Extending the range of my network

I installed a wireless network using a Belkin Pre-N router. I want to share my network with my next door neighbour, who lives about 150 m. away. There is a small hill between us, and lots of trees. In the spring when I set up my network, my neighbour was able to get pretty good access and signal strength, but since the trees leafed out and the forest got thicker, he has not been able to access my network.

We would like to restore reliable connectivity.

We understand that there are at least two options:

• one is to put a repeater (range extender) approximately mid way between us – something like this:

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=105&ProdID=241

• another option would be to install a high gain 12db antenna at each end to boost the range. Something like this:

http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=299

The problem with this is that these antennae use a coax cable to connect to the router or whatever and my router does not have a coax port.

Questions:

What solutions might member experts have?

How can I connect an antenna like the one above to my router and how does my friend connect his to the laptop?

Would the Hawking product above be a simpler and easier choice?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

The high gain antenna's are usually only used on the access point (router) not the end device (computer).

Have you checked the Belkin site? I know they make an antenna for the end device that can be moved around for "better" signal pickup. I don't know if they make high gain antenna's for this model similar to the LinkSys antenna's.

-Jim

 

Yeah, I have. The site is a bit obtuse, but I don't see one there.

So are you saying that the best option is a better antena at my neigbour's site?

How does he connect this to his 'puter?

S.

 

I am not saying it is a better option, but perhaps the only one you have with the equipment you own. Can't guarantee the results you'll get with this option as I have not used it myself. I'm only going by information gathered from the Belkin site.

It appears that LinkSys has antenna options that Belkin may not have.

-Jim

 

Thanks, Jim

So how would my neighbour connect to an antenna at his end?

S.

 

The antenna mentioned may only be good for a Belkin PCI network card. You unscrew the old antenna mast and screw on the cable with the new antenna.

-Jim

 

Ah - great - thanks so much, Jim!

S.

 

Jim:

Can one who does not have a broadband connection use a router as an access point device to access a wireless network run by someone else?

DD

 

Access point to access point communication will not work but a person with a wireless card in their computer can certainly access any access point within range provided the access point is open (no security).

-Jim

 

The best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Envioroment.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you envioroment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / SOHO Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

 

cat5e ---

I am not sure if his particular router has replaceable antenna.

-Jim

 

Thanks. That ezlan site is definitely a good one.

Right - my router does not have replaceable antennae.

I am trying to figure out how to add a hi gain antenna to my router. It does not have a coax port and all the antennae I have seen come with a coax cable.

Is there another way to attach a hig gain antenna to my Belkin router?

DD