Best option to increase range ?

[ronsou]

In my home, I have the DI-714 (not DI-714+) router and WAP, and a combination of DWL-650 and DWL-120 adapters. I also have one non-DLink adapter, an Orinoco "Silver" pccard. All works fine for the most part. However, there is an area of the house in which I get a poor signal - Windows XP monitor shows it as "low" in the best case, more often "very low", and all too often "unavailable." I am looking for a recommendation on what products I might use to improve this. While of course I don't want to spend more than I need to, my first criteria is improving the situation. (I have of course already tried just moving the DI-714 , with less then great results.)

1. The DLink web site shows several external panel antennas. WIll one or more of these hook up to the DI-714 and be likely to improve the range a bit. I don't think I need a huge improvement - if it improved by say 15%, it would likely be enough. If this is a good solution, which antenna(s) would be a good choice to work with my DI-714 ? The DI-714 has two little antennas that screw off - how does an external antenna connect (are there two connectors, as the 714 has the two little antennas.)

2. Could I add a second AP ? I do have a cat5 connection available in the house that it could be installed at and close to my "dead" spot. If so, what specific unit would be a good repeater for me ? It does not need to be a router, just a second access point, assuming it is possible to add a second access point as a repeater with my current DI-714. Or would I need to get a different router/AP for this - if so , which ones are options ? (I'd tend to prefer DLink thinking its more likely to work with my existing setup - but I can use something else if it makes sense.) Would the D-Link DWL-900AP work with my existing network , including the DI-714 router to internet, if I just plug it into the ethernet network, give it the same SSID, and turn off its DHCP server ? If this will work, seems like my best bet. But I have heard (hopefully erroneously ) that I can't just add another WAP - that it takes a commercial grade WAP/router, not a consumer one like the DI-714. Anyone know for sure ?

Are either or both of #1 and #2 an option ? Or is there something else you might recommend.

Thanks.

[Greenstead]

As a brief reply.

Your option 2 will work and is the best solution. (Any AP will work, but I would stick with D-Link).

[ronsou]

Thanks a lot Greenstead.

Can you confirm/clarify my approach to #2.

1. Buy a DLINK DWL-900AP+ Access Point.
2. Plug it into my wired ethernet network in area of house where signal is poor.
3. Configure it for SAME ssid.
4. Have it be a DHCP server with different IP ranges than my existing (and remaining) DI-714. Or should I turn off DHCP on it ?

Thanks.

[Greenstead]

I think you know what to do. Yes to all your questions. Turn off the DHCP server in the AP.

Good Luck.

[Preacher]

I don't mean to sound like a total 802.11b "Noob" here, but does Windows XP have its own "wireless monitor?"

[Greenstead]

It depends what you consider to be a wireless monitor.

XP has Wireless Zero Configuration (it configures the wireless links for you and you don't have to use the usual client manager). Each wireless conection has a wireless tab with the wireless properties. In addition the connection status shows a strength meter.

If you want to monitor wireless activties around you get Net Stumbler.
http://www.netstumbler.com/

[Preacher]

Thanks. Unfortunately, the Netstumbler FAQ says it doesn't work with Netgear cards. I use my Netgear NIC on a laptop that's running 98SE, so that's why I never used the XP functionality.

[ronsou]

It might work anyway. It says it doesn't support DLINK also, and it seems to work for my DLINK cards.

[Greenstead]

Thats right. I use Orinoco and Netgear cards. It works with both.

[Preacher]

Great. I'll have to try it now.

[ronsou]

Ok, back to the original thread.

I got my DLink DWL-900AP+, but am having difficulty.

I can access the DWL900AP+ from the wired network and administer it. If I use a different CSID (or DEFAULT) I can see it wirelessly. But, trying to make it work within my existing wireless network isn't working so far. Can someone check my assumptions below to see where I might be making a mistake ? I spend 90 mins on hold to DLINK, then gave up hoping someone here might be able to help. In fairness to DLINK, I was calling on a friday evening. Perhaps on Monday morning things will be better.

1. First, the unit gives five options for setting it up. The doc doesn;t really describe them. The options are a) Access Point, b) Wireless Client c) Wireless Bridge d) Multi-Point Bridge e) Repeater. I chose Access Point. As mentioned initially, this unit is intended to be a second WAP on my network. The existing WAP is a DI-714 (NOT 714+) which is also the router to internet. Is Access Point the right choice for my intended use ?

2. I configured it for same CSID, same channel, and turned off DHCP since the DI-714 has DHCP on. Is this all right - I'm wondering if maybe I should be using a different channel for this unit and the 714 ? I've tried it both with the same and different and this alone doesn't make it work, but would still like to know what is advised. The dwl-900ap+ documentation really doesn't discuss using a second access point like this at all.

Thanks for any help.

-Ron