Back to G router, am I missing something?

[hmskl’dParticipant 6412]

Don’t they say that an N router has 2 or more times the operating distance of a G? Tried two different new N wireless routers with my DSL modem. Not really testing for speed at this time but just looking for longer operating range using N with laptop. Both had shorter overall operating range than the G. Signal going through two wooden walls and across the back yard to a seating area I used for testing distance .. the fringe operating range of the little single antenna G still works at over 200 feet and with either of the new dual antenna N units, I can’t even find a signal at that range. I suppose as the frequency of the router increases, as in the case of the N, the waves have a more difficult time passing through walls. Yet, I was still hoping for vastly longer operating distances with both of the N units than the G. Hard to believe the opposite happened and the tiny G has longest range. I can’t imagine that the longer operating distances advertised with N always requires direct line of sight.

[Anonymous 18]

The N router might be configured to use the 5ghz frequency which would halve the signal distance.

Most modern routers allow for both the 2.4 and the 5ghz signals.

Your laptop network card may not be capable of receiving the 5ghz frequency and only the 2.4 which if not set won’t show up at all.

Sorry if I am dumbing it down too much.

Thanks for calling the tech support. This is Rudolf from Hyderabad. How may I assssicct you? Turn it off and on again, sir. Thank you.

[GeraldParticipant 3630]

N is supposed to double the signal distance of A I believe… as both rely on the 5Ghz Spectrum.

B and G run on the 2.4 Ghz range.

2.4 Ghz inherently has a longer range. If you’re having trouble with range and have an outlet near where you want the coverage, or half way in between, get a range extender.

No longer can we walk away, we must run. Remove the motive power.

[hmskl’dParticipant 6412]

Anonymous wrote:

Your laptop network card may not be capable of receiving the 5ghz frequency and only the 2.4 which if not set won’t show up at all.

yes, thanks .. I will check on this as it does seem to be acting as though it is not seeing signal on one of the N router units. I’ll use the set-up feature and see if I can find the 5 vs 2.4 setting. The other unit I get a stable useable N signal to about 100+ feet .. which is where I’m now thinking I can maybe extend, repeat that signal further .. hoping to get useable signal to about 250 feet covering entire yard.

Gerald wrote:

get a range extender.

I have ac outlets at about halfway distance points including garage with just wood walls and shake siding to pass signal through. Sounds like a plan to get to my goal of 250 feet with N router. thanks.

[sidecarParticipant 35837]

802.11a runs in the 5GHz band. 802.11b runs in the 2.4GHz band. 802.11g runs in the 2.4GHz band. 802.11n can run in the 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band or both.

The open space range depends more on output power levels than the specific frequency band, but the 5GHz band is much more easily blocked and interfered with making its real world indoor range significantly lower than the 2.4GHz band.

With that in mind, I would compare the actual power output of your old 802.11g router to power output of the new 802.11n ones you’ve tried. Since newer standards use much more efficient encoding and modulation schemes, manufactures often try to get away with significantly cheaper and lower power output drivers and antennas, limiting their their practical range.

Another thing to look at is your receiving computer at the other end. If it’s still using an old 802.11g wireless card then the new routers will have no choice but to communicate with it using the old 802.11g standard, which many are not optimized for. Add to that their substandard output stages and cheap antennas and you have a recipe for reduced performance from expensive new equipment.

If all you’re looking for is increased range and not necessarily increased speed, consider fiddling your firmware on your 802.11g router and wifi card to maximize your output power at both ends. Most devices are firmware limited to putting out 20dBm or less while being capable of significantly more (often even advertising it on the packaging – they sell you a 30dBm device but don’t tell you it’s firmware gimped to only 20dBm). That or use an output booster – I believe the legal limit in the U.S. is 33dBm. Consider a better antenna while you’re at it.

[hmskl’dParticipant 6412]

Thanks for all the great information. I’ve now got N working at closer range with good speed so I’ve sent in an order for a little repeater unit to plug on interior wall wood frame building about 100 feet from where N router is currently located. I’ve got a good signal at that spot; about half the total distance I’m looking for. I’m hoping this little unit will repeat the signal and out into the yard. It’ll be interesting to see just what range that repeater puts out. If it equals the router I might have my 250 feet. I see that they are also advertising a repeater unit with an external cabled antenna that can be mounted at a higher remote location. Even though I didn’t order that more pricey unit yet, it might be something that could someday be placed in my attic just inside angled wooden louvers of wall vent and give me literally line of sight signal throughout yard. I’ll report how the repeater works when it arrives in a couple of days. Again, thanks.

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