Connecting to wifi is NOT working! (help?)

[javapop]

We recently had a change in our internet.... and the new companies wifi router isn't strong enough to send the signal from it's location to our sanctuary... roughly 120 yards away.

I am not sure what type of devise I need to boost the signal.

We use a iMac for worship, need to access wireless there.

We have tried the Hawking HiGain Signal Booster version 2 - HSB2 and well, I connected it to the wireless route, it didn't seem to make a difference. Not sure if I hooked it up correct, whether it goes on the router end... or the computer receiving end.

Any suggestions or advise?
Thanks,
David

[bpalermini]

120 yards is quite a distance for WiFi. I'd imagine there must be a few walls in between.

I've used THIS device successfully but not at that distance. It actually repeats the signal both ways. You would put it somewhere in the middle between the router and the iMac.

The other option is a wireless bridge. One of THESE on the iMac side connected to the computer's ethernet port. If even that's not enough you could put directional antennas on both ends.

[VoltNHalf]

Is there any reason you can't run a little CAT5E/CAT6 and just add access points? Seems like you're expecting a lot from a single router.

[waynehoskins]

I agree, the right solution is to run copper unless that's physically impossible.

It's the same as with microphones: go wired unless there's a pressing reason not to.

And I also agree on the multiple-AP solution. Run copper to a switch in the sanctuary, and then hang an AP off of that for the things that need wireless.

[yeshua]

Run cat5/5e/6 cable....its really cheap (bought a 1000 foot roll from ebay for about $50)

Go from the main router to the mac, then have the mac send out a wireless signal if you need/want other devices to access internet from the sanctuary area and don't want to buy an access point.

If you really need to run wireless 120 feet, then you need a heavy duty access point....because if you ever need to play a video or something, you need to make sure your getting the best signal possible.

Some examples maybe:
http://www.engeniustech.com/index.ph.../9205-eoc5611p for about $100

Theres many solutions out there, but you'll need to make sure that it works for you.....but running cat cable is still probably the best choice if you can

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by javapop

We recently had a change in our internet.... and the new companies wifi router isn't strong enough to send the signal from it's location to our sanctuary... roughly 120 yards away.

I am not sure what type of devise I need to boost the signal.

I'm not sure either. 120 yards, with multiple walls in the signal path, is all but impossible for WIFI. And WIFI especially doesn't like walls with lots of steel, and it really doesn't like cinderblock. I've seen WIFI that won't go 20 yards if it has to go through a cinderblock wall, much less 120 yards.

As others have mentioned, wire it if at all possible. Or use wire for as much of the distance as you can.

If you still have to use WIFI, then look at high-gain directional antennas, assuming your equipment has antenna connections. Problem is, such antennas aren't cheap. However, the "CANtenna" might be a workable option if it can provide enough gain; see http://www.cantenna.com.

Roger