wireless range extender - very happy

14 years ago

I had all about had it with finicky wireless signal at home over the last couple years. First, I upgraded from b to g: so-so result. Then upgraded router and PC antenna(e), got a high gain antenna, moving antennas all the time, and all that: so-so result. Yesterday I finally decided to splurge on a Hawking 300N range extender ($99) to use on our G network: amazing result! (signal strength now is "excellent" on three floors - I didn't know 'excellent" was even an option at home!). If anyone has been dealing two or three bar dropped signal all too often, you might want to give this option a try.

We happen to have a static IP address using DSL. Once the extender was configured, it was untethered from the router and placed in the middle of the house. I wonder if there would be any problems with detethering if one gets dynamic IP's. Anyone know?

Anyway, cheers.

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Comments (8)

homebound
Original Author
14 years ago
BTW, that model supports b,g and n, (so it'll be fine for an N router upgrade, if I ever do that).
owbist
14 years ago
Funny you should post this Homebound. I was buying RAM this morning and there was this strange coffee can on the counter of the computer store. Being curious/nosey as I am wont to be I asked, it was an antenna and they told me it worked great. See the link below. The store had painted the outside of the can flat black and white inside for appearances. Pretty neat though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Home made antenna
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homebound
Original Author
14 years ago
Yup, I've done something like that, too. I made a parabolic reflector with a cereal box and aluminum foil. Trouble is I had to aim it just about right...over and over again!
mikie_gw
14 years ago
I wouldn't thik it cares if your wifi router? recieves or broadcasts fixed ip or dynamic... the repeater should be private lan ip's on both sides and just handle it with the ssid name.

I would be curious if and how much your internet connection speed has dropped and what amount the hop latency's increased. After all it is like throwing the ball gently to first base first who then tosses it to you harder.
canibus
14 years ago
i think a repeater cuts it 1/2 but you are still way above what your computer can handle
canibus
14 years ago
i got a can similar to that one . i could get 3bars 2000ft

line of sight
homebound
Original Author
14 years ago
I just tested my speeds with speakeasy.net Surprising results (to me, at least):

First of all, our main Dell computer wired to Linksys G router & DSL:
download speed: 8900 kbps avg.
upload: 1076 kbp

Dell inspiron laptop, wirelessly direct to the router w/ 3 bar signal:
download: 1748-3497 kbps
upload: 1075 kbps

The same laptop, but connected through the range extender, with 5 bar signal:
download: 4275-5258 kbps
upload: 1061 kbps

Looks like a winner. as for perception, the latency "feel" is barely noticeable, unless you're comparing the instant pop in an office environment.
mikie_gw
14 years ago
So it did basically cut your download speed in half, but in your case because of a stronger signal.. actually improved it.
Maybe move the repeater around for better reception from the base unit would improve your speed slightly still.

Cool - thanks for info !!

I bought a 9db flag directional yaggi antenna for maybe around $10 for a remote garage apartment access point/switch. It wow's me, tight beam pokes through everthing.

My old laptop, used Hawking's PC card with the fold up directional panel antenna... it was was always 100% connected. I really have liked the couple of hawkings products I have used. Usually inexpensive purchased online.

wireless range extender - very happy

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wireless range extender - very happy

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