Tweaking Wireless Coverage

[blackie_jones]

Apologies if this thread is in the wrong place

Recently installed NTL Broadband and have a wireless conenction that uses Netgear WGR614 router.

I have coverage in most of my flat apart from a bedroom right at the back of the flat (which is where i do all my work), which has a weak signal.

The router and modem are on leads in the lounge, is there anything you can do to tweak the router and gain more coverage? or do I have to make cable extensions to the modem and router and move them from the living room to a mor e central area of the flat?

thanks

[MovedGoalPosts]

to Cable Forum

I've put the thread in the right place.

Wireless coverage can be affected by a number of things, walls, objects that themselves emit interference, etc. You rarely get close to the theoretical maximum claimed by manufacturares. You can try changing the channel used by the wireless signal. If not it is probably the location of the wireless router that has to be moved. You can leave the modem where it is, just run a longer ethernete cable between the router and the modem. Just raising the router up and out of a corner might be sufficient.

[Graham M]

To reiterate, the higher the router, the better because of the wavelength of the signal.

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

Originally Posted by Zeph

To reiterate, the higher the router, the better because of the wavelength of the signal.

does gravity affect it then?

[jrhnewark]

Originally Posted by Zeph

To reiterate, the higher the router, the better because of the wavelength of the signal.

No, that's not the reason at all. The higher any antenna that's emitting radio waves (or recieving, for that matter), the better it'll receive, no matter the wavelength. It's to do with a) being able to see over things and b) being able to see to the "radio horizon". That's why TV aerials go on rooves.

Originally Posted by Wicked_and_Crazy

does gravity affect it then?

No, because, it's electromagnetism and not particles of anything.

Anyway, yes, back to the orignal point. Put the router and the antenna at the other end (if there is one) as high as possible and try and clear any near obstructions. Try and keep it away from DECT phones and microwave ovens, too.

Also, try a few different channels. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are best. Someone near you might also have a router on the channel you're currently on, and will therefore be limiting your coverage.

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

Originally Posted by jrhnewark

No, because, it's electromagnetism and not particles of anything.

erm, its was a sarcastic comment for the reasons you have explained

[jrhnewark]

Originally Posted by Wicked_and_Crazy

erm, its was a sarcastic comment for the reasons you have explained

Sorry, it went right over my head.