Optimizing signal strenght

Does anybody know of an other-than-trial-and-error method of maximizing
signal strength for a wireless router. The only choices I can think of is
getting a larger antenna (it's a Linksys router, for which I've seen add-on
antennas) and, maybe, playing around with orientation of the antennas. That
leaves changing the channel, which was set, by default, I guess, to six. One
of the remote computers shows "low" signal strength, while the other, about
10 feet closer to the wireless router, does not show "low" signal strength.

Catin Dehat <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Does anybody know of an other-than-trial-and-error method of maximizing
....
> of the remote computers shows "low" signal strength, while the other, about
> 10 feet closer to the wireless router, does not show "low" signal strength.

If the signal is there, but just not strong enough, some free reflectors
might be enough to make a big difference.

http://www.freeantennas.com EZ-12.
A single one on my Netgear:
http://www.rahul.net/dold/clarence/EZ12-windsurfer.jpg


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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8,-122.5

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Catin Dehat <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>Does anybody know of an other-than-trial-and-error method of maximizing
>
> ...
>
>>of the remote computers shows "low" signal strength, while the other, about
>>10 feet closer to the wireless router, does not show "low" signal strength.
>
>
> If the signal is there, but just not strong enough, some free reflectors
> might be enough to make a big difference.
>
> http://www.freeantennas.com EZ-12.
> A single one on my Netgear:
> http://www.rahul.net/dold/clarence/EZ12-windsurfer.jpg
>
>
A windsurfer reflector on one of my linksys antennas worked well for me
as well.

Also follow the usual steps to improve performance. Raise the the router
to chest height (for single story dwellings) and keep it about 2' away
from any walls.

If it is an older Linksys G Router the firmware hacks allow for
increased signal strength.
This may be of some help.
Also router placement as well as leaving the router in an unblocked
area may be of help.
An idiot I know had the router in the basement in a furnace room (
metal pipes) , under a metal desk.
As well the room was used as an office with a number of full metal
filing cabinets blocking the signal.
Funny part was that he insisted that the laptop worked great upstairs
but not in the basement.
Turned out there were 4 signals coming from neighbours - all open , all
on default channel 6 .
That is what he was receiving not his own sheletered signal.
So much for never admitting you can be wrong.