Extending Your Range and Reducing WiFi Interference
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Welcome Image and Text
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
This
week we'll try to solve your wireless problems. Everyone has them,
especially when you're on the go and need to find access
points.
I'm going to show you different options that you can use to
extend the range of your wireless 802.11a/b/g connections.
Wireless Network Adapters
Which method you choose depends on your wireless network
adapter. If you don't have a wireless card, I highly recommend the
MacWireless cards for
both desktops and 'Books. I really like their 'Book cards because
they go in your PCMCIA port and have a external antenna port. They
are also compatible with Apple's AirPort drivers.
Wireless Antennas
If you have a built in AirPort card, you can increase your
wireless range by adding an external antenna. Every Mac model is
different, but here's one example:
12" PowerBook External Antenna Hack.
Notice! This will void your warranty and is for experienced
persons only.
You can also upgrade your access point's antennas using your own
antenna or purchasing upgrade kits like this one
from Linksys.
Range Extenders
Range extenders relay wireless signals in the area, making them
stronger. These are pretty new and promise to be the easiest way to
boost your signal without modifying your hardware. Range extenders
only work with 802.11g and later networking; they are not
compatible with 802.11b hardware, such as Apple's original AirPort
system. Linksys's WRE54G
is an example of a range extender.
Another option, which is more advanced, is to set up a Wireless
Distribution System (WDS) using a wireless router that supports
WDS to extend an existing wireless network.
Interference
To finalize, make sure you don't have microwave ovens nearby
that are going to be used a lot. Some newer ovens are cleaner and
don't pollute the airwaves affecting your wireless
communications.
The other devices that really mess with WiFi are the old 2.4 GHz
cordless phones. These will constantly hurt your signal strength,
and I recommend either getting an older 900 MHz or a newer
5 GHz cordless phone to solve this problem.
The last things I can think of that affect your range are
concrete and high voltage power lines.
Enjoy your stronger wireless access.
Page not found | Low End Mac
Welcome Image and Text
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
