ConnectPro Computer Services

[jiffy]

I have Shaw Broadband 50, and the SMC modem/router is in the basement. The Wifi signal strength is so weak that I can't get a connection for most of upstairs (it's a small bungalow). I can put the Shaw modem into "bridge" mode and use my own modem, but I need a modem that has a really good range and speed, since I've had problems connecting with other modems too in certain parts of the house. What kind of router should I get, or do I need a range extender or something? I wouldn't be able to connect it with ethernet cable. 

Thanks.

[XL]

• Does the routers have external antennas? Are they oriented straight up and down? What happens if you change the angle so one is 45 degrees? What happens if you change the angle to be 90 degrees? Does the reception improve under those conditions?

Other options to try out....

• some routers allow you to get bigger external antennas. Have you researched that option?
• some users have encased their antenna with various materials (eg pringle containers) to shape their broadcast/reception pattern in one direction instead of all directions. You might want to try this low cost option.
• some routers allow you to change the signal strength. Is it set to maximum or minimum?
• also what happens if you move to various locations on the upper floor? Do you get better reception directly above the router?

[Juice0904]

What type of wireless connection are you running right now?  Is it wireless N?  Wireless G?

If you are not currently running wireless N, it would be a good idea to upgrade your router to one that is.  There are plenty of options available ranging from insanely cheap to prohibitively expensive.  I personally use the D-Link DIR-655 for my home use, which is a really nice, mid-range router that has fast connection speeds and excellent range. 

Is it possible to move the modem to a different location, maybe a little more central to the areas where you need to connect?  Not knowing the exact layout of your place, I can't speak to how well the routers available from Future Shop would work, but each one has a 30 day return policy (might be 14, can't really tell if that falls under the computer accessory 14 day policy or not) so if it doesn't work for you, you're totally able to return it for a full refund (don't lose the receipt).

You can find Future Shop's full listing of wireless routers here.  There's five pages, so lots to choose from.  If you have any further questions about any of the routers, don't hesitate to ask!

JB

[mickylu]

Hi there,

If you live in a stone house, the wireless signal would have difficulty penetrate through the walls.

Here is a good alternative:

D-Link Powerline adaptor. It uses your powerline at home and put the network signal within the powerline.

It comes with 2 adaptors, you can connect your modem to one of the adaptors downstairs and use another one upstairs. This way you can either use direct wire connection for your computer, or use your own router for wireless networking upstairs, or even use D-Link Powerline wireless extender if you don't have a router already.

Just need to make sure the power plugs you are connecting are in the same power box.

Hope that helps!

[jiffy]

Thanks for your reply. The SMC router has an internal antenna, and there's not much room to move it. I think I will go with a new one, and I'll just see if it functions well enough. If not, I'll just try another one. Thanks very much for your reply!

[jiffy]

Thanks for your reply. There's not much room to move the modem in the basement. I've moved it five feet or so, but it doesn't make any difference with the Shaw modem. I'm going to stop using the Shaw one,  and I'm going to try the DLink DIR 655. If it doesn't work well enough, I'll take it back and try the next one up, the DIR 825.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

[jiffy]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[XL]

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jiffy wrote:

Thanks for your reply. The SMC router has an internal antenna, and there's not much room to move it. I think I will go with a new one, and I'll just see if it functions well enough. If not, I'll just try another one. Thanks very much for your reply!

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I wonder how the internal antenna is oriented.... what happens if you put the router on it's side?

I'm always looking for low cost solutions before spending money.... here's a long shot.  What happens if you put the router in a open pot.... Possibly a wok?

I was looking at the internet and I see people making directional antennas with various materials and one used a folding metal steamer.... that got me thinking about other ideas on getting the devices to focus the energy upwards instead of radiating outwards.