Extending the range of a WRT54G

[stlgasman]

What is the best way to extend the range of the Linksys WRT54G router? Can I buy another router (does it need to be the same brand) and bridge them?

 

[bcastner]

Placing the WRT54G in bridge mode is the last thing you want.

. Linksys offers a "range extender" for its wirelss "G" products:

http://wifinetnews.com/archives/003900.html

. Sveasoft firmware offers a third-party firmware solution with true WDS "Wireless Distributin System". This would require a second WRT54G or WAP54G. Details:

http://www.sveasoft.com/

. Consider improving the output power of the WRT54G you have, along with a better antenna. The output power hacking of the WRT54G is a well known firmware change:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,10935638~mode=flat

An antenna modification gives you a lot of choices. This is a typical site:

http://www.fab-corp.com/index.htm

(Look for Linksys/Cisco starter kits)

. I personally like and use the Michael Erskine parabolic trick (his EZ-12 parabolic template):

http://www.freeantennas.com/

Whatever you do, test things by using netstumbler:

http://www.netstumbler.com/

 

[jacw]

Here's my favorite - the Chinese cookware homebuilt parabolic antenna

http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/