Wifi booster?

[butch81385]

So, we have a permanent site at a campground that has WiFi. Unfortunately the signal is usually pretty weak at our site and almost non-existant inside the trailer. What are our options for boosting the signal in our area? Is there something we can mount on the roof of our trailer to rebroadcast the signal locally? Any model numbers, stores, and advice is welcome. Note that we can not do anything to their antennas. They are fairly powerful antennas but all the trailers degrade the signal quickly which is why I was thinking of using something on the roof.

[KarmaKiller]

I have never used one of these before, but you may give it a try....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ooster&x=0&y=0

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833164156

good luck

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by butch81385

So, we have a permanent site at a campground that has WiFi. Unfortunately the signal is usually pretty weak at our site and almost non-existant inside the trailer. What are our options for boosting the signal in our area? Is there something we can mount on the roof of our trailer to rebroadcast the signal locally? Any model numbers, stores, and advice is welcome. Note that we can not do anything to their antennas. They are fairly powerful antennas but all the trailers degrade the signal quickly which is why I was thinking of using something on the roof.

I'm not sure I fully understand what you're intending to do, but I know that it is possibubble to improve the range/quality of wi-fi... This would mean that the signal would only be sent in a certain direction, rather than the normal 360 degree, but if you are intending on re-broadcasting then it might suffice.....

Yes, it might not be the nicest looking way of doing it, but it is near-as-feck-it free.....

If you drill a hole in the closed end of an empty baked bean can - not too big, but big enough to insert the Wi-fi antenna - and aim that in the direction you want the signal to be sent....... As I said a few lines above, it isn't the prettiest method, and it does restrict the broadcasted area, but (prolly more importantly) it does increase the range/distance the signal is sent..... I've seen this method in use in some parts of Africa, and it works VERY well, over fairly huge distances...............

[butch81385]

NLM, we can't do anything to their antennas. Basically I want to capture the signal in on e of the few spots that actually gets a signal and rebroadcast it to the rest of the site/inside the trailer.

Karma, I was looking at the stuff in the first link. I think that is the kind of thing I need, but ideally I would want one I can keep outside that wont get damaged by the elements.

[KarmaKiller]

yeah, I'm not a hole lot of help in this area. I like my wires...lol

http://www.binarywolf.com/249/signal_strength.htm

http://lifehacker.com/software/wifi/...ble-151148.php

http://www.pctoday.com/editorial/art...7t12.asp&GUID=

http://www.home-wlan.com/WLAN-extend.html

maybe find something in there...

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by butch81385

NLM, we can't do anything to their antennas. Basically I want to capture the signal in on e of the few spots that actually gets a signal and rebroadcast it to the rest of the site/inside the trailer.

Karma, I was looking at the stuff in the first link. I think that is the kind of thing I need, but ideally I would want one I can keep outside that wont get damaged by the elements.

Is there any intermediary point that you could install another wi-fi hub to act as a repeater, then use the method I said about earlier to increase the signal strength within the area you want it in...? Or perhaps use cables to feed the additional wi-fi hub the signal..? I'm not sure whether the first might have any issues regarding being able to receive the original signal and bounce it back out, as I think the SA versions I saw might have been using two antennae - one inbound, one out - but the second method would mean you wouldn't have to touch their antenna......

Just an idea - I'm ready for it to be shot to pieces...!

[Bizkitkid2001]

Last time I went to Altex I overheard one of the employees talking to another customer about setting up a long range Wi-Fi network. The Altex employee said that they have a range booster than can send a signal up to 12 miles. I didn't listen to any more than that so I have no idea what the product is that the person was talking about.


Sorry I was of no help, but hopefully this helps keep your hopes up in finding something that works.

[Bovon]

I believe what is needed here is a strong Yagi antenna...like the old TV types we used to use for fringe reception.

The wifi antennas at the source are 360 degree vertical types..which are not hi gain...but, if you install a hi gain Yagi, point it at the transmitting vertical...it will 'pull in' much more signal... I have also seen applications using hi gain Yagi antennas working at 6 to 8 miles.

I hate to use this place as a reference here at the forum, but it has pictures.

Go to eBay and search for WIFI YAGI

look at those that have about 20 DB Gain.

That should do it.

[Shabow]

http://reviews.cnet.com/networking-a...-31383025.html

That isn't a bad little 500mw signal booster. I would recommend getting a decent 9 or 10 dbi omni-directional antenna to go with it. BTW I have one and it works perfectly, my wifi covers almost all of my yard...which is 7 acres and is only using a 7 dbi antenna.

[papawealey]

C Crane has some WiFi antennas. I've never used any but I used to live close to and visit the store frequently - very knowledgeable and nice people. Their prices are a little high though, I used to sometimes shop there and then buy elseware...


http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/index.aspx