Boosting Wi FI Range

3 Sep 2006 1:45 PM

pafos

My knowledge of networking is very limited hence this probably simple
question. I have two computers in different buildings. One of these computers
has satellite internet access. I wish to use this PC as a gateway so that the
other PC can use this internet connection. The problem is that the wireless
siganl level is poor because of the obstructions in the way. Is there a such
a thing as a "wireless relay " device that I can site "half way" that the two
PC's can talk via normal wireles network adaptors.. If so what is it called
!!!!

--
thanks in advance for any help
Peter

3 Sep 2006 9:26 PM

Richard G. Harper

What you're looking for is called an "access point" - it will extend your
wireless network to distant or hard-to-reach areas. Most of the folks who
make wireless routers also make access points.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] rghar***@gmail.com
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

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"pafos" <pa***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:D4CCC0EC-7B9F-44FC-AB9B-18F7B23C4956@microsoft.com...
> My knowledge of networking is very limited hence this probably simple
> question. I have two computers in different buildings. One of these
> computers
> has satellite internet access. I wish to use this PC as a gateway so that
> the
> other PC can use this internet connection. The problem is that the
> wireless
> siganl level is poor because of the obstructions in the way. Is there a
> such
> a thing as a "wireless relay " device that I can site "half way" that the
> two
> PC's can talk via normal wireles network adaptors.. If so what is it
> called
> !!!!
> --
> thanks in advance for any help
> Peter

4 Sep 2006 12:25 AM

John Weiss

Another product is a repeater or "range extender" or "range expander" that
works as a relay for an already-in-place router or access point. In the
Linksys line, the WRE54G range expander is used with the WRT54G router or
WAP54G access point.

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"Richard G. Harper" <rghar***@email.com> wrote...
> What you're looking for is called an "access point" - it will extend your
> wireless network to distant or hard-to-reach areas. Most of the folks who
> make wireless routers also make access points.

> "pafos" <pa***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote...
>> Is there a such a thing as a "wireless relay " device that I can site
>> "half way" that the two PC's can talk via normal wireles network
>> adaptors.. If so what is it called!!!!

4 Sep 2006 3:37 AM

Chuck

On Sun, 3 Sep 2006 06:45:01 -0700, pafos <pa***@discussions.microsoft.com>
wrote:

>My knowledge of networking is very limited hence this probably simple
>question. I have two computers in different buildings. One of these computers
>has satellite internet access. I wish to use this PC as a gateway so that the
>other PC can use this internet connection. The problem is that the wireless
>siganl level is poor because of the obstructions in the way. Is there a such
>a thing as a "wireless relay " device that I can site "half way" that the two
>PC's can talk via normal wireles network adaptors.. If so what is it called
>!!!!

Peter,

As others suggest, what you want is a repeater, which is a device similar to an
Access Point, except that it inputs and outputs WiFi. But, you should buy a
repeater with care. At best, it will cut your bandwidth in half (or worse).
And all repeaters don't work with all WiFi routers / access points.

If you have 2 computers, and want to use them in ad-hoc (no router), but with a
repeater, you will have a challenge too. What make and model WiFi devices are
on each computer? You will, minimally, end up replacing one or both WiFi cards.
If you can do this, you will want both WiFi adapters, and the repeater, to be
same make and similar model.
# Satellite Internet.
# ICS on main computer.
# Ad-hoc connection to other computer.
# Repeater in the middle.

A very interesting challenge.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

4 Sep 2006 10:52 AM

pafos

Thank you all for your valued input. I have now done some basic research into
what devices are on offer and have found several "access points" that can be
configured as a pure repeater so I assume that these will work ok with my
existing 802.g PCI adaptors whatever the make. I will try this route first as
the expense is not very great. Thanks again---much appreciated.

Peter

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"Chuck" wrote:

> On Sun, 3 Sep 2006 06:45:01 -0700, pafos <pa***@discussions.microsoft.com>
> wrote:
>
> >My knowledge of networking is very limited hence this probably simple
> >question. I have two computers in different buildings. One of these computers
> >has satellite internet access. I wish to use this PC as a gateway so that the
> >other PC can use this internet connection. The problem is that the wireless
> >siganl level is poor because of the obstructions in the way. Is there a such
> >a thing as a "wireless relay " device that I can site "half way" that the two
> >PC's can talk via normal wireles network adaptors.. If so what is it called
> >!!!!
>
> Peter,
>
> As others suggest, what you want is a repeater, which is a device similar to an
> Access Point, except that it inputs and outputs WiFi. But, you should buy a
> repeater with care. At best, it will cut your bandwidth in half (or worse).
> And all repeaters don't work with all WiFi routers / access points.
>
> If you have 2 computers, and want to use them in ad-hoc (no router), but with a
> repeater, you will have a challenge too. What make and model WiFi devices are
> on each computer? You will, minimally, end up replacing one or both WiFi cards.
> If you can do this, you will want both WiFi adapters, and the repeater, to be
> same make and similar model.
> # Satellite Internet.
> # ICS on main computer.
> # Ad-hoc connection to other computer.
> # Repeater in the middle.
>
> A very interesting challenge.
>
> --
> Cheers,
> Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
> http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
> Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
> My email is AT DOT
> actual address pchuck mvps org.
>