Re: [tlug] Recommendation for router with range

[jep200404@example.com]

On Fri, 24 May 2013 10:17:42 +0900, Jean-Christian Imbeault <jc.imbeault@example.com> wrote:

> ... wi-fi base
> station ... the signal doesn't cover the whole house.

> I'm hoping that by using a wi-fi router as the base station I will get a
> stronger signal than my PC provides and the signal will reach into our
> basement.
> 
> Can anyone recommend a wi-fi router with a strong signal/range?

A better question might be to ask how to get a better Wifi 
connection between upstairs and basement. For such a question, 
many radio folks will tell you: 

1. Antennas! 
2. Antennas! 
3. Antennas! 

Use better antennas, at _both_ ends. 

Also experiment with antenna placement. A small change in 
location can make a huge difference in performance. 

Also, use equipment that has more than one antenna[4]. 
This decreases the sensitivity to placement. 

Be sure to get better antennas on _both_ sides of the connection. 

The antennas built-in to laptops are often feeble. 
_If_ you must use an unmodified laptop with a crummy antenna(s), 
consider putting a Wifi repeater[2] (again, with good antennas!!!) 
close to the laptop with the crummy antenna(s). Another similar 
solution is to use a Wifi router configured as a bridge[1] in 
the basement. You would connect your laptop and other 
basement computers to the bridge with an ethernet cable. 

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Many Wifi transmitters transmit at less than the legal limit, 
or the limit of the chip. If you increase a transmitter's 
power output (within the legal limits), 
make sure it is cooled well. 
Big heat sinks and/or fans help. 
Make sure the output is not distorted. 
https://duckduckgo.com/html/?q=wrt54g+transmit+power
But you should explore the antennas, bridges, and repeaters 
first before increasing power. 

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Also explore: 
http://www.techerator.com/2009/04/tomato-firmware-increased-transmit-power-does-more-harm-than-good/
http://www.techerator.com/2009/07/how-to-rebroadcast-a-weak-wifi-signal/
http://www.techerator.com/2009/09/how-to-use-a-router-as-a-wireless-adapter/

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_bridge
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wireless_router_firmware_projects
    http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_repeater
    http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge

[3] Yum!: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pringles
    日本 アンテナ: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagi-Uda_antenna
    Now put together: https://duckduckgo.com/html/?q=wifi+pringles
    Be sure to check the legality of doing so where you are. 

    Boring, but works:
    https://duckduckgo.com/html/?q=wifi+antenna
    Beware of connector compatibility. 

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_diversity