Community Forums

racer0624 · 05-04-2008, 10:39 AM

We are full time in a RV park that doesn't have a wireless system. I have my own tv cable and internet service using Cox cable at my site. I have a wireless router installed. How can I extend the range of my signal so that I can use my laptop at the pool about 150' away?

racer0624 · 05-04-2008, 10:39 AM

We are full time in a RV park that doesn't have a wireless system. I have my own tv cable and internet service using Cox cable at my site. I have a wireless router installed. How can I extend the range of my signal so that I can use my laptop at the pool about 150' away?

gizmo · 05-04-2008, 10:55 AM

you need to upgrade the antenna of the router and install it outside motorhome.my belkin with twin antenna (N) not B or G will range out at 1/2 mile.

Max Hubrich · 05-04-2008, 11:33 AM

John,

You need a "cantenna". Here is the best deal around:

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-WIRELESS-Extender-Booster-Cante...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

We, (two of us in motorhomes), used them last year in Maine and they work great. He includes the software for the USB port. We clamp the cantenna on to the winegard batwing antenna, You will need a longer cable probably. I could pick up a "hot spot" over 2 miles away, over open water, good enough to use. Just aim it like you would a gun and have at it. Radio Shack was selling them too, but you needed an Orinoco Gold card or a Buffalo card for the PMICA (?)port.

racer0624 · 05-05-2008, 10:32 AM

Thanks folks for your suggestions. The cantenna is interesting but I'd rather not have to carry it to the pool area and aim it back toward my motorhome.(if I understand correctly how it works)
The idea of an external antenna connected in place of the two on my Linksys wireless router sounds good. Are these available from places like Best Buy?
Thanks,

racer0624 · 05-05-2008, 10:35 AM

Max,
I forgot to say that I'll probably buy a cantenna to use as we travel around our beautiful country.
Thanks,

Tom N · 05-05-2008, 02:07 PM

Connect a yagi WiFi antenna to your router with no more than 2' of coax and aim it at the pool area. You'll connect.

-Tom

jfb · 05-05-2008, 07:09 PM

Our Bilkens wireless router, sitting on our dinette table, is good for about 300 yards, line of sight. However, intervening RV's will block it.

two2go · 05-05-2008, 07:27 PM

So many variables, but location is the first and cheapest to work with. Try moving your router to different places. If it is inside, try by a window. Lots of things in an RV will interfere with signals. If you get a high gain antenna with a decent length cable, try the antenna on your RV roof or as high as you can put it. I have a link between two houses, and use a high gain antenna on my adapter. The signal will drop significantly if I move the antenna 1 inch from its best location.