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General discussion

Methods have you used to increase range of wireless signal??

by PresBear Jan 25, 2007 10:31AM PST

Anyone care to share methods they have used to increase the wireless signal from their router?

Here's my situation ... I have Wildblue in my home with an ethernet connection to my Buffalo Router.

I need a signal in my detatched garage (home office) that is approx. 40 ft. away. I should add that my house is brick and the detached garage is metal siding. Pretty bad combo or so I've been told.

The Geek Squad guy told me today there is no way to get a signal in my detatched garage. Bummer - I want to prove him wrong! He advised me to run ethernet cable either underground or from roof to roof to get a connection in the detatched garage.

What about a high gain antenna (indoor or out).

Any suggestions for me to make this happen? It seems like it should be possible

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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No carrier.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 25, 2007 10:57AM PST

Or rather, dead on arrival. That metal siding is nearly impenetrable so let's skip to solutions.

Think over where you can relocate the wifi router central to both locatiosn without the metal walls inbetween. Of if you can't then add what is known as a WAP to your network.

Bob

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Buffalo
by Merl Priester Jan 31, 2007 11:24AM PST

I have been using Buffalo Hi-Power Routers and their Ethernet Converter (Wireless Network Bridge)

Since it is powered and has an antenna larger than most WiFi devices it gets a better signal. I have gone about 100Ft through 6 walls into a garage, although no brick or metal on the walls.

It's worth a try if you're willing to buy one.
Newegg has them and Bestbuy sometimes stocks them.

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You might look into powerline.
by rbrodner Feb 5, 2007 5:40AM PST

I assume since the garage is used for home office it has electric, right? If the electric is coming from the house you could use a pair of powerline to Ethernet adapters, or a powerline to Ethernet in the house and a powerline to Wi-Fi (if you need wireless) in the garage.

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