[mbonwick]

Hi All,

Here is the problem I've got: the computer was recently moved out to the extension while the study is decorated. It's all of 15 paces from a NETGEAR DG834PN.

However, the wireless signal drops about 5m away from the computer, yet is fine at the other end of the house upstairs.

Any suggestions as to what I can do? Moving the PC isn't really an option, nor is keeping the WiFi card in range as it has to be on the dining table!

I guess the router needs upgrading, and possibly the card as well?

Many thanks.

[Dave Hybrid]

The best range I have seen is with Belkin N or N1 routers and matching cards with security off, nothing touches them IMO.

If your comfortable doing so disable the security on your equipment, range improves quite a lot in most instances.

[mbonwick]

hmmm...belkin


I'd rather keep security on, for obvious reasons. I've got a NAS with important backups on, so I really don't want access from outside to that.

[Dave Hybrid]

Well they work just fine with security on. Still the best I have used.

I was merely pointing out wireless range gets much better with security off.

One thing to remember is if you can only just connect to it how is someone outside going to.

[mbonwick]

Yes, I see what you're saying. I think overall, there isn't going to be much chance of access from out side.
Probably go with Netgear again - I've seen bundle offers.

[Dave Hybrid]

The other thing is the security is actually easy to get round if you know how.

[mbonwick]

That is true of everything. If you make it hard enough, the hackers won't bother and will move on to an easier target.

The most obvious measure is changing the router password once the network is secured.