James Kaplan <JimKaplan777@aol.com> hath wroth:
>I replaced my Wireless G with a Linksys Wireless N (WRT150) router in
>order to try to get better range but have noticed no difference to my
>laptop in the 'dead room'.
Some basics first. MIMO and 802.11n are not a fix for weak signals.
When 802.11n is faced with a weak signal, it reverts back to the older
and slower 802.11g and 802.11b modes. The slower you go, the farther
you go. What MIMO can do for you is deal with a highly reflective
environment or give greater thruput, but only if you have adequate
signal levels to work with.
Is that a WRT150N ?
>The laptop uses a wireless G notebook
>adapter.
Any particular laptop? Any particular adapter?
(Hint: If you ask your auto mechanic for advice on your vehicle, what
the very first thing he asks you to disclose?)
>Before I waste any more $... will buying a wireless N
>notebook adapter have any beneficial impact on my range problem?
No. If you had some signal to work with MIMO might give you a more
reliable connection if the problem was reflections. However, it
appears that you have no signal.
>Would an access point help me? If so, how? And is an AP complicated
>to set up?
Yes. That will help. It's no more complex than a wireless router.
All an access point is inside is a "wireless router" with the router
section disabled or missing. You can also buy a wireless router and
configure it as an access point. See:
<http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_How_To#Use_a_wireless_router_as_a_wireless_acce ss_point>
You will need to run CAT5e cable between your main router and the
remote access point. The two radios should be on different RF
channels (1, 6, 11) unless you are absolutely certain there is no
possibility of mutual interference. There's some question if you want
to use the same SSID on both radios. If the same, you might be able
to get seamless roaming between radios as you move around. However,
you will not be able to easily select which access point to connect.
For that, you will need to assign different SSID's to each radio.
Note that I did NOT suggest replacing antennas or adding reflectors on
your existing WRT150N. That will wreck MIMO operation. However, you
might be able to attach an external antenna onto your laptop and point
it at the wireless router.
--
Jeff Liebermann
jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D
http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060
http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558