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Wireless Router Problem.

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by ps2racer, Jan 18, 2009.

  1. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    I have a Netgear RangeMax wireless router. It works find in my house. I have a computer, PS3, and laptop all on it with no problems. My problem is I have an all metal shop be hide my house and I would like the internet out there. I can take my laptop to my shop and it will work but only when I am outside. As soon as I walk into my shop I lose the wireless signal. So I know it is the metal that is stopping the signal. Is there something that I can buy or make to pick up the signal outside and than redistribute it inside.
     
  2. chubbyInc

    chubbyInc Regular member

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    The cheapest route would be to run a cat5 from router to shed, if the distance isn't too far.
     
  3. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    I should have put this in my first post. I ran a cat5 cable to my shop, but it wouldn't stay on the internet. It would connect but when I opened a page it would take forever and then it would disconnect. I had 500ft of cable and used it all. So apparently 500ft is to fare. With my laptop I do not have this problem. Its super fast and never disconnects. Only when I go inside.

    Thanks for the help, any other suggestions.
     
  4. dailun

    dailun Active member

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    You should have checked before buying 500 ft. of Cat 5. Cat 5 is only speced to 100m.

    You should consider a WiFi repeater and an external antenna for your shed.


     
  5. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    What is a repeater and how would it help me? I have thought about a external antenna but time I bought the antenna and wire to connect to my computer it would cost around $200. On top of that I would have to cut a hole in the wall to get the antenna outside, becouse I have no windows in my shop.

    I have a old router that stil works. Is there any way that I can us it to solve my problem.
     
  6. dailun

    dailun Active member

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    No, the other router will not work.

    You can only have one ingress point for the Broadband (place where it comes in to your house.

    You need an antenna/device between your router and your shed which will extend the range and or increase the signal to the shed. Something like these:

    http://pcworld.about.com/magazine/2111p098id112745.htm

    Even at that, I'm not sure whether you can get the signal through.

    Any other alternatives are relatively expensive, because you're looking at a glass solution.
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2009
  7. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    ps2racer, is there a window in shop between the latop & house?
     
  8. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    Like I said before there is no window in my shop. The only way I can get my laptop to work is walk outside. As soon as I open the door and take one step outside I have a 80% signal and I'm connected to the internet.

    As for a repeater I'm not sure that it will work if it only boost the signal. I have a great signal I just can't get it throught the metal wall. Is there a way I can put a antenna outside and connect it to like a repeater or router in the shop and that would redistribute the wireless signal in the shop.
     
  9. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    You will need either:
    Line of sight to a device, so the signal never has to go through a wall
    A cable - recommend trying less than 500 feet of cable if you can.

    In the UK, Powerline networking is a useful technology, but I don't know if it exists in the US due to the different power sockets used.
     
  10. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    the laptop's wireless card, is it builtin, a card that fits into a slot or an usb wireless?
     
  11. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    I have a line of sight to the router, nothing in the way but a window in my house. Just can't get it throught the metal wall of my shop. I can't use less than 500ft of cable, so that is out. Give me some more info on this Powerline Networking. I have never heard of that.

    The card is a builtin card.
     
  12. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Powerline networking uses the earth wire in a UK mains plug to transmit wireless signals using the cables in all the electrical sockets in your house. However, I don't know how earth is wired to US 2-pin plugs, so I don't know how well it will work, if at all.
     
  13. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    Ok, I understand what you are talking about but there is a problem there. My shop is not connected to my house wireing.

    I have been reading up on repeaters and I think I can get one of those to work. Does anyone know where I can get one for cheap like around $20 to $50.
     
  14. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Newegg, Tigerdirect, Zipzoomfly, NCIXUS?
     
  15. chubbyInc

    chubbyInc Regular member

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    monoprice.com would be the cheapest.
     
  16. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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  17. SouthS1d3

    SouthS1d3 Member

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    I think your best bet is to get a wireless reciever that recieves wifi signals and then outputs them in ethernet form because your not gettin wifi in there from the outside with metal and no windows in that shop of yours . maybe like those gaming adapters by linksys only that your gonna use it for a laptop
     
  18. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    i don't think an extender will work as it still has to pass a signal thru the steel wall of the shop. my idea is to get a usb wireless adapter & an usb extension cable that is passed thru a small hole in the wall with the usb adapter on the outside.
     
  19. SouthS1d3

    SouthS1d3 Member

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    yeah thats what i meant too because wifi signals are not gonna get in that shop
     
  20. ps2racer

    ps2racer Regular member

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    Thanks for the help. What I was thinking of doing is sticking the antenna outside throught a small hole that I have from where I put a light up. Leaving the body of the repeater inside my shop. But still I don't know how it sends a signal back out. Throught the antenna or just throught the body of the repeater. What do you think, and I'm going to read up on those wireless reciever.
     

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