Wireless network. What are the options?

[Rog (RJ)]

I've just upgraded my internet service to wireless. The router provided by my ISP is a Netgear "N150 Wireless ADSL2+ Modem Router". This is installed in my office upstairs (OK it's the bedroom ) and connected to my desktop PC.

The problem is that I can't get a wireless connection to it from my laptop in most locations downstairs. It appears there are too many walls (and the ceiling) in the way. I also have a DVR downstairs which has a DNLA connection which needs (for additional facilities) a LAN cable connection.

Is there any way of "boosting" the signal to and from the router upstairs and also providing a wireless adaptor for the DVR without having to install LAN cabling?

Thanks in advance

[chat_to_rich]

You could try a PowerLine adapter. You plug adapters into your standard 3-pin sockets and plug a network cable into them, sending the network traffic over your electrical wiring. There are a few options, but these are Netgear's options Dead link removed by admin An advantage of this is that it would provide the LAN cable connection for your DVR.

[Rog (RJ)]

Thanks for the link, I've now had a look at those. I'm going to try repositioning the router further away from the PC (need to drill through a wall), which will mean it is then positioned over the lounge and hopefully I'll get a signal downstairs. I'd then be able to use an ethernet cable connected from the DVR to the laptop. I'm guessing I'd then need a software bridge to connect to the wireless network.

[chat_to_rich]

If you want to connect your DVR to the internet via your laptop you'll need to enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on the laptop. You'll probably need a special type of network cable to connect the DVR and laptop called a cross-over cable. There're easy enough to buy, but make sure it's a cross over, not a standard network patch cable. To enable ICS open the Control Panel -> Network Connections. Right-click on the wireless adapter, choose properties. Go to the Advanced tab and click the check box "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection".

[chat_to_rich]

You could also consider a wireless bridge like this
to save having the laptop turned on http://www.netgear.com/landing/wnce2001.aspx
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalo ... DMQ8wIwAg#

[gas4you]

You could always buy a repeater for the wireless.

I had to when using the old 'g' network, now on 'n' the signal seems to travel a lot better in my house.

[Rog (RJ)]

I think I'm going to try the Sitecom wireless extender once I've moved the router to the next bedroom. The powerline wallplug extenders seem a bit pricey in comparison and one pair will only give a limited coverage. According to what I've been reading, the Sitecom is very powerful and should provide wireless coverage throughout the house and maybe in the garden too.

Thanks for all the help offered, any more ideas will be welcome.

[tooltraderdirect]

If you have a wireless N router but your computers only have Wireless G adaptors, you wont be able to take advantage of the greater range that Wireless N provides, as the router will default to Wireless G. Wireless N is also better at bouncing off walls etc. You could try purchasing a wireless N dongle and you should see an improvement. You will have to check if your DVR supports wireless N.

[thescruff]

I have wireless G and have no problems even i the garden.

Takes 5 computers easy.

[scot-canuck]

house composition has a lot to do with it, double skinned engineered brick does quite a good job of stopping wireless signals (well at least in my place they do )
Other things which can cause issues are cordless phones (DECT) and microwave ovens particularly old microwave ovens, which all use the same 2.4Ghz frequency band and both of the above can play havoc with wireless networking

[tooltraderdirect]

The range of Wireless N is roughly double that of G.
See http://bit.ly/zuJWLd

Also it bounces better around walls etc.

[thescruff]

I've used mine sat in the garden, 30m ish and 2 x 2ft stone walls. Ok that could be 1 x 2ft wall and a 6ft window, but it works flawlessly.

[tooltraderdirect]

Yes and for me too, wireless G works fine in my flat, however the original poster is having problems with range / interference, and as he already has a wireless N router, Im suggesting that a wireless N dongle is probably the cheapest and least hassle solution for him.

[Rog (RJ)]

I think the problem is solved

Bought a Sitecom range extender this afternoon, £50 from Maplins. I'm presently typing this on the laptop in the comfort of my armchair in the lounge. Getting four "bars" on the reception indicator and five in the kitchen.

Next job is to try connecting the DVR.

Thanks to all for your help.

[Twisty1024]

A bit late now, but I solved my range issues by DIYing some parabolic reflector 'ears' which I put over the antenna of the router. This also directs the signal away from neighbours.
Here is an example template Link removed, can you down size it by about 300%, or just post the pdf. mod 1
I also made a cheap repeater/bridge by putting OpenWRT on a basic Linksys WRT54G router.