Which method should I choose?

[don ali]

hi all

I need to extend my wireless internet at my home but I have many choices.

My home made of bricks and i can't use the 802.11g freely. two weeks ago i made a mistake and bought Belkin N1 router/modem (F5D8631-4 Firmware: 2.00.13) for $230 without searching the web for reviews. I'm still using my old modem which is Belkin (F5D7630-4A).

I'm thinking to buy an access point to extend my wireless network for my LG S1 Notebook but I still have the Belkin N1 router so, which choice should i take. I have simple map of my home so, please help. i don't want to waste more money
http://www.geocities.com/sir_jappotea/full-home-map.gif


1- Should I buy 802.11n notebook card to get the wireless signal buy using the N1 router?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LO8Z48/ref=wl_it_dp/105-0268689-3133265?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICUFMCS50PPP5&colid=3AFD70KPXD66

this will cost me $79.99

or....

2- Should I buy one or two access point to extend my 802.11g wireless buy using these equipments?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AOKTJ8/ref=wl_it_dp/105-0268689-3133265?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5SWIF84VXJ37&colid=3AFD70KPXD66
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BNDEZE/ref=wl_it_dp/105-0268689-3133265?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2LUSSR0EVKWST&colid=3AFD70KPXD66
http://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-WLI-CB-G54HP-Wireless-G-Performance-Notebook/dp/B0009XNPT6/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_b/105-0268689-3133265?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5SWIF84VXJ37&colid=3AFD70KPXD66

this will cost me $117.84 - with another access point $175

I can connect my modem which connected to the internet to the access point (spot 2) buy using Crossover cable and then connect the access point on (spot 2) to to the access point on (spot 3) by using WDS that if i need 2 access points devices but if i just need one access point then i'll use the notebook adapter card only.


i need the best way to get the signal (see pic)

if you didn't understand i'll try to explain in another way.

 

[brw02005]

Well It really is hard to say but what I would do is that if you have a removable antenna on your current access point I would slap on a directional antenna for like $30 or $40 since it looks like everywhere you want internet is along the same line.

The only way to tell for sure is to measure the path loss but to get that you need a signal that makes it through catch22. Even if your signal makes it you might need a stronger transmitter on the notebook for a return trip on the signal. You can tell if you can see the network but can't communicate.

If that doesn't work give it a try with two WHR-HP-G54. If that doesn't work install dd-wrt firmware and crank up the range. I would not suggest 3 routers since your signal is cut in half each jump. For example if your start off with a 28 mbps (perfect real life g connection with no interference) it hits the next jump through wds and then outputs at 14 mbps assuming no interference. By the third jump your down to 7 in real life by the third jump there is no signal left alot of the time. The reason behind this is that wds uses half of the antenna to recieve and half to transmit.

In my house I have 3 routers 1 DI-634M and 2 airport expresses. If I connect notebook wireless to DI-634 to wired airport express then from wds to second airport express I get 6 mbps in real life which is good enough to stream dvds but after one more jump I don't think I will have much left and this is all in the same house with no brick walls.

I wish I could be more help but brick walls are tricky the only sure way is to just run a cat5e cord outside to an AP. Even if you buy the tools it will prolly wind up cheaper that way and it's guaranteed to work.

 

[don ali]

I made an attempt by using my Belkin N1 F5D8631 as access point

I could get the connection but not always connected to the internet. maybe it's the belkin or the built-in wireless in my laptop.

now i can make a decision. by buying One WHR-HP-G54 - One WLI-CB-G54HP - WLE-AT-DACB, i'll get the connection so, no need for 2 access point. as you said i'll lose half of the 28 mbps after the 1st access point and that is enough as one access point.


thank you very much for your help.

 

[brw02005]

Ok just watch out wds is not standardized so the wrong combination of stuff might not work. I generally tell people to stick with all broadcom chipsets or use apple stuff.

 

[don ali]

totally agree with you

after the big mistake i made by buying belkin N1 router built-in modem (F5D8631), now anything i'll buy next time i'll look for the item chipset so i can use 3rd party firmware as dd-wrt

also not always we need 2 access point. just replace the bundled antenna with another one if needed.

thanx again