I've always used the WRT series of routers for the most part -- they have generally done me quite well in and around the house.

If you're looking for increasing the signal quality or the range, the first thing to look at is the antenna setup. Depending on the model of router you have, you would most likely get better results by purchasing an aftermarket replacement antenna -- these can increase the gain of the antennas for both transmission and reception ... don't just pump up the power output on the router -- that would just increase the transmission, but not the reception -- and if you do pump it up too much, you could damage the finals. If you can, you can pick up a more directional antenna and put it at the end of the house so to speak and see how that performs for your needs ...

I'd take a look at the current spectrum usage in your area .. what channels are in use etc ... use channels that are not occupied that much if you can.

certainly, I've had interference from both my hand-held portable phones and the microwave at times .. so those are considerations too ... you can use different phone technology to get around the 2.4GHz band ... dect phones are the newer ones it seems.

On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 12:54 PM, Bill Reid billreid@shaw.ca wrote:

I am using the Linksys WRT610N but have not been impressed with the range. Not really much better than the 54G. I tried the Netgear WNR3500 but it had no better range. I settled with using the Buffallo WZR-HP-G300NH in access point mode. The Buffallo's range a bit better than the Linksys but I have the Linksys on the 3rd floor and the Buffallo in the basement so the coverage is ok.

-- Bill

On 07/02/2010 12:01 PM, Adam Thompson wrote:

...

Looking for recommendations for a wireless router than has better-than-usual range.

I’ve used the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 with good results, but they’re basically impossible to find locally.

I’ve also now experienced the D-Link DIR-825’s pathetic range, not sure I want to trust D-Link’s RangeBooster line without first-hand recommendations.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, -Adam

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On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 3:28 PM, Daryl F wyatt@prairieturtle.ca wrote:

I can't really recommended one device over another but I will share something I learned about increasing range: most wireless router firmware shipped to/produced in Canada adheres to FCC standards which requires a lower radiated power than CRTC allows. CRTC follows Europe. If there is European firmware available for the router you choose, use it. It may give you more output power without risking any damage to the device.

I was at a presentation at SharkFest that explained some of this.

http://www.cacetech.com/sharkfest.10/B-9_Bardwell-Secrets_Revealed-PART_2.pd...

is the slides. Look at the top slide of page 11 about the 5GHz U-NII channels. Some manufacturers implement the higher classes which let you go at more power, but not all countries allow the different frequencies to be used.

Sean