless network and are unhappy with the range that you are getting, or just want to go further, then this article gives some tips on what you can do to boost the range of your own wireless network.
The distance that you can be from your router varies greatly with each different router, wireless adapter, and the environment it is placed it. The actual distance varies depending upon the environment.
Typical indoor ranges are 150-300 feet, but can be shorter if the building construction interferes with radio transmissions. Longer ranges are possible, but performance will degrade with distance. Outdoor ranges are quoted up to 1000 feet, but again this depends upon the environment.
Wireless is a two way system, both the Access Point and Client Device must be communicating at a equal level before a wireless connection can occur.
You may get less than that if you have thick walls or unique construction.
So, what if you need more coverage? Just read on.
Central location of your wireless router:
Wireless network uses 2.4GHz radio frequencies to communicate between devices. This is well above VHF/UHF frequencies, so its distance is limited by line-of-sight. This means that the router can cover more area if it is placed higher.
You may have to unplug and plug back the router anytime anything goes wrong with your network, so make sure it is easy to reach.
Get rid of any interference.
- Devices such as cordless phones, microwaves, and ham radios can cause interference with wireless networks because they emit strong radio signals.
- It isn't easy to network computers across a larger or more obstructed space. Most wireless access points have limited range. Obstructing their signals with pipes, cables, metal furniture and you will have problems getting a good connection where you want one.
If you are already using wireless g and still don't have enough range, try getting a hi-gain antenna.Additions to 'up' the range of the network:
Replace the one that came with your router. The range increase with a hi-gain antenna is marginal but noticeable, and you don't have to change the way your network is set up.
Upgrading focuses the wireless signals only one direction. You can aim the signal in the direction you need it most.
If you have one of the many types of Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, Cisco, Proxim, or Belkin Wireless Routers, then you have the ability to upgrade both of the antenna that come stock on the device to a stronger gain antenna.
- Signal booster: This amplifies all radio signals going through it, which can improve your range dramatically. Just make sure that your router has a detachable antenna because, you will have to take it off to hook the amplifier on.
- MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output.) This new technology is another option.It comes with a signal boost and hi-gain antenna built in.
- Wireless repeater: This repeats all of the wireless information it hears! An instant boost to your wireless signal strength, it doesn't even need any extra wiring.Placing these repeaters at the edges of your coverage area can extend your range outward.
- Wireless access points: They connect to your router through an Ethernet cord. To use it as a range extender, simply use a longer ethernet cord.
- Update your firmware or your network adapter driver.Router manufacturers regularly make free improvements to their routers. Sometimes, these improvements increase performance. To get the latest firmware updates for your router, visit your router manufacturer's Web site.
- For the ultimate coverage in distant spots of the house, you need HPNA gear. HPNA, or Home Phoneline Network Alliance, is a standard for adapters that allows you to network your computers using the phone lines in your house.
Happy Networking!
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Comments
- Posted by: antidisestablishentarian_7428 at 19 Sep 11:57 permalinkthere are relatively cheap wireless adapters that come with high gain antennae like the wifire. It has a really good range and is as good as other adapters over 100$ more expensive from netgear or 3com. www.hfield.com makes them
