Network adapter and wifi strength question

banaccount

Reputable
May 29, 2014
46
0
4,530
Hello guys, I'm connected to my home wireless network via an adapter (TP-LINK TL-WN721N to be exact). My router is TP-LINK TP-WR340G and it is located 8-9 meters (I assume about 25 feet) from my computer which means from my network adapter. There is one wall between my room and the desk where the router is located and it's a drywall (not concrete).
My problem is that sometimes my connection strength drops to 2-3 bars out of 5 (sometimes it'll hang around 4-5 bars for a while) and I know that many times this is simply due to how wifi connection works but I thought that this may be caused by the fact that my adapter is simply not very good. The question is: will an adapter with an external detachable antenna such as TP-LINK TL-WN7200ND do a better job at keeping the strength signal high for a longer period of time compared to my TP-LINK TL-WN721N? If so then I'd like to replace my adapter, obviously it doesn't have to be the one I asked about, I'm open for offers (I wouldn't like to invest more than 30$ and I would like it to be connected through usb).

Also a different question: I need another usb network adapter with a large, solid signal range (probably 50 meters) which would penetrate two concrete walls. Up to 60$ if it's possible (If there aren't any good options for that request then I'll pass on it).
 

banaccount

Reputable
May 29, 2014
46
0
4,530


Yeah I already knew what he was saying. the thing is I just did some checking, I kept opening and closing (perhaps 10 times or more) my room's door in order to see the effect it has on the signal strength and about 10 seconds after every time I open/close the door, the signal strength changes from excellent to good/fair or the other way around which makes me believe that the problem is that the adapter is simply too weak to penetrate the door.
Any thoughts now after I did this "test"?
 

banaccount

Reputable
May 29, 2014
46
0
4,530


My current channel (6) is the best one for my network.
Can you tell me what is the distance from your adapter to your router, if there is a wall between them and how is your signal strength over a long period of time? I mean does your signal strength changes a lot or not often?
By the way I don't understand what is the connection of the last line to the topic, could you explain?
 

Vic 40

Titan
Ambassador

Yes it changes,it's between 150<->270mbps,but mostly at180/270mbps.
There's a ceeling/floor between the router and receiver.In meters is it not that much,maybe two meters.




with my router set at 145 i got not more than 130mbps,with the router set at 300 i get more like explained above.I think that multple windows and tabs in my browser load more quickly now,but maybe i kid myself.I should really test that ... hmmm.
Maybe later.

The adapter has a green led that blinks and can be annoying if in sight,keep that in mind.
 
One other thing you could try: Flash your router's firmware to DD-WRT (a Linux-based firmware), which will let you adjust the wireless transmitting power to much more than whatever the default is. Once the firmware is in, it's simple - literally click-click on a menu item and you can double or triple your signal strength. Virtually all routers do not allow this in the stock firmware, so this is the way to do it. It can give you a SUPER nice boost to wireless strength for free.

It doesn't look like your router is in the supported list, but there are literally hundreds of routers that are, and you can probably pick one up for less than the $30 or definitely less than the $60 you had mentioned:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices

Here's also an article that's old but explains the subject in simple terms:
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/unlocking-the-power-of-the-wrt54gl-and-a-few-other-routers-with-linux.134844/

Why isn't something this useful enabled on all routers by default? Most likely because they figure that if everyone did it and tripled their wireless signal strength, you would have so many overlapping networks that it would become a problem. Also, if everyone knew they could make their old router perform twice as well for free, they probably would sell a lot less new routers :)