Need to boost my neighbors wireless signal from his router.....Need help

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need to boost my neighbors wireless signal from his router.....Need help (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 9/6/2010 4:48:30 PM EDT

We decided to try and cut costs and we are going to split the cable internet. Distance from door to door is around 150' or less. I can "see his network" from inside the house but signal is too weak. If I sit on my front door stoop I can pick it up. It's a run of the mill Linksys type router.

What can I do?

Do you think this will work?

Posted: 9/6/2010 4:49:13 PM EDT

[#1]

I think you are about to get whatever you deserve

Posted: 9/6/2010 4:49:39 PM EDT

[#2]

Try something like this in your house.

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-Wireless-G-Range-Expander-WRE54G/dp/B00021XIJW

Posted: 9/6/2010 4:51:34 PM EDT

[#3]

Not cutting costs but maybe try a wireless N router?

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:08:00 PM EDT

[#4]

If you know the model of the linksys he has, buy one just like it and you can set it up as a repeater. I havent had a good experience with any range extenders. Also you could do as stated above with the wireless N but I found over that length it is better to have 2 also. I got mine on ebay for about 70 a piece

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:08:27 PM EDT

[#5]

High Gain Antenna

or the DIY route using a soupcan.

DIY waveguide antenna

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:22:17 PM EDT

[#6]

I have a repeater set up like recommend above. It is in my barn, which is about 200' away.

Both the router and repeater are located in windows to try and keep the signal strength. I just the normal omni-directional antennas.

With this setup, I get marginal speeds at the barn. The signal strength the repeater picks up is 6-10%

, thus the slow performance.

So, my recommendation would be to invest in directional antennas. The may mean you need a repeater on both ends. I'm no expert, but that is my recommendation.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:26:06 PM EDT

[#7]

Ok, I think I may still have a similar model that he has. If not, I can probably find one on ebay.

So I just set it up as a "repeater"? Anyone got a link to a good website that explains how to do it?

I'm off to google this in the meantime.

Thanks so far to those that replied.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:28:35 PM EDT

[#8]

run a cable

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:28:50 PM EDT

[#9]

If it can take it install Tomato firmware, and increase the power output.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:30:36 PM EDT

[#10]

would it be possiible to run a cat 5 line from router to router, then you can split it how you see fit. you could use a shovel and just stab the wiggle the blade back n fourth then roll the calbe in the ground it how the calbe company run there line. it doesnt need to be very deep

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:32:29 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

run a cable

That's what I was gonna say. F-it...Run a cable from his router over to your house. Just don't hit it with the lawn mower. Desperate times and all that.

Seriously...that's probably cheaper.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:35:42 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
Not cutting costs but maybe try a wireless N router?

This. Way better than wireless g.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:37:28 PM EDT

[#13]

wireless bridging. Look it up

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:38:47 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
would it be possiible to run a cat 5 line from router to router, then you can split it how you see fit. you could use a shovel and just stab the wiggle the blade back n fourth then roll the calbe in the ground it how the calbe company run there line. it doesnt need to be very deep

What it does need to be is gel-filled cable for subterranean install. You won't like the result of just stringing some PVC jacketed Cat5+ like that.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:42:01 PM EDT

[#15]

You can also over-drive the transmitter of the router with the right firmware.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:43:42 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:

You can also over-drive the transmitter of the router with the right firmware.

How do you do that?

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:45:49 PM EDT

[#17]

dd-wrt

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:46:11 PM EDT

[#18]

Isn't that stealing?

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:48:06 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:49:18 PM EDT

[#20]

Conduit plus Cat6? Shouldn't be very expensive unless you gotta do a HDD. Not sure how HOA's feel about those. lol

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:50:45 PM EDT

[#21]

Have the neighbor hook one of these to his router, and stick it in a window pointed towards your house.

Also, find out if his router is a model that's capable of running DD-WRT firmware. It's available free of charge for many routers, and will allow him to crank up the transmitter power on his router.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:55:12 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

Conduit plus Cat6? Shouldn't be very expensive unless you gotta do a HDD. Not sure how HOA's feel about those. lol

This as well.

150' is no biggie. You could buy a box of plenum cable that should last a while.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:55:48 PM EDT

[#23]

Your trying to do too much with a single AP...

You need to set up a repeater...

Here is what you do....
Grab two wireless routers and download the DDWRT firmware on them.
Set up one router conventionally (use WPA2 AES).

Set the other router up as a repeater...
Basically, iit attaches to the first wireless router like any other wireless client.
Set up another SSID on this repeater for your network....attach you clients under this SSID (laptops, etc).
It will even work with the wired ports.

There are instructions on the DDWRT website for this.

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:56:59 PM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Theft of service from the Internet provider?

Posted: 9/6/2010 5:58:07 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Conduit plus Cat6? Shouldn't be very expensive unless you gotta do a HDD. Not sure how HOA's feel about those. lol

This as well.

150' is no biggie. You could buy a box of plenum cable that should last a while.

Hook the cable to the WAN port on the other wireless router....it should work...

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:02:22 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
You can also over-drive the transmitter of the router with the right firmware.

A decent antenna would work even better.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:06:46 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
You can also over-drive the transmitter of the router with the right firmware.

A decent antenna would work even better.

+1, over powering the transmitter won't do as well as a good directional antenna..plus going over the limit can get you in trouble.
Another this is to try and get the directional antenna in a good spot, generally higher and trough a window pointed at your house.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:09:58 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:

Quoted:

run a cable

That's what I was gonna say. F-it...Run a cable from his router over to your house. Just don't hit it with the lawn mower. Desperate times and all that.

Seriously...that's probably cheaper.

If I see Cat-5 going across that lawn I am calling Code Enforcement.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:10:15 PM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
Try something like this in your house.

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-Wireless-G-Range-Expander-WRE54G/dp/B00021XIJW

DO NOT EVER TRY TO USE THIS ABOMINATION....EVAR!!!

Seriously, the range expanders sound all cool, but they are the single worst invention ever.

Buy your neighbor one of these:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2399653&CatId=374

or these [depending on his actual hardware]
http://www.amazon.com/Hawking-HiGain-Directional-Corner-Antenna/dp/B0000DIET2

...and help him configure it.

Your goal is to send a strong narrow beam to yor house, you should be able to carry your laptop 30 degrees off past your house and have no signal.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:12:08 PM EDT

[#30]

This video will show you how to increase your wi-fi signal to full bars with any router within 500 yards!
You can thank me later

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:13:30 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Theft of service from the Internet provider?

Wait wha? huh?

So if I hook up eleventy-billion laptops in my own home it's ok....but if I let my neighbor log on to my network it's stealing?

How is it "theft" if we're paying for the service?

Anyway, thanks for the replies guys. I may look into the DD-WRT thing.....basically I'd be cranking up the transmission signal on the router? Does this "burn out" the router or cause any problems that may pop up down the road?

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:16:49 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:

Your trying to do too much with a single AP...

You need to set up a repeater...

Here is what you do....

Grab two wireless routers and download the DDWRT firmware on them.

Set up one router conventionally (use WPA2 AES).

Set the other router up as a repeater...

Basically, iit attaches to the first wireless router like any other wireless client.

Set up another SSID on this repeater for your network....attach you clients under this SSID (laptops, etc).

It will even work with the wired ports.

There are instructions on the DDWRT website for this.

Even easier is to use the second router with DD-WRT as a client and plug your laptop/desktop into it via ethernet. That's what I do to connect my wireless router with my Bluray player and HTPC. Of course I already had the router laying around and configured properly with DD-WRT.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:18:13 PM EDT

[#33]

Either bury a wire.

Or, if you live across the street or cul de sac then check out netkrom.com and buy a real high power access point or a point to point system for a couple hundred bucks.

If you really want to hook up the whole neighborhood, the Altai A8 is a sweet system that can be found used on ebay for 2-3 grand.

And yeah, I've set these up before.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:19:24 PM EDT

[#34]

never mind

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:19:35 PM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:

dd-wrt

my neighbor needs help with his signal too.

I use this in "repeater" mode.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:21:59 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:
would it be possiible to run a cat 5 line from router to router, then you can split it how you see fit. you could use a shovel and just stab the wiggle the blade back n fourth then roll the calbe in the ground it how the calbe company run there line. it doesnt need to be very deep

All sorts of ground loop issues there...Fried equipment, etc....not a good thing to do.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:26:12 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
We decided to try and cut costs and we are going to split the cable internet. Distance from door to door is around 150' or less. I can "see his network" from inside the house but signal is too weak. If I sit on my front door stoop I can pick it up. It's a run of the mill Linksys type router.

What can I do?

People are suggestion all sorts of stupid shit to you, such as range extenders, DD-WRT, Linksys crap, running cable, etc.

Buy a pair of these, Locostation M2 and don't look back.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:26:55 PM EDT

[#38]

Running a cable is not an option......he's the 'across the street' neighbor.....not the 'next-door' neighbor.

I think the HOA would frown up me cutting up the road. Of course, I would enjoy the heartburn it would cause a few of the HOA-commandos we have!

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:27:33 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Actually it's against the terms of service of your standard single dwelling ISP subscription.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:27:36 PM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Theft of service from the Internet provider?

The service is being paid for. It's no different than a friendly neighbor allowing you to run an extension cord off his house if you didn't feel like paying your power bill. It might violate the terms of service, but I'd be surprised to see it prosecuted as theft.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:29:38 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
Conduit plus Cat6? Shouldn't be very expensive unless you gotta do a HDD. Not sure how HOA's feel about those. lol

"Water Always Finds A Way."

Even in conduit, the right way is with gel-filled cable. 'spensive stuff too.

ETA- It's nasty stuff to work with too. The gel gets everywhere. Alcohol wipes sort of mop it up, but mostly just spread it around. Wear surgical gloves. The feel of the stuff on my skin gives me the heebie-jeebies, don't know why.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:30:54 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Actually it's against the terms of service of your standard single dwelling ISP subscription.

yup

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:31:48 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:

We decided to try and cut costs and we are going to split the cable internet. Distance from door to door is around 150' or less. I can "see his network" from inside the house but signal is too weak. If I sit on my front door stoop I can pick it up. It's a run of the mill Linksys type router.

What can I do?

People are suggestion all sorts of stupid shit to you, such as range extenders, DD-WRT, Linksys crap, running cable, etc.

Buy a pair of these, Locostation M2 and don't look back.

By "stupid shit" do you mean spending less than half what two of those gadgets (which will do exactly the same thing) cost?

ETA: There is nothing wrong with Linksys WRT-54GLs, I have three, one of which I've been using for over 4 years in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UK, and now Hawaii, and none of them have ever failed me in any way. Put that "linksys crap" in your pipe and smoke it.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:32:26 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:

If it can take it install Tomato firmware, and increase the power output.

Tomato FTW!

Can also use Tomato to set up another router as a wireless bridge.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:44:57 PM EDT

[#45]

get a good wireless card.

dont use a cheap one i cheaped out and bought tiger directs/compusa's storebrand finally i had enough of less then 2 bars a room away and bought a linksys card and its night and day. over double the strength, speed and what not.

the aftermarket antennas are pretty good too i had my moms running off a neighbors across the street and to the rights wireless it ran fine not gaming speed but it kicked the hell out of dialup and i even streamed some movies over it when i had to house sit.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:47:45 PM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Isn't that stealing?

If the neighbor's ok with it, no it is not.

Actually it's against the terms of service of your standard single dwelling ISP subscription.

yup

Pay the cable company a couple bucks extra for the commercial version of their service. Then extend your corporate WAN. Ethics problem solved and you'll get more bandwidth too.

Here's a mikrotik based solution, $122. It will act as a client and connect to your friendly neighbor, uh, corporate IT WAN. It is powered over the ethernet, so you mount it on the outside of your house and run the ethernet cable inside to your switch. The router board and radio are mounted inside the directional antenna, which is also the waterproof enclosure.

If you dd-wrt a router, you still have to come up with enclosures, mounting brackets, antennas, etc. which can really add up. I've been doing wireless a few years now and it's really amazing how cheap this stuff has gotten.

If I had more nerd neighbors we could set up our own wireless ISP and spend less for more bandwidth

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:54:24 PM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:
By "stupid shit" do you mean spending less than half what two of those gadgets (which will do exactly the same thing) cost?

ETA: There is nothing wrong with Linksys WRT-54GLs, I have three, one of which I've been using for over 4 years in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UK, and now Hawaii, and none of them have ever failed me in any way. Put that "linksys crap" in your pipe and smoke it.

I have plenty of smoked Linksys crap already, I don't need anymore, thanks for playing though.

Posted: 9/6/2010 6:54:59 PM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
We decided to try and cut costs and we are going to split the cable internet. Distance from door to door is around 150' or less. I can "see his network" from inside the house but signal is too weak. If I sit on my front door stoop I can pick it up. It's a run of the mill Linksys type router.

What can I do?

People are suggestion all sorts of stupid shit to you, such as range extenders, DD-WRT, Linksys crap, running cable, etc.

Buy a pair of these, Locostation M2 and don't look back.

By "stupid shit" do you mean spending less than half what two of those gadgets (which will do exactly the same thing) cost?

ETA: There is nothing wrong with Linksys WRT-54GLs, I have three, one of which I've been using for over 4 years in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UK, and now Hawaii, and none of them have ever failed me in any way. Put that "linksys crap" in your pipe and smoke it.

Nothing at ALL wrong with WRT-54GL, but those Ubiquiti units run higher TX power, come with directional antennas, come preassembled, and are waterproof... for $50, which is about what a stock WRT-54GL will run you. ETA: a few years ago the linksys units were the only cheap game in town, but I think they are showing their age now. Still adequate for many uses, but "commercial" customer premises equipment has gotten really cheap.