Advice required.

My wireless card sometimes is unable to pick up the signal from my router located at the other end of the house. On the weekend, I bought an external antenna extender (right term?) from the computer markets which is supposed to increase to 9dba or some such. Luckily, I got a commitment that if the antenna doesn't do what I want, I can return it for a full refund. Went home, replace the small antenna with this new super duper TLink ubeaut antenna. Nothing happens. Signal strength remained the same as for the small antenna. Returned it.

Asked a few of my friends. They advised that the wireless antenna are "tuned" to a certain frequency and I can't just cut the tip off and connect a normal television cable to see whether I can get an increase in signal strength.

Advice please.

Move the router ?

If the antenna screws off you can use coax cable to put the antenna more in the middle of the house if you dont want to move the router this will however make the signal a tad weaker but if its alot closer that should negate that.

Cheers

Seymore

i sort of had this issue. I couldnt move the router though because of the fact its got the ADSL2+ line into it. There are range extension units you can buy. Dlink do some cheap and nasty ones. The idea with the coax is possible, but probably unecessary (heres a link to dlink coaxial) http://www.dlink.com.au/Products.aspx?S ... =38&PID=73

Ive found that using all proprietry gear seems to work better. ie Dlink router, dlink switch, dlink antennas etc etc.
Also you could try using wireless N standard equipment. It has better range then 802.11G and also better speeds. Im sure it would work all throughout your house fine.

I'm sure you have check this but, have you tried bumping up your signal power output?

would be interested to see if you can boost the power on "off the shelf" devices?? i know on my d-link you cant! i also think the ACMA has set certain power output levels for certain devices. So it may be stuck at max power for the band (2.4ghz) its using

I can change the settings on my NetComm.

If your connection is at one end of your house, you could install a 'home-made' reflector for your wireless router. Do a web search for homemade wireless reflector or have a look at the video at this link.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/720362/ho ... reflector/

There are a few other video links at this site. Alternatively, you can make a concave (hollow towards your intended direction) shaped reflector by cutting 2 x pieces of cardboard, one larger than your antennae and one small to force a concave shape to your reflector. Cover the large piece with alfoil and glue in place. Cut 2 slits in the bottom of the reflector and slide in and glue in place the smaller piece of card to force a concave shape in the large alfoil rectangle. This will improve your range in the intended direction by reflecting the wifi signal.

This is the simplest and cheapest solution to improving your range or signal in a specific direction. If you need to extend overall omnidirectional range, you may need to invest in extra access points or a signal booster/amplifier.