Range Extender for wireless internet

diandtom · 11-24-2009, 06:26 PM

I have a Linksys N router in the room where the computer is. I want to extend the range of the wireless down to the garage about a 100 feet away. It works sometimes down there but has a weak signal and drops out a lot. Any ideas on what to get and where to buy ? I have been looking at Ebay , but not sure what I need.

idenphones · 11-24-2009, 06:49 PM

I use a Hawking Range Extender at home and another one in our coach to help out with the frequently bad to very bad WiFi offerings at alot of CG.

HWREN1 is the model number that we use.

Easy to setup and use.

Our next "improvement" will be an external antenna on the coach to help pull in the signals.

Jim Stewart · 11-24-2009, 07:13 PM

This is what I use, it works!

hField Technologies, Inc. » The Wi-Fire

Theberrys · 11-24-2009, 07:30 PM

Here is an extender at AMAZON.
Amazon.com: Hawking HWREN1 Hi-Gain USB Wireless 300N Range Extender (White): Electronics
Hawking is a good brand name and AMAZON takes things back if they don't work.

Dick

AlexSian · 11-24-2009, 09:42 PM

one thing to consider when researching a solution to improve wifi reception is that the ones that plug into USB port can only help one computer at a time.

the Pepwave Surf is different in that it can either repeat/extend the range of a distant hotspot using its own wifi hotspot, or convert it to ethernet to feed an existing router.

when there are many computers (or other devices that have wifi like ipod touch, game consoles, some cell phones), not having to change network settings on ALL those devices is a big plus.

Ray,IN · 11-24-2009, 09:59 PM

I really like my EnGenius Datacom Products
USB adapter. It has served me well for 3 years so far, by nearly doubling signal strength. Engenius also offers much more powerful range extenders.

idenphones · 11-24-2009, 10:36 PM

The Hawking unit that I have does not have a usb connection but it does have an ethernet connection that is initially used to configure the unit to repeat whatever hotspot or WiFi signal that it detects and you select in the programming.

The ethernet connection can then be used to supply an Internet connection to a non wireless enabled computer or other device while the wireless portion is still available for other devices.

This unit seems to have more output power than traditional WiFi devices as well.

It can also be password protected to limit the users as well as different types of security if required.

The unit also has two antennas. One to receive and transmit to/from the donor site. And the other to receive/transmit as the repeated site. This allows connection to an external high gain or directional antenna to increase the distance from the donor site or increase the distance to the remote site or both.

The unit comes with a standard wall wart power supply or you can power it directly from 12 volts like I did.

diandtom · 11-25-2009, 02:15 PM

I ordered the Hawking this morning from Amazon. I hope it works and I can use it at campground where the WIFI signal is weak, but my main use it from the house to the garage. I had a G router and I got this Linksys N hoping that it would be better, but it was no better.
om

idenphones · 11-25-2009, 04:29 PM

I think you will be as please as I was.
We are currently at a CG that has "WiFi Everywhere"
So far, I can't find Everywhere!!

I mounted our unit behind the front TV set cabinet facing out the windshield and ran the 12 volt power to the accessory power.

Their signal is weak at best but our signal is 6 bars inside the coach.

A couple of our neighbors are using our repeated signal as well.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 11-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Your Linksys N router IS better for range than the G was, but only if the receiving computer down at the garage also has an "N" adapter. If the computer is running in G mode, it gets almost zero benefit from a N router.

An N router and N adapter should easily cover 100 feet. Maybe even 1000 feet, unless there is a big metal building in the way...

peliaspastia · 11-27-2009, 06:12 PM

I'm not sure about the Linksys N router, but some N routers such as the Apple Airport Extreme are capable of routing in multi-mode. That is B/G, and N at the same time. Check in the setup manual.

diandtom · 12-02-2009, 02:09 PM

I got the range extender today and it works very good from the house to the garage. I do have a question about using it when camping. Do you have to reprogram it at each new campground?

idenphones · 12-02-2009, 08:12 PM

Unfortunately, yes you do. But as you now know, it is very easy.

Apparently there is a new firmware for the device on the horizon that will make things even easier.

We just got back from a shakedown cruise in the new to us Holiday Rambler.

While at the different RV parks I was able to take a barely usable signal (at most parks) from the park supplied service to 5 bars plus in and around the coach.