Linksys - Wireless-G Router

[SHRED]

I have one upstairs that works fine for the two wireless desktop computers which are also also upstairs (in another room).

The problems come when I try and use my iPad downstairs.
The wireless connection is spotty at times and other times okay while other times it disconnects.

This is an older router and I was wondering if newer models are stronger signaled?

Any wireless router suggestions that will punch the signal through to the downstairs of our modest townhome?

---

[PoliticAverse]

1. Some general tips can be found....

here: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/wirelesstips.aspx

[SHRED]

2. thank you!!

[CK_John]

3. Check for nearby Hi Freq devices in use, such as microwave, vac cleaner, tools. nt

[RC]

4. Cordless phones are a big culprit. Especially the spread spectrum types.

They operate on the same frequencies and are quite often more powerful than a wireless router. Depending on distance, the neighbors can disrupt your computing.

The fix is to replace with a newer wireless type N router, if your computers can handle those.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

5. Reiterating everything...

...that PoliticAverse, CK_John and RC have said I will add that town-home proximity may make your wireless signal more subject to all sorts of interference. The location of not only you own innocuous sources of interference but also those of your neighbors. Items from garage door motors to fish tank motors could play a role.

Open the wireless connection list. Check the strengths of the WiFi networks of you neighbors compared to that or your own. If the signal strength of your WiFi is weaker than your that of a neighbor's, you may need a repeater or need to move your router. A simple option that may help would be to change the channel on which you WiFi operates. I would try 4 first and then 8 or 9.

Good luck

[ChromeFoundry]

6. few questions and notes

Does your router have external antenna(s)?
If you can, keep the box as far away from walls and floors as possible. Keep it away from metal objects like filing cabinets. Keep it away from electrical devices especially fluorescent lights.

You want your signal to be as close as perpendicular to walls and obstructions as possible. Putting a access point next to a wall and being on the other side at a sharp angle will make the wall look like it is 10-feet thick (signal will on the hypotenuse rather than a right angle).

Most routers offer the ability to bump up the signal strength of the transmitter in the configuration.

Get a took like MetaGeek's inSSIDer (http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/) and configure your channel to be centered on the most open channel in respect to your neighbors.

Since your other workstations are wired, consider moving the router or at least purchasing an external antenna and cable to move the signaling to an area where it will be most commonly used.

Buy another access point and have one for each of the floors (make sure both are not set up to be DHCP servers or you will have address conflicts).

[HopeHoops]

12. Good point. I put larger rabbit ears on mine a long time ago.

It not only extended the range in the house but also out into the yard.

I was going to mention the piggyback too, but don't put the new router in the dead zone or it won't do a damn thing.

[grok]

7. you might try changing the firmware of the router

DD-WRT is a solid choice with which I have much experience. Tomato is another choice that is somewhat simpler and that others rave about. both are free.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index


A couple caveats. DD-WRT works best with earlier models (WRT-54G V1-V4) or any 54GL. it could work on new models but usually more difficult.

one of the main advantages is you can double or even triple the power output safely.

[SHRED]

8. Thanks but...

I couldn't navigate that site to well to find the download.

I have a WRT54G V4.21

Thanks

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

9. I think this is it:

http://homesupport.cisco.com/en-us/wireless/lbc/WRT54G

[grok]

10. sorry, been doing this for years. I should have simplified..

here is the wiki specifically devoted to your router.

http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linksys_WRT54G_v4.0

here is the link to the specific file you need. you would use your original firmware upgrade link....

http://www.dd-wrt.com/routerdb/de/download/Linksys/WRT54G/v4.0/dd-wrt.v24_mini_generic.bin/2123

this should be good enough for your purposes, however if you want more features, you can use this to add more AFTER the initial flash(the newer one is too fat to do an initial upgrade with)

http://www.dd-wrt.com/routerdb/de/download/Linksys/WRT54G/v4.0/dd-wrt.v24_std_generic.bin/1963

the generic install page(just to confuse you further)

http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Installation

[HopeHoops]

13. That's the one I have. Good router. With larger ears mine handles the entire house now.

[Gore1FL]

11. I did something like this:

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-WIFI-Antenna-Reception-Booster/

only I used wood for the base. I covered both sides of card stock with foil, and stapled it to the wood crescent. I slid this over one of the antennas and aimed it to the weak spot.

Problem solved.