On Sep 13, 1:25 pm, Jeff Liebermann <je...@cruzio.com> wrote:

> Can I assume that you've updated the router firmware and the wireless
> card drivers? A considerable number of such "range" problems are due
> to problems that were solved in firmware long ago. The Intel 2200BG
> card is a particularly common culprit. I prefer the Intel Proset
> 11.1.xxx drivers rather than whatever came with the HP laptop:
> <http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=1637>
>

Yes, I use the proset software and the wireless card drivers are the
latest rev. The router is also at the latest rev, although I realize
that it is an old version of the router.

> Duz "looked into" mean you've simply looked but not installed?
>

No, they're the latest on the laptop. On the desktop, I'll need to
recheck.

>
> How strong is it in the same room?

Non-existent. I've wondered if I'm too close.

> What's in the wall between the rooms?

Plaster/lathe.

>
> If you have aluminum foil back insulation in the walls, give up now.
> Nothing will go through that. Concrete block walls, poured concrete,
> and check wire (stucco) are little better.

I don't have aluminum foil backed insulation, but the farthest desktop
is 3 walls away.

What is curious is that I pick up signals from neighbor's houses at
the far end desktop.

>
> >I was thinking of getting another access point or replacing the
> >WGR614, but my concern is that if the signal is intermittant from one
> >room to the next, that maybe this really wouldn't help.
>
> Speculation is always helpful, but I think borrowing a different
> wireless router might be equally useful. However, since you have two
> laptops, it might be easier to just setup an ad-hoc connection between
> the two laptops, turn off the WGR614, and see how much signal you get.
>
I will try this. Couldn't hurt, if only to see whether I can connect
at all from one end of the house to the other.

> No. The problem with all the post-802.11g enhancements is that they
> offer substantial increases in maximum speed, but little improvements
> in dealing with lack of signal strength. If you have a highly
> reflective environment, a MIMO (Pre-n) type of router might be useful
> in that they utilize the reflections. However, they use it to gain
> speed, not reliability or signal strength, so the benifits are
> marginal. I suggest you keep it simple and just get a decent 802.11g
> wireless router.
>

Ok. Thank you for your advice and input.
> --
> Jeff Liebermann je...@cruzio.com
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060http://802.11junk.com
> Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558