Extended range for laptop w wireless G

Application: Wireless G in the park across the street.
Current config: Linksys WRT54G router/access point

I currently get semi-reliable connects to a laptop with built-in
wireless G, but usually limited to 18Mbps with quite a few
disconnects. I've been consideriing:

1: WRE54G which could be plugged in about 20 feet closer, near
the window.
2: WRT54GX (ditch the WRT54G)
3: Belkin Pre-n

I've heard that the WRE54G is difficult to set up and keep running
so I started looking for alternatives. Obviously Belkin's claim that
it runs at 6X can't be true...its max is 108Mbpts with their own card
in the laptop (not sure if I want to spend $200, given that real
802.11n may be months away). But it still seems to get good reviews
on its own merits.

Is it worthwhile to run the Belkin Pre-n as straight wireless-G, or
will I get very little boost over the current setup?

Alternative: Is there a better plugin wireless G card for the
notebook that will extend range?

I just started looking, so I'm not attached to anything. Please
do recommend other brands, models or alternative approaches.

>
> I currently get semi-reliable connects to a laptop with built-in
> wireless G, but usually limited to 18Mbps with quite a few
> disconnects. I've been consideriing:

If you're using the XP O/S with Wireless Zero Configuration service are you
sure that's not causing the disconnects as it seeks out other networks to
connect with dropping your connection?

Duane :)

On Fri, 22 Jul 2005 23:49:02 -0400, _B <_B@noemail.org> wrote:

>Application: Wireless G in the park across the street.
>Current config: Linksys WRT54G router/access point
>
>I currently get semi-reliable connects to a laptop with built-in
>wireless G, but usually limited to 18Mbps with quite a few
>disconnects.

Before we discuss hardware solutions, it would be nice to know the
distances involved (in feet, meters, or cubits). Also, are there any
trees in the line of sight? If so, how dense (can you see through
them). If the line of sight is blocked by obstructions, no amount of
elaborate hardware is going to offer a reliable connection.

Since this is an outdoor system, have you done some sniffing for other
wireless networks? Have you tried changing channels (1, 6, 11 in the
US).

>I've been consideriing:
> 1: WRE54G which could be plugged in about 20 feet closer, near
> the window.
> 2: WRT54GX (ditch the WRT54G)
> 3: Belkin Pre-n

May I suggest you add to your list:
4: Add external antenna to the existing WRT54G.
5: Add external antenna to the laptop.
6: Add external antenna to both the WRT54G and the laptop.
7: Reposition existing WRT54G to where it has line of sight.

>Alternative: Is there a better plugin wireless G card for the
>notebook that will extend range?

Yes. Get any USB 802.11g dongle type of radio and either butcher it
to add an external antenna, or fabricate some manner of reflector to
improve the gain. Before you discount this solution as unwieldy, note
that you can have two wireless devices connected to a laptop at the
same time. I usually "disable" one or the other depending on what I'm
doing. For general coffee shop browsing, I use the internal wireless
MiniPCI card. For war driving, sniffing, hacking, breaking the law,
and general havoc, I attach a WUSB54G, disable the MiniPCI card, and
attach an external antenna. Different radios for different occasions.

Incidentally, I've thrown together a patch antenna array designed to
be glued or taped to the back lid of a laptop. It lies flat, about
1/2" thick, and is quite directional. You do have to aim the laptop
towards your intended wireless target, but it's a small price to pay
for lots of gain with little hassle. Photos and details when I'm
happy with the results. (Translation: I screwed up somewhere in the
calcs and it currently doesn't even come close to expectations).

>I just started looking, so I'm not attached to anything. Please
>do recommend other brands, models or alternative approaches.

See:
http://www.fab-corp.com
Look under panel antennas. 8dBi or more will be sufficient to direct
some RF in the general direction. Attach one antenna to one of the
antenna connectors on the back of the WRT54G. Leave the other antenna
the stock omni for local indoor coverage. Keep the coax cables short
(i.e. mount the WRT54G in a window). Of course, this assumes you have
line of sight. If you have trees in the way, forget it.

Also, you might consider using alternative firmware for your WRT54G:
http://www.sveasoft.com/content/view/3/1/


--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558