Question about sharing wi-fi with 3 neighbors

[RVC7]

I’ve searched these forums and can’t seem to find what I’m looking for. I’m not an expert on networking but I do build my own desktops and am technically inclined. I have a Linksys WRT54GP2 (802.11 B/G) Vonage phone router which has performed admirably for the last 2 years with the original Linksys firmware. I’m running it through a cable modem with an average speed reading of 9500 kpbs download and 1850 kpbs upload according to speakeasy.com. I added a larger rubber duck 9db antenna to the router that has helped with my wi-fi coverage but not enough strength to my 3 neighbor’s homes that I want to include. The configuration of our homes is the following; imagine a baseball diamond with a house on each base. Each base (or house) is separated by approximately 75 feet & no trees. If my router is at home base, what am I going to need to extend coverage to 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases? Would you suggest something like the Linksys WRE54G repeater on the pitchers mound (in the center)? Maybe a stronger db antenna? Obviously, I'd like to keep cost as low as possible. Thanks in advance.

[Alan87i]

I'd mount a seperate AP outside with a OMNI antenna. then get either another ap or client bridge and a yagi or grid type directional antenna. Test it at all 3 houses before buying 2 more.
Wifi devices made for inthe home are made to work in a small house if placed in the center. For the most part getting the signal from or to your neighbors house is a bonus with out using extra gear / setting devices in windows and so on.
Allan

[umdivx]

You're going to need to upgrade your wireless router to a 108, 240, or faster. They increase range by quite a bit more than your existing router.


Don't listen to that crap, you DO NOT need a N, Pre-N, or Draft-N router to share internet, hell your internet speeds aren't as fast as 802.11G. Granted Draft-N routers or true MIMO G routers do infact increase distances, in order to get the distances every single client device must be MIMO compatible or you won't see the distance increase.

What I'd suggest is look into WDS, specifically running WDS on routers running third party firmware like DD-WRT.

With DD-WRT, a $40 Buffalo router, and a good antenna you can easily accomplish this.

but heed this warning shareing your internet connection with neighbors is against many ISP's user policies.

./end rant ;)

Sorry its been a bad day, and seeing moronic comments like above just piss me off some times.

- Josh

[M/Q]

I am sorry, but I agree with Josh and getting any pre release equipment is just asking for trouble.

Hey, Josh, finally got a Buffalo router. Works great, but what a screwy way to have to flash the device.

[umdivx]

yea the buffalo's are quirky that way, but still the best bang for the buck when it comes to DD-WRT support.

- Josh