Line of sights' affect on range?

[pally01]

I'm trying to determine if the Linksys WRT54GL is the best router to recommend to my Sister/Hubby. They have two p.c.'s that will be utilizing the router, though only a laptop will be wireless.

Anyone who reads the forums knows that this router is highly touted,but I would like some clarification on the impact on signal strength if the router is placed in the basement of a 2-storey house? There is an office on the 2nd floor that would need a good signal. Will the two floors in between pose much of an issue?

How about antenna orientation and that sort of thing?

Thanks for any input.

[mbossman2]

The only real way to see if it will work is to try it. Wireless is a very empirical technology.

Yes, antenna orientation can have a huge impact. The signal that comes off an omni directional antenna is not spherical but rather shaped like a donut: 360 degree coverage on a plane parallel to the ground but 30-60 up and down off the that horizontal plane, so, in effect, with an antenna perpendicular to the ground, it is likely that a client directly above the wireless router will not connect. So it you are trying to go up with the signal, you need to tilt the antenna off the perpendicular so as to alter the plane of the 360 degree coverage.

[glc]

One advantage to the Linksys is it has 2 antennas - one can be vertical and the other horizontal. Within the settings, you can choose one antenna or the other, or "diversity" which will run both. This also means you can get one or two high gain replacement antennas. You can also get 3rd party firmware for the GL that increases the power.

[mbossman2]

you want to be careful about increasing the power. While the radio is capable of running at a higher output, 11g at higher than 50mW can cause some issues with the channels at the lower end of the spectrum.

Diversity is usually the best method as the two antennae operating together increase the overall sensitivity of the box.

[pally01]

Hmmm. Thanks for the replies. Let's see here...

I'm concluding that this router may or may not work out of the box (?!). Obviously, if it does then all is well and that's the end of the story.

If it does not, then I could "fiddle" with the included antennas (select one or both, and adjust their positioning) and this may help? Or I could purchase 2 aftermarket antennas and use them in place of the included ones. Or I could tweak the power settings and up the ante so to speak.

I realize that each scenario is its' own unique situation, but could I ask if generally speaking this router typically (usually) works well in installations such as described or is it really spotty and a bit of pain?

I saw these two models: WRT54GX2 and also WRT54GX4 from this review site http://www.consumersearch.com/www/computers/wireless-routers/index.html and I'm wondering if either of these may be more of a "sure thing"?

[glc]

They should be stronger out of the box but they can't be modified like a GL.

[pally01]

Thanks for the insights, GLC & mbossman2. We've taken the advice and purchased a GL.

I found this site via another thread here that offers upgrades/info for the GL: http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/links.php

Any other sites worthy?

[glc]

dd-wrt is probably the most popular 3rd party firmware for the GL. Try it with the stock Linksys firmware first though.

[pally01]

Thanks again GLC.

If need be, I'll exhaust the built-in adjustments etc before I tinker with the firmware. Kinda looking forward to having a go at this!