Thread: Exending the Range of my wireless network

Originally Posted by mark2

I've just installed a simple wireless router at home with the hope that I might get reception for the laptop in my shed (steel). The laptop has a PCMIA card with no external antenna.

With the front roller doors open, I get a very weak signal but not enough to transfer any data. The signals not much better outside the shed either.

The shed is about 50m from the house and the router is at the other end of the house so the signal is passing through the (timber) house.

What are the best options for extending the range and getting a signal in the shed?

These are some of the things I've thought about but havent spent any money on yet in case they wont work:

-external antenna on the router?

-range extender repeater - at the other end of the house closer to the shed?
-USB thingy on the laptop with external antennal?

I dont really want to relocate the router as this would involve running ethernet cable which was part of the reason for going wireless in the first place.

these are your two best options.....the latter is prob the best other wise the connection through the second will slow your speed

cheers

I had the same issue - I just put an external antenna on the router, works perfectly now - even with all the doors shut on the shed

Cost me about $50.00

2 jam tins and 50 metres of string [keep string tight]

Have a look here. www.freeantennas.com
As you have some signal, one of those free antennas might boost the signal enough to make it useable. I use the ez-10 and was surprised by its effectiveness.