understanding WIFI range

I don't understand how boosting power in an access point can help
range. From my understanding of antennas, if the access point is
transmitting a 100 mW and my computer is transmitting at 100 mW, both
transmissions will have the same range. If I double the transmission
power of the access point, this will increase the range of information
from the access point to my computer, but it does not effect the range
in the other direction.

This is my general problem when connecting to wireless networks. I
get several bars of signal as they are transmitting quite powerfully,
but my computer is not powerful and cannot transmit something they
receive.

Is there a way of using a router as a client to boost client
transmission power?



d2walter@gmail.com

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> I don't understand how boosting power in an access point can help
> range.
....
> Is there a way of using a router as a client to boost client
> transmission power?

Some routers, some labeled travel routers, can be used as clients.
You are right, boosting power may be of some help, but improved antennas
are a better solution, effectively boosting power and receive sensitivity.

Directional antennas are best, and need not be overly directional, covering
a sector for desired coverage, at some loss of coverage in directions where
it isn't needed anyway.

I added a free reflector to the router. It provides improved coverage over
a fairly broad area in the direction that I want. I have an L shaped
house, with the router at the top of the L. Coverage with the EZ-12 is
good throughout the house, even out to the bottom tip of the L, and on the
deck inside the angle of the L.

http://www.freeantennas.com EZ-12, printed on photo paper for thick stock,
with aluminum foil glued to the sail, provides a substantial boost in
signal. http://www.rahul.net/dold/clarence/EZ12-windsurfer.jpg
http://www.rahul.net/dold/clarence/w...fer-dining.JPG The netstumbler
trace shows solid signal as I walked back to the router, a dropout as I
blocked the router, taking off the reflector, and then the lower signal
without the reflector, reduced, and fluctuating in level.

Make the tabs longer than the template drawing, for easier assembly.

--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5

<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
>I don't understand how boosting power in an access point can help
> range. From my understanding of antennas, if the access point is
> transmitting a 100 mW and my computer is transmitting at 100 mW, both
> transmissions will have the same range. If I double the transmission
> power of the access point, this will increase the range of information
> from the access point to my computer, but it does not effect the range
> in the other direction.
>
> This is my general problem when connecting to wireless networks. I
> get several bars of signal as they are transmitting quite powerfully,
> but my computer is not powerful and cannot transmit something they
> receive.
>
> Is there a way of using a router as a client to boost client
> transmission power?
>

For the most part, you are correct. If you change nothing but the output
power of the AP, the connecting stations will still be limited by their
output power.
As a ham operator, I've found that the antenna is you best bet to improve
performance in any king of tranceiver, be it a 2m radio or a wireless AP.
Take that AP I mentioned above. If you add a directional (like the one you
can make at freeantennas.com) antenna; This increases power by sending the
majority of the signal in a 120-170 degree path (instead of 360 degrees)
while also improving reception (gain) in that same arc.
On my AP at the house, my laptop signal strength was at 60% and increased to
80% when I added the reflector (directional) element. They aren't scientific
measurements, but performance improved.

You are correct though that if you put out 10watts thru the stock antenna
(this would exceed the FCC legal limits by the way), the connecting station
might hear you, but probably won't connect depending on its location.
If you run a card with a true antenna on your connecting station, with
correct placement it will also improve your connection to the AP. So if you
point both antennas at each other, your range performance will increase even
further. The better balanced your antenna is to the transmitter (SWR), the
better your system will be. More power will make it to and thru the antenna.

Did I confuse you enough? I tend to ramble on from time to time.
--
Smitty
Somerset, PA

By gosh, you have it correct. (To a point.) They not only increase the
effective radiated power of the access point, but they also increase it's
sensitivity. Making it more sensitive, gives the effect of making your
remote unit more powerful as the access point is more able to see it.


<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
>I don't understand how boosting power in an access point can help
> range. From my understanding of antennas, if the access point is
> transmitting a 100 mW and my computer is transmitting at 100 mW, both
> transmissions will have the same range. If I double the transmission
> power of the access point, this will increase the range of information
> from the access point to my computer, but it does not effect the range
> in the other direction.
>
> This is my general problem when connecting to wireless networks. I
> get several bars of signal as they are transmitting quite powerfully,
> but my computer is not powerful and cannot transmit something they
> receive.
>
> Is there a way of using a router as a client to boost client
> transmission power?
>

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> If I double the transmission
> power of the access point, this will increase the range of information
> from the access point to my computer, but it does not effect the range
> in the other direction.

If you increase the radiated power by using a higher gain antenna, then
THAT way it will increase the received signal level.