"Jeff Liebermann" <jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us> wrote in message
news:i49ee2hr3avcd5ami5nfvsqe4c28ffnvo0@4ax.com...
> "Jim" <jim@hmail.com> hath wroth:
>
>>Got a wireless network running in a building across from the one my office
>>is in. I want to connect wirelessly to the network - which I have done and
>>everything works. Only problem is that the signal is quite weak.
>
> The spirit is willing but the signal is weak? Perhaps if you would
> disclose something about what hardware you are using, it might be
> possible to offer a suggestion? How far are you trying to go? What
> is in between you and the wireless access point? Any metalized mylar
> in the windows? Stock rubber ducky antennas or external antenna?
> Laptop, desktop, or ethernet client radio? Do you have lots of
> altitude so that you're picking up lots of interference from the other
> users in the buildings?
>
ADSL wireless router is linksys. Not far at all - maybe 15 yards. Problem is
that there is quite a lot of concrete and oak inbetween. Normal windows,
simple old fashioned double glazed. Only three clients connecting..
>>What I want to do is insert a wireless repeater to boost the signal to my
>>office. Can I use a simple wireless bridge? If not - what is needed?
>>I can source the repeater/bridge next to the window so that it is much
>>nearer and think that will be fine.
>
> Hmmm... You've been reading the manufacturers literature. Repeaters
> have their own collection of problems. They usually have to be
> "supported" by the vendor of the access point or wireless router. A
> repeater will work, but you will get half your maximum thruput. If
> there's no other way to do this, such as better antennas, then I guess
> a repeater will suffice.
>
No, I have not been reading literature.
> If your unspecified wireless router happens to support WDS (wireless
> distribution service), then purchase an identical router. This has a
> few advantages (which I don't wanna go into right now).
>
> A "simple wireless bridge" won't work directly because wireless bridge
> radios are made to talk to each other, not to other access points or
> wireless routers. However, you can make a pair of wireless bridge
> radios function by simply installing one bridge radio on the LAN side
> of the existing wireless router, and another in your office. You will
> need to plug into this wireless bridge radio as you cannot connect to
> it wirelessly with what I presume is your wireless laptop. Since
> there will be two radios operating (the existing wireless router and
> the added wireless bridge radio) you will need to select two different
> non-interfering channels and different SSID's. Not recommended if you
> are the only user in your office area, but a good solution if you are
> trying to glue two networks together.
>
> The good news is that most wireless bridge and access point radios
> have a repeater mode. No need to buy a dedicated repeater. The
> problem is that the insipid literature often doesn't bother mentioning
> this feature. Try:
> http://www.linksysdata.com/ui/
> http://support.dlink.com/emulators/
> for various emulators. Dive through the menus and see if your
> prospective bridge or access point has a repeater mode.
>
> The same boxes also sometimes have a "wireless client mode". This
> will allow you to plug your ethernet cable into the box, and use it to
> connect to the wireless router. If located in the window, it will
> function in place of whatever you're currently using. The cable may
> not be convenient, but you may be able to position the wireless client
> in a better location than your presumed laptop.
>
> In the future, if you have a question, kindly supply:
> 1. What you are trying to accomplish? (you did that nicely)
> 2. What you have to work with? (hardware, software, topography, etc)?
I think that the easiest way to solve this problem is to use a bridge and
plug an access point into the bridge via ethernet. I can use a different
channel to the router and bridge and this will be fine.
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
> Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558