Adhoc Wireless Network

[da644]

Hi Everyone.

I've setup an 802.11b Adhoc Wireless Network between my 2 home PC's. One is a desktop and the other is a laptop. The network works fine when the computers are within about 5 meters of each other, but once it becomes a greater distance than that it either works intermittently or doesn't work at all. According to the technical spec it should work up to about 50 meters at minimum. However if I take the laptop to my office, in the up stairs of the house, it doesn't work at all. It can't be more than 15 meters in a straight line between the two computers.

Have I set something up work or is the specification rubbish????

Any help would be gratefully received.

Best Regards

Andrew.

 

[LoneAdmin]

What type or brand of hardware are you using? I have set up a few wireless networks and have never had this problem. It sounds like a faulty hardware issue. I have utilized wireless networks up to 300 feet. Does the laptop card or unit have an antenna? Is this a 2.4GHZ system?

 

[daronwilson]

The specifications are usually a pipe dream. In a perfect world, with no interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc. and no structure around to mess you up, it MIGHT go the distance. Keep in mind as well that they usually just tell you that it will work that far, they rarely explain that the normal 802.11b gear will reduce speed as the signal weakens, and at the specified distance you may be down at 1 mb.

If you are using two PCMCIA cards, I can understand that. They have very little antennas inside, and card to card would be much less distance than card to access point with a whip antenna. Also, not all wireless gear has the same output level, maybe you could post back with some more specifics.
It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[da644]

Right ok... the desktop PC has a Netgear MA301/401 combo. The MA301 is PCI card and the 401 is the PCMCIA card that plugs into the PCI. This card has a 2.4 to 2.5GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum.

http://netgear.co.uk/html/prod_wireless_ma401.htm

The laptop has a D-Link DWL-650 (PCMCIA) and operates in 2.4 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum.

http://www.dlink.co.uk/long_desc.asp?id=288

If there anyway I can increase the power output of the cards or something??? Any help would be greatfully received.

Best Regards

Andrew.