mikesh
Newbie   Posts: 1 Registered: 14/11/07 Status: Offline |
 posted on 14/11/07 at 08:18 |
Although, I am relatively inexperienced in wifi, I
often get asked to set up wireless systems for
friends as I work in IT support.
I've tried Zyxel MIMO, D Link, and Netgear routers
as well a few like Edimax. As they are all
cheap, I tend to stick with the branded ones and
generally find the Netgear have the best signal.
Although even this has blackspots.
I'm setting up one next week for a friend who's
wife has just bought an Apple Powerbook which she
wants to use downstairs in a large, rambling old
house thick rooms and ceilings and lots of rooms
between the wifi point and where she wants to
use the Powerbook.
The router will go into a small bedroom where a
computer is and I want to try to avoid any
wiring, as all existing wiring is sealed and
inaccessible.
1. Does anyone know the best way of getting a
powerful signal without wiring? Wireless repeater?
Booster aerial? Ones you have actually tried.
2. Does an Apple Powerbook have a 54 or 108Mbps
receiver as standard and are they easy to
connect, like a PC?
Thanks for any help.
Mike
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Fellsider
Junior Member   Posts: 46 Registered: 11/11/04 Status: Offline |
posted on 19/11/07 at 05:32 |
Sorry for the late reply Mike, waited to see if
a more knowledgeable member was going to post
first. You'll have to do with me 
I mostly install in newer houses, co-running a
small WISP with a mate as a hobby.
You appear to be more experienced than most on
router selection anyway. I use Pheenet stuff from
Solwise as a rule, and Netgear off ebuyer - or
similar when it’s cheap.
A combination of the wbig-104 wireless router and
the wap-554g AP (configured in repeater mode) has
served me well in the few situations where we’ve
needed an extended reach. Detachable sma type aerials
enable you to replace the existing 2db aerials
with either, directional indoor panels - or higher
gain standalone omni’s. Be aware that high gain
aerials don’t increase signal, they just channel it
in a more directional manner. Ie high gain usually
means poor/er vertical signal radiation where
multi-floor coverage is needed.
As you’ve probably experienced WiFi is far from an
exact science. There’s some interesting stuff on the
Solwise site about calculating Link budgets and the
like.
www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-around-the-home.htm
But not being very tech myself - I tend to
set up an AP in AP mode, and go for a
wander around the house with a laptop .
I’ve never used it, but the Powerline, Homelink
stuff might be a better bet if the socket wiring
is suitable??
Hope this is of some use. Let’s know how you
come on. ____________________
Mick |
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