Outdoor wifi

Is it possible to put the wireless router by a window at the back ? Signal thru glass is better than thru brick.

I know this doesn't solve the issues indoors, so you should experiment with different channels -- some will work better or worse depending on environmental factors.

Your router is perfect to h4xx0r with DD-WRT firmware, then you can boost the signal strength and you'll be happily surfing in your backyard! This method is totally free and easy to do, simply g00gle your router and DD-WRT and you'll find a gazillion discussions.

Or, if your not technical and want to spend some money, buy some big high gain replacement antennas. Example: http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-High-Antenna-Connectors-H...


Good luck!

The router has to be in the front because that's where my office is, where I work most of the time. I am not very tech-savvy, so experimentation is probably not the best idea.

Experimenting with channels is really no harder than logging in to the router user setup screens via your browser. If you need a refresher on that, see literature which came with router or -- download router manual from maker's website.

It's quite possible to add a second wireless router as an access point though certain adjustments have to be made -- I say router rather than dedicated access point because routers often turn up cheap secondhand (or in the garbage) as users swap ISP. Generally you have to link the routers via a cable -- though if yours and the new one both support WDS you may be able to link them by wireless.

Thanks for the advice. Are there any problems/risks with using that type of 3rd party firmware?

This shows you roughly what to do:

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/965


The 3rd party firmware (by which I guess you mean customised ISP supplied ASDL routers) mostly affects how the router connects to the ISP -- this doesn't affect the wireless side.

I was actually referring to the DD-WRT firmware that yzfr1guy suggested.

Anything you do could potentially brick your router, but honestly it's very simple and worth trying if the device isn't giving you what you need to begin with. But, since you say your not too technical then I'd suggest getting some new high gain antennas as they'll do wonders and it's a simple screw off and on step. I've seen replacement antennas double to range of a wireless device.

Good luck and best wishes!

I tried experimenting with different channels, but it didn't have much improvement. I'm going to try the high-gain antennas next.