ADSL wireless router with strong signal?

[nubbin]

I'm having a lot of trouble getting my wireless router to keep a consistent signal throughout my house. it's a K-Corps KLS 810 router, which I bought as it came first in a magazine test whree they commented on how strong the signal was over even long distances! Unfortunately it doesnt appear to be able to penetrate the 20 yards or so to my kids bedrooms. I have (mostly) sorted out the software conflicts between the router and Windows XP, to stop them both trying to configure the network, but I'm still struggling.

The router is in my study, and the bedroom directly above usually has an excellent signal, but it drops off very rapidly after that. there's nothing particularly unique about the house construction - a few RSJs in the celings, but wooden floors, stone outer construction. I don't think the cordless phones are interfering eith the signsl either.

Any suggestions?

[shadytree]

Get a Buffalo signal booster. I'll try and find a link for you.

[Plotloss]

Netgear DG834GT

No worries with signal strength at all.

[GregE240]

Plotloss said:

Netgear DG834GT No worries with signal strength at all.

Netgear DG834GT

No worries with signal strength at all.

So good its worth repeating.

[tuscan_v8]

Using Belkin 802.11g Wireless kit and connection range is fantastic on anwhere on my 1891 built house (the brick is thick).

The modem is at hallway and can surf the net on my Garden at 10 metre away.

[aldi]

Is there another phone socket better placed in the house to plug the router into?

[mr_yogi]

Can you get something to put half way? Some form of signal repeater, an access point or wireless bridge?

I'm not really clued up on wireless technology, it took me ages to realise what I needed to add wireless to my system

[bogie]

Netgear DG834PN Rangemax jobbie

[roadsweeper]

GregE240 said:

Plotloss said: Netgear DG834GT No worries with signal strength at all. Netgear DG834GT No worries with signal strength at all. So good its worth repeating.

Actually, the Netgear DG834PN might be the way to go as per bogie's suggestion. It's a latest generation MIMO (Multiple In Multiple Out - i.e. seven internal areas to reduce deadspots and increase range) router so should have much better coverage like-for-like.

[Plotloss]

Ahh, didnt know that Netgear had a MIMO offering.

May have to look at one of them, do you know how many channels it MIMO's on?

I've got a Ruckess coming, which is 128 channel would be interested to see if the Netgear can compete.

[TheExcession]

Kids, lets try not to forget that wireless communication between PCs is a two way conversation, and one that both parties need to be able to hear.

So having the latest greatest access point is of no use if your client PC/Laptop has a rubbish wireless card.

For instance I can plug an Orinoco card into my laptop and from nearly 3 miles away I detect one of my wireless access points (it has a big antenna), but there's no way the access point can hear my laptop at that range unless I plug in a similar antenna at the client end.

Just my 2P worth.

best
Ex

[GlenMH]

Don't get a US Robotics 8054. It's rubbish - both with a centrino chipset at the laptop end and with a USR card.

Glen

[bogie]

the Ruckus stuff is good - its the same company that Netgear use the smart antennas from in their Rangemax products...however its quite expensive

I use the Rangemax stuff at home at its great...although I would say that as I work for Netgear

[Plotloss]

Do you work directly for Netgear Bogie or for a distributor?

[bogie]

direct - tend to shy away from admitting it before I get emails from everyone on the forums for tech support

[Plotloss]

Ahh right oh, I'll delete the question and answer if you like.

If you were a distributor I'd use you to supply (I 'recommend' Netgear) but you're not so thats that.

[bogie]

no worries - Im only joking

Feel free to mail me with any questions etc

Depending on what quantities you order you may get the best pricing from the top tier disties in the UK which are Ingram, Micro-P and Computer 2000 - everyone else buys from them.

[nubbin]

Thanks everyone - I've ordered the Netgear Rangemax - thanks bogie - here's hoping for less complaining from the kids!

[bogie]

you will get better performance just using your 'normal' wi-fi adapters, however if you still struggle with range etc you can get another 20% or so if you use the RangeMax adapters also as they are optimised for use with the router

[nubbin]

Only trouble is - no-one has any of these routers in stock! Very popular apparently....