Unable to connect to access point

[SuperSparks]

I've been setting up a wireless network using a Linksys WRT54G router as a wireless access point for an existing wired network, and a Linksys WMP54G NIC in the PC that I wish to connect. I've set them up in close proximity to each other and got them communicating perfectly. However, the required location for the PC is approximately 15 metres away and the signal has to pass through a couple of block walls and a concrete floor of uncertain thickness, and in that location the PC cannot see the network at all. All I get is "No wireless networks in range".

What I want to know is how effective booster aerials are, and if they would do the trick. One of our networking gurus at our sister site at www.virtualdr.com has recommended this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007SQG5S/qid=1137957091/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_0_1/203-6771922-5411904


Or alternatively I was looking at this:

http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?sku=300374&cks=PRL

I’d be very grateful for any opinions or advice 

[M/Q]

The first device is more than an antenna it is a repeater. With that the question is could it be located somewhere to do any good? It would have to be in reach of both devices and have a better than average signal connection with the WRT54G. Also with that device you automatically will lose 50% of your bandwidth. So your 54mb/s which is rally only 27mb/sec will become 14mb/s. If that is acceptable then the device might be of some help.

The second device is a good antenna, but directional. If the router is only servicing one device using such an antenna on both devices will be of some help. It is hard to say if one or the other will help enough. You may even need both to get the job done.

Are these two locations in the same building where they would share the same power lines? If so one other option to use Ethernet over the power lines. You can do it and use wireless at the remote site or wired. Here are a few links

http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGXB102.php

http://hhi.corecom.com/homeplugnetworking.htm

[SuperSparks]

The bandwidth is not an overriding issue, the wirelessly connected PC will be used primarily for emails and web surfing. But locating the repeater in a position that's fairly equidistant between the two locations would be a big problem. I only need to connect the one PC wirelessly (at the moment anyway), so I guess from what you're saying the directional aerials would be the better of the two solutions?

The two locations are in the same building, but are on different electrical phases, so Ethernet over power lines is out I'm afraid.

[M/Q]

The directional antennas would become the best option. I might suggest getting the strongest ones possible. This link shows a pretty good indoor antenna that has much better chance of getting the link, as it has a 15dBi gain.

[SuperSparks]

You forgot to post the link :D :D

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it :)

[M/Q]

Oops, it was one of those brain fart days.

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=58&ProdID=152

[SuperSparks]

Thanks for that, I did some hunting around and found some reviews on Amazon for that Hawking. To say that the results are hit and miss would be an understatement :rolleyes: Some people raved and others said that it was worse than the router by itself. That's the problem, I'm reluctant to throw more money at this without a reasonable expectation that it will work, and clearly it varies wildly from building to building.

I've got to say that I'm surprised that a single concrete floor should have killed the signal so effectively. I may rethink this whole idea and just run some CAT5 up there.

[M/Q]

Typically concrete has stressed rebar (ie steel) rods all through it.

I have use that antenna to good advantage, but I am more inclined to be say that this site has the best choices.

www.fab-corp.com