boost wifi signal

[rigosan]

is there any way to make my wifi signal stronger?

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

There are two ways.  The way I did was to call ts and the csr increased my wifi signal.  Someone will be along to tell you the way you can do it yourself.

[gbh62]

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RCSMG wrote:

There are two ways.  The way I did was to call ts and the csr increased my wifi signal.  Someone will be along to tell you the way you can do it yourself.

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Can you post your settings from this page?

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1

Not sure what a CSR could have done.  I believe the range on these RGs is rather small compared to a premium (~$100) standalone router.

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

Call ts and find out.

[hpmsrm]

As indicated above.....go here with your browser:  http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1

Then scroll down.  Near the bottom of the page you'll find the "Power setting" item.  The maximum power is 400 mW.  I think this is default with most RG's.  But if yours is set on less you can change it.  You'll need the system password which is on a label on the side of your RG.....in order to make any settings changes.  If your power setting is less than 400 click on it and then select that setting from the list.  Then at the bottom of the screen save your new setting.

If you are already running at max. output power I believe your option is to purchase a higher powered wireless router and connect it to an Ethernet port on the RG.  Don't forget to turn off the wireless router in the RG.  At least that is how I under stand the setup.

gbh62, I've had telephone techs access my RG settings remotely.  They claimed they could change them.  I didn't question it.

[aviewer ACE - Wizard]

Just saw an add for this in Popular science magazine - http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna-3.aspx?RefID=PA129701BCNM0000

[DonNewcomb]

How much stronger do you need it to be. Like, do you want to reach from the living room to the basement or do you want to reach from the living room to the barn? If you are just trying to get from one area of the house to another, then you might try repositioning it so that there is nothing metal aroud it or get it up off the floor. If you need to to reach more distant locations you might consider a device like EnGenius EOC1650 outside WiFi access point.

[wtruitt]

Is there any downside to increasing Power setting?  Seems it would be set strongest by default if no downside..

Wayne

[americangame ACE - Warrior]

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wtruitt wrote:

Is there any downside to increasing Power setting?  Seems it would be set strongest by default if no downside..

Wayne

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The life of the unit will decrease but I don't know by how much.

[wtruitt]

Guess that isn't a bad thing if AT&T owns the router

[frandsda]

I have spent countless hours with online and phone tech support since having my Uverse internet and TV installed.  The wireless signal strength is VERY bad - subpar by any standard. They also attached to my router and verified the signal setting was on max. The last word I got from ATT support was that you need to be within 25 feet of the router.  25x25 = 625 sq ft.  How many of you live in a 625 sq ft apartment?  I live in a 1,400 sq ft home which by most standards is on the small side.  How can they do a BRAND NEW install in a home and expect it to work with these parameters?  So I asked, what do I do?  And I was told to go to the ATT store and purchase a signal booster.  I am waiting for said store to open and I will go see what my options are and how much $$ and I will report back.  I will also visit the local BEST BUY store and see if they have options as good and cheaper than ATT.

[frandsda]

Update: ATT store says they do not have signal boosters. They do not know what tech support is referring to. I was told there is a problem with the "black" wifi routers - which is what I have. It needs to be replaced - except when they called TS their service center is down, expect it to be back up in maybe 4 hours. BUT they want to troubleshoot with me further. Which is ridiculous as I had already exhausted troubleshooting and was sent to the ATT store. This experience is turning into a COMCAST commercial. I'm very unhappy and will keep you posted.

[hpmsrm]

Since my earlier post on this thread, way back at the beginning of the year, I have added a range-extender to our home.  The one I purchased is the NetGear but there are others.  Nearly every router manufacturer also makes and sells extenders.  The extender is really nothing more than a repeater.  Picks up the signal from the RG & your device... and resends it.  The only wire involved is the one to the power outlet on the wall. One version from NetGear actually just plugs into a wall outlet, like a night-light, anywhere in the house....as long as it is within range of the RG.  My NetGear was very simple to set up.  I followed the instructions....including those regarding optimum location for the extender.  Now...between the RG and the extender we have great Wi-Fi all over our 1560 sq. ft. home and the patio at the back of the house.  An extender can be purchased nearly anywhere that sells PC's and routers, etc.  Prices run from around $50 to $80 depending on features and whether you need single or dual band capability.    Just my suggestion.  I like simple.

[bauwls]

I think there are some misconceptions flying around here, but  hpmsrm is doing a good job clearing them up.

Power settings are by default 400mW on the 2Wire3800/3801/3600. I'm not sure about the iNID IU, NVG510, or 2Wire 2701. Changing this setting will not, by itself, cause a lower lifespan. 400mW is not 'overclocking' your RG's wifi, it's well within the safe range. I'd recommend making it 400mW unless you're paranoid about your neighbors cracking your WNK.

The way that tech support over the phone will 'boost' your signal is by changing the wireless frequency (channel). For some this works, for some this doesn't. It's worth a shot but the automatic channel detection algorithm is pretty good.

I'd suggest that if wireless 2.4GHz G isn't working for you, either buy a dual band wireless G/N extender. To hook it up, you press the WPS button on the extender, then go inside 192.168.1.254 in your browser, click on wireless, then enable WPS and click on the button to activate WPS on the 2Wire RG within the time frame (usually 2m)

[AntennaEngineer]

Sometimes if your intended coverage area is in a specific direction, i.e., directional in need, an inexpensive antenna can do the trick. Often the antennas that came with a product are 2 dBi. For example, this directional 6dBi might make a big difference for you if that is your application. See: http://www.air802.com/wifi-antenna-directional-6-dbi-2.4-ghz-rp-sma-direct-attachment.html

[gumbilly]

Not sure if you found your answer, but you can just purchase a current router.  I use the ASUS RT-N56U and love it.  Make sure you do a littel homework ahead of time to know which ones can do it.  I think most can by today's standards.

All you need to do is plug your trusty CAT5e cable from the ATT switch port to your new fancy schmancy router. You WILL need to make the new fancy schmancy router into a n Access Point (AP), but it is very simple.

Viola!  You will have extended the reach of your ATT equipment.