How to Improve wireless internet strength?

Question

i have a wireless router downstairs in the basement. and i use my laptop in my room, 2nd floor. and get poor strength. is there any way without physically moving the router downstairs?

can i buy another router? should i?

i was looking at LINKSYS WRT54GS IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

can anyone inform me about wireles extenders/repeaters? what are repeaters what are good brands to get

Answer 1

I use the LS 54 family of routers usually. As Milt said, I flashed DD-Wrt onto it ans can use it as a router, a repeater or bridge. Right now, its in a repeater mode, using increased power so I can get a signal from upstairs to down... opposite of you! The 54's are cheap. I could send ya some links, just look for DD-wrt or tomato... thats good also.

Answer 2

well what kind of computer do you have?

i have a dell & it works fine three stories below me.

i recommend this one;

http://shop.consumersearch.com/linksys_w...

i have it & works everywhere. even when i take the computer outside!

Answer 3

you can get better router

or install  a bigger antenna

or make an ellipse of aluminum paper and face it to your computer

there is also a usb wireless card with a dish that you direct to the router and gets stronger signal

and there are some open source os to put on your router that gives you more control and you can increase the signal power (by default 50% of maximum power )