Boosting a wireless signal

[Cowboybooter]

I have just set up a wireless network for someone, using BTBroadband ( ADSL ).

I'm using a Linksys Wireless-G ( model No. WAG545G-UK ) wireless router, hardwired to an XP3000 box running XP Home, and wireless to 3 lappies, each with Linksys Wireless-G PC cards. There is also a Linksys Wireless-G Access point hardwired to the router, some 30 feet away from it!

When I did some preliminary testing of signal strength, whilst waiting for the ADSL to be set up, signal strength was 'Very Good' at about 80 feet away and up a floor!

Now that it is pumping the internet, the signal strength has dropped to pathetic!

I don't want to start running cables through the property, as the wallpaper is about £500 a roll, and the carpet cost more than my car! :eek:

Any thoughts on how else I can boost the signal, I haven't run any tweaks yet!

TIA

Bob

[Herb]

Put a parabolic reflector behind the antenna, directing towards the other location on both sides. Use any soft forming stuff you like and cover it with plain alu foil then.
The geometry has to be of any parabol shape, large enough to allow you to place the antenna into the focal point.

However this makes not much sense for mobile devices, but whenever you hold them stationary for a while....

[Cowboybooter]

Thanks, Herb.

The lappies will be roaming, in theory, from room to room!

:)

Bob

[davidw]

Originally posted by Herb
Use any soft forming stuff you like and cover it with plain alu foil then. I'm not sure I follow...

[tmx468]

CBB... the trick is to work out where he will be roaming to and from.

Then put repeaters around as and where necessary (Doesn't sound like money is an object). Pretty much wireless... and less hassle. ;)

[Herb]

Soft forming = Styropur or other plastic foam, a piece of metal sheet (saves the alu foil), just anything soft enough to bend it into the right shape or cut it down easily.

[Cowboybooter]

Repeaters, huh?
(Repeaters, huh?)

Tell me more, tmx!

:)

Bob

[Cowboybooter]

Update:

Following discussions ( and beer ) with tmx, then more specific research, I added in a Linksys WET54G Wireless Bridge to the network!

Signal strength is now up to an acceptable level! :)

( Then, one of the roamers 'inadvertently' password protected his BIOS, but that's another thread!

Thanx everyone for the suggestions.

:)

Bob