BajaNomad - wireless extender for internet

wireless extender for internet

Milligan - 1-16-2013 at 01:21 PM

hi

i need to bring a wireless extender for the wifi down to san jose del cabo. can anyone advise me on which to buy as I'm not sure about compatibility issues

THANKS!

Bob and Susan - 1-16-2013 at 01:24 PM

what kind of woreless router are you using?

Milligan - 1-16-2013 at 01:30 PM

ahhh good point I need to ask my landlord. (Which is not very easy) It will be the most basic supplied from the telephone company. (I am guessing this ... because he didnt even know he had it!

Bob and Susan - 1-16-2013 at 01:36 PM

if you match the wireless router with the extender it's plug and play

when you find out just check ebay.com

mrfatboy - 1-16-2013 at 01:39 PM

This can be a tricky question depending on your setup, computer knowledge, and what wireless speed you are running (G or N).

A good 'work horse" router is the Linksys WRT54GL Router. Google it. You can set it up as an wireless bridge to your existing wireless router to extend your wireless coverage. But this is a G speed router NOT the faster N spec. My guess it would be fine for you unless you are doing something special. We would need more information on your setup and what you want to accomplish.

If possible, I would "wire" the extra wireless router to your existing router and put the new router in "Access Point" (AP) mode. You will get better wifi results. YMMV. You can buy you own cat 5E or 6 cable at home depot for cheap and make your own cable.

[Edited on 1-16-2013 by mrfatboy]

Milligan - 1-16-2013 at 01:48 PM

Wow ... thanks for all this amazing information. I will try to find out what router the phone company has supplied him with.

CarlVon - 1-19-2013 at 03:37 PM

I bought this extender on Ebay for my boat in the marina in Puerto Penasco, it works great. Just plug it into a usb on my laptop, run the included CD, and wow, increased my range by 1 KM.
When on the water I can receive signal from the resorts on the beach.
Works great.
Here it is. Paste this in the search box of Ebay.

Outdoor WLAN USB Adapter Desktop WiFi Booster Antenna 802.11 B/G/N 10m USB Cable

I received it in 5 days.

Udo - 1-19-2013 at 06:53 PM

Ask iflyfisf...
send him a U2

I helped him install his in BA, and it works SUPERBLY!

Milligan - 1-19-2013 at 07:21 PM

wow

So if I get the Outdoor WLAN USB Adapter Desktop WiFi Booster Antenna 802.11 B/G/N 10m USB Cable

plug that into my macbook pro .... place the box near the wall (the phone co box is the other side of a THICK wall)
I will do away with any compatability issues that I am worried about?

bajaguy - 1-19-2013 at 07:36 PM

http://www.frys.com/product/6800996?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT...

Get one of these, plug into an AC outlet, plug ethernet cord into it, plug the other one into another AC outlet anywhere in the building.....uses house wiring to transfer internet

CarlVon - 1-19-2013 at 10:13 PM

I think the unit from Ebay will work for your application. The company does offer 30 day money back refund, just pay return postage.
I know it helped me, the modem at the marina in Penasco is located inside a block building and I could only get service if I were about 40ft from the office. Now I can get excellent service on my boat which is about 500ft from the office and at low tide, below line of sight.
The installation process is so easy and smooth.
Hope this helps.

If you want know more about this !!

captkw - 1-20-2013 at 12:14 AM

Type in 802 megahertz in your browser !!! Or "router links"!!!

mrfatboy - 1-20-2013 at 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Milligan
wow

So if I get the Outdoor WLAN USB Adapter Desktop WiFi Booster Antenna 802.11 B/G/N 10m USB Cable

plug that into my macbook pro .... place the box near the wall (the phone co box is the other side of a THICK wall)
I will do away with any compatability issues that I am worried about?

All these options people are giving you here are good. If you tell us exactly what you are trying to do we can narrow down best option.

Is this your wifi or are you trying to 'mooch' off a neighbor or business?

Are you just trying to get better coverage in your house with your existing wifi?

Do you have physical access to the wifi router that you are trying to get the signal from?

Can you drill any holes thru wall for cable to phone go router or are looking for pure wifi option?

The two basic options are boosting your 'sending' signal or upgrading your 'receiving' antennae. Tell us what exactly what you are tiring to do and what equipment you are using and I'm sure we can come up with the best solution for you

wornout - 1-20-2013 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Milligan
hi

i need to bring a wireless extender for the wifi down to san jose del cabo. can anyone advise me on which to buy as I'm not sure about compatibility issues

THANKS!

I think from the statement above and something else you posted in this thread, you are trying to pick up a weak signal from your landlord.

If this is true then I wouldn't look for any type of wireless router extender (cuz it it best to pair these kind of devices with the router), I would look for a USB Wireless Receiver (Extender but on the receiving side, not the sending side).

Also, I would get one with a cable, NOT one that plugs directly into your computer as you might have to take the computer to a window. I use the kind with the cable when parked at RV Parks and the signal is marginal, I just put the antenna in the window and viola, signal. I have some that plug into the computer and tried extending them with a long USB Extension Cable but could not receive signal. The one with a built in cable works better.

To find this Netgear one or one like it, search Frys, eBay or just Google 'Wireless Network Adapter'.

[Edited on 1-20-2013 by wornout]

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Iflyfish - 1-20-2013 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrfatboy

Quote:

As he is saying it is important for us to be clear about your specific use to give you appropriate input.

It is possible to boost the signal and it's reception at BOTH the sending and receiving end. To boost the signal at the modem one needs a router. To boost it at the receiving end on needs an antennae. Or one can use both, which if what I have done down here in Asuncion.

Iflyfish

Milligan - 1-21-2013 at 10:24 AM

Thanks so much for all this help. Its really kind.

ok ultimately I guess I am mooching. We have a small apartment that is one of 3. one upstairs and 2 below. (We are in one below) When the landlord lived upstairs the internet was ok. But then he moved himself and his infinitem box downstairs and next door to us the internet became bad. (I think the walls are much thicker than the ceiling) If I sit with my back to the dividing wall wifi internet is good.
If I sit outside his front door internet is good. But if I sit in my sitting room it is so weak it keeps cutting out. (this is only about 10 -15 feet from the dividing wall)

I have access to his wifi box if I need to attach something to it.
I just spoke to him and he read me the following names and numbers
Infinitum telmex SSID infinitum 3DD6 5WETT NOM
I dont think drilling a hole in the wall is an option!

I'm using a mac book pro. (and iPad) and designing websites on them.

Thats it I think

THANKS again

bajaguy - 1-21-2013 at 10:35 AM

Would he let you drill a small hole through the wall????....if so, connect to his modem with an eithernet cable, then run it to your PC or to a wireless router...oop's, just read the last part of your post.

Drilling would be the easiest through hollow block, easy to patch the hole on both ends

[Edited on 1-21-2013 by bajaguy]

Milligan - 1-21-2013 at 10:46 AM

yes I don't really want to ask him about drilling. He is quite ill and I don't want to get him fussed.
Also his phone & box is in his sitting room not the bedroom which is closest to our apartment. So I would have to get him to move everything.
I'd really like to avoid bothering him if I can!

mrfatboy - 1-21-2013 at 11:30 AM

It sounds like you have his permission to use his wireless Internet but you don't want to bother him with drilling, moving his router, or boosting his signal. So that puts it all on you to boost your receiving side. Since you are also using an iPad I'm thinking you need something like the linkage wrt54gl wireless router and set it up as a wireless bridge and put it in a location that gets the best wireless signal from your neighbor and let it 'repeat' the signal in your apt. . That way both your Mac and iPad will have a wireless signal. Wireless is finicky. YMMV. drilling a hole and running a cable and connecting to the wrt54gl would be much better.

Milligan - 1-21-2013 at 11:40 AM

Yes thats exactly the case!

Of course ..... could the phone company do anything for me? I just dont want giant telephone /internet bills as I don't need a phone there and I only need the internet a few weeks a year.

mrfatboy - 1-21-2013 at 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Milligan
Yes thats exactly the case!

Of course ..... could the phone company do anything for me? I just dont want giant telephone /internet bills as I don't need a phone there and I only need the internet a few weeks a year.

I doubt it. The service is in your landlord's name. He would have to call but they probably will tell him to buy a wireless router or repeater. They could care less about you. A wrt54gl is about $50. You might find a cheaper option.

[Edited on 1-21-2013 by mrfatboy]

This Is A Well Regarded Wi-Wi Range Extender

DavidE - 1-21-2013 at 01:39 PM

Plug it in and go...no gizmo menus, selections of other buzzword geeky stuff. Strictly plug-n-play.

Let's say you are 500' feet away from a router (outdoors) and have no signal. Plugging this puppy in is about the same thing as plugging in a thousand dollar 10-watt booster into that router. Antennas make a huge difference. And a full 2000 milliwatt transmitter makes sure when your laptop sends (uploads) the router receives the signal loud and clear.

Get the AMPLIFIED USB extension cord, stick the antenna onto a window that comes closest to facing the router and you're in like Flynn. Works right through the window.

mrfatboy - 1-21-2013 at 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Plug it in and go...no gizmo menus, selections of other buzzword geeky stuff. Strictly plug-n-play.

Let's say you are 500' feet away from a router (outdoors) and have no signal. Plugging this puppy in is about the same thing as plugging in a thousand dollar 10-watt booster into that router. Antennas make a huge difference. And a full 2000 milliwatt transmitter makes sure when your laptop sends (uploads) the router receives the signal loud and clear.

Get the AMPLIFIED USB extension cord, stick the antenna onto a window that comes closest to facing the router and you're in like Flynn. Works right through the window.

Getting a powerful receiving antennae like you suggest would work for his mac laptop but he also said he has an iPad. He needs a strong signal for all of his devices unless I missed something?

Jaybo - 1-21-2013 at 05:02 PM

What about the antenna on his router? Maybe add a high gain antenna to it? Should boost the signal...

DavidE - 1-21-2013 at 05:25 PM

The Data-Alliance site has all the gear to turn his yard or home into a Wi-Fi hotspot. All it takes is money. I purchased an 18 db antenna along with the ALFA that can reach 5 km but it needs to be installed out of doors.

Milligan - 1-21-2013 at 05:37 PM

it would be nice if the ipad worked as well as then I could use it as a 2nd monitor while working. but its not crucial.

mrfatboy - 1-21-2013 at 05:39 PM

The OP doesn't want to bother his landlord. So the OP has to do everything on the receiving end. He could just get a boosting receiving antennae as some of you suggest but he has an ipad as well. That will not do his ipad any good. He needs something to grab the landlords wifi signal and rebroadcast (repeat) it through his apt so there are not any deadspots. A wifi router setup in a repeater mode seems to be the answer for him.

If the landlord lets him drill a hole, put bigger gain antenna on the router, etc than that opens up other options.

If the landlord is offering his free wifi as part of the rent try to convince him to boost his signal for the benefit of everybody in the building.

[Edited on 1-22-2013 by mrfatboy]