wifi signal fluctuates too much.

[abrand88]

I have a 7dbi antenna connected to a Engeniustech usb antenna amplifier High Output Power up to 25dBm EIRP. High Speed Data Rate up to 108 Mbps in Super G mode. This is my access point.

all the time I am getting a 12 db signal or 2 or 3 bars when I check the status. A tall building is being built right near me and I would appreciate knowing how can I amplify the signal so it doesn't fluctuate.I have seen 12dbi directional Cantennas, a outdoor 12-14 dbi antenna that I might be able to use indoors, different boosters, different amplifiers. The tall building will be one floor taller that my tall house when finished.

I am open to trying anything inasmuch as my problem will only get worse.

thanks

Arthur

 

[Nelviticus]

The tall building near the house shouldn't make any difference but you may be getting interference from somewhere. Do you have any neighbours with wi-fi? You could try several different channels to see whether it improves things. I have also heard stories about things sometimes working better on lower power settings, so try that too.

Regards

Nelviticus

 

[wahnula]

I have read excellent reviews of this product:

http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/wireless-range-extender.php

Tony

 

[abrand88]

Nelviticus,

How might I lower the power settings to try your suggestion ?

Thanks

 

[Nelviticus]

Somewhere in the config utilities for the router and the wireless adapter - exactly where depends on the utility. There should be a setting somewhere for 'transmit power' or something similar. The router's utility should also let you choose which channel to use, although I think super-G only works in turbo mode (108 Mbps) when it's on channel 6. It does on my router anyway.

I'd try a different channel before turning down the power as if a nearby wireless network is using a channel close to yours that will definitely cause you problems. It's known as "wireless congestion".

I only mentioned the transmit power because I recently read a technical article that said something like "many people don't realise that they may actually be making things worse by enabling maximum transmission power". Unfortunately it just mentioned that in passing and didn't go into further detail so it could be one author's incorrect opinion, but it's worth a try if channel-hopping doesn't work.

Regards

Nelviticus

 

[gbaughma]

It is true, about maximum transmission power, especially if you're broadcasting to a relatively nearby unit.

Look at it this way. If I yell at you across a room, you're going to be able to hear me.

However, if I yell directly into your ear, it's going to be "too loud" and distort, and you're not going to be able to understand me.

"Normal", unboosted wireless has a transmission range of about 300 feet (in the utah salt flats, with no other frequencies interfering, actual results may vary. ;-) )

The fact that the signal is being boosted that much would indicate to me that either:
a) He's operating from quite a distance away (several hundred feet) or
b) he's overdriving the crap out of his signal.

Additionally, the *quality* of the signal (based on the transmitter *before* the amplifier) comes into play as well.

If you turn up a CD loud, and listen to a "silent" portion, there's hardly any background noise.

However, if you turn up a Casette Tape (A what? someone's asking), you'll hear hiss. This is the noise floor.

If you're boosting the signal, you're also boosting the noise.



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly exchanged his dilithium crystals for new Folger's Crystals." -- My Sister
--Greg

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