CWNP - Couple Questions...

Author

Couple Questions...

format kid

2004-01-02, 8:50 am

hello everyone,

Just a quick couple of questions I was wondering if you guys could help me out with. First of all it would be great if someone could point me in the direction of a website or two that has really good coverage/tutorials on wireless networking.

The problem I'm trying to figure out is, I've set up a small wireless network in my father in-law's house, which actually doubles as a home office of sorts. Now one computer along with the router(belkin 54g) is downstairs with the cable modem. He works on his laptop upstairs and across the house though in his "office".

The problem with this is, he'll lose his signal often, although its not that far away. I was thinking the easiest solution would probably be to put an access point halfway between these two areas. (maybe halfway up the stairs or something). I need to look into this further though to find out if an access point would do the job or if I would need a bridge. So any advice is appreciated.

Thanks everybody

NovellRed

2004-01-03, 9:08 am

Format Kid,

There are a number of WEB sites that offer tutorials. One of my favorites is http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/. Unfortunately the type of information you are looking for doesn’t usually show up in a tutorial without a multitude of weasel words cumulating in the biggest ones of all “it depends”. Most articles that I’ve encountered that attempt to define coverage read like new car ads, your mileage may vary depending on conditions and the way you drive. The fact is that there are just so many variables that blanket statements about coverage are impossible.

If you have access to a laptop with a 802.11g card you can use the client software to perform a site survey to determine what your coverage area is. When the office is connected does it connect at the upper range of the 802.11g scale or the lower? If it connects with a good data rate but loses connection often, I would look for RF interference. Does your father in law use a 2.4 Ghz portable phone in his office? If he connects at a low data rate I would try changing the orientation of the Belkin. The RF pattern from an omni directional antenna resembles a fat bagel. With the router downstairs and the office upstairs you may want to ceiling mount the router. That would have the effect of moving the “bagel” higher to include more of the upstairs. Since you state that the distance isn’t that great, experiment. Look for things that may be blocking the signal, things like foil backed wallpaper or insulation.

An access point placed halfway would still need twisted pair back to your Belkin router so why stop halfway and add a $100 access point instead of running cat5 the whole way? If RF coverage is the problem a bridge would work but is an expensive option.

I hope I have given you a few ideas. Good luck and keep us informed of your progress. I will be curious to know how you make out.

NovellRed

format kid

2004-01-04, 11:55 pm

Hey,

Thanks man, that was a really helpful post. I've looked into it a little further and considered what you've posted here. I also ran into some information about Windows XP and other people experiencing problems with their connection getting dropped in a similar manner, so I patched it, disabled the Zero Configuration Wireless service and I'm gonna let him run it awhile and see if that helps. If not I think he's just gonna want me to run ethernet because he mainly uses the laptop in one particular space (plus he's got drop ceilings so it will be pretty easy). Thanks for your time.

jdmurray

2004-01-05, 5:55 pm

If you get a connection that is intermittenly dropped then look for sources of 2.4GHz interference. These typically wireless phones and microwave ovens. Also note the time of day the drops occur. Bad connections during the day but good at night, or just the reverse? Check what electrical devices are on in the house during the bad connect times.

I also experiment with the different signal channels. I start on channel 1 and work my way up to channel 11. Usually one end of the band is better than the other.

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