My wireless network.

[Mr_love_monkey]

Hi Guys,

Looking for a bit of advice here..

basically my study was upstairs in the third bedroom, however the plan is to move the little one in there now - so I have been banished to the conservatory... so no more secretly looking for porn for me then...

Anyway - the set up I had, was a cable connection up in the bedroom, and a buffalo wireless router (though at the time I was using a wired connection to it).
Now I've moved downstairs, I'm using the wireless connection, using the asus wireless card that works with my motherboard (A7N8X-E Deluxe) - the only problem is that the signal I am getting is pretty weak - it tells me the strength is low, and depending on the wind direction drops out every now and then.

So what are my options?

I would like to have some network ports down here, so if I get a access point, can I just connect up a hub to that, and then have more ports down here? - will an access point get a better reception than my card currently does (so in turn the card will get a better reception) ? - or should I just go for another router, that can act as a bridging unit as well (like another buffalo) - any recommendations for an access point, or a router.

Should I get another antenna for the card I'm using - does one size fit all?

Ta

Edit :

By the way, to get the cable point moved, would cost me £75 - so a solution that costs less than that would be best - I already have a hub, so I don't need to factor buying one of them into it, if I just get an access point with only one port

[gary_580]

I'd get the cable removed.

My experience with wireless hasnt been good even when the router is on the next room to the PC using it and having a strong signal.

[Aragorn]

I assume you've got a metal (aluminium) framed conservatory which is blocking the wireless signal.

You could try a repeater in the lounge to boost the signal. It would prob need to be a Buffalo repeater (such as http://www.buffalotech.co.uk/products/product-detail.php?productid=92&categoryid=7) but I'm not sure now widely available they are or how much.

HTH

[Mr_love_monkey]

I assume you've got a metal (aluminium) framed conservatory which is blocking the wireless signal.


Nah, it's a brick/concrete one, no aluuminium in there at all - as far as I know - I think the problem is that there is no real 'line of sight' between the two


You could try a repeater in the lounge to boost the signal. It would prob need to be a Buffalo repeater (such as http://www.buffalotech.co.uk/products/product-detail.php?productid=92&categoryid=7) but I'm not sure now widely available they are or how much.

HTH

I thought I would just be able to use any kind of repeater? - as long as I'm not using any dodgy connection standards?

[zing_deleted]

http://www.broadbandcarrier.net/

network connection over existing ring main ,these are not the cheapest if you look around it can be found cheaper

[Aragorn]

I thought I would just be able to use any kind of repeater? - as long as I'm not using any dodgy connection standards?

I'm never sure whether thats true or just FUD spread by wireless manufacturers. As with any network, manufacturers will put in additional features that mean a homogenous network will work better than a heterogenous network (swallowed a dictionary this morning :D ). However, I have never had more than one network device on my home network so I can't say that using a non-Buffalo repeater will work as well a Buffalo device. Personally, I would stick with the same manufacturer, unless there is a huge difference in prices.

HTH
__________________

Edit - found the Buffalo repeat on ebuyer :

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=82420

[zovat]

I thought I would just be able to use any kind of repeater? - as long as I'm not using any dodgy connection standards?

Pretty much any repeater will do - as long as it conforms to the 802.11b/802.11g standard (as pretty much all the ones I have come across do ;) )

Before you spend money however - It may be worth trying a different channel - some channel/frequencies are stronger than others, and you may find that some items in the home (DECT phones etc) will interfere with certain channels.

If you change the channel on the WAP, the PC should detect it and change accordingly.

Also check if there is a leter version of the firmware for your WAP, as this may improve the signal.

You could look at getting a high gain antennae - but they may well be as expensive as the repeater :Yikes:

[SMHarman]

Is your PC a desktop with the antenna hidden behind a metal case, if so you may be better with another antenna at the PC end, something you can move away from the computer case etc.

[Mr_love_monkey]

Ok, I've tried other channels, no luck...

The card has an antenna on a cable, but it's not very long - I can move the cable a little bit down the desk, and I get a better signal (not by masses, but a bit) - that's why I was wondering if I could get another anntenna with a longer cable, and just using that for the moment.

Either way I think I'll need to get the bridge, because I want some wired ports down here - and when I get the bridge I'll stop using the wireless card - as there won't be any need for it.

I think what I'll have to do is go for a bridge, and then maybe look for an anntenna for it, if the signal strength doesn't improve - but I would have thought it would since it will have a more powerful receiver?

[gary_580]

Can you get a cracked firmware with an increased power output for the buffalo? I know you can for Linksys stuff

[Mr_love_monkey]

Can you get a cracked firmware with an increased power output for the buffalo? I know you can for Linksys stuff

Hmm... never heard of that before... you learn something new everyday