Extending Wifi signal
 

If I wanted to extend a wifi signal from one house to another so I can share my internet with a friend what is the cheapest solution, but with a good range? I see wifi extenders but they are a bit pricy, and using a old router will work, but the issue is that after a month or so it has a problem and needs to be reset. (or at least I had a problem like that) I do got a spare WRT54G, though when I tried extending the signal from my router, the repeater mode didn't work well, and only the access point mode worked, but I would need to use ethernet cabling, which I don't want to use.

That's a potential problem with a new router or a range extender as well.

I use two Linksys wifi extenders to bring a wifi signal from one end of my office building to a floor below and the other end. I also use a wifi signal amplifier on the wireless router. It usually works pretty well. For your application, you might try extenders with directional antennae.

I am using a cantenna attached to the router, aimed at the house 350 feet away, where a Linksys Range Extender picks up the signal and redistributes it. The newest model of the Linksys Range Extender has an ethernet jack so you can get also get signal distributed that way at the target.

OK, you gotta explain this. Not the cantenna, but the distance! Do you own a campus? Straight shot from Starbucks to your living room? Girlfriend live in the 35th floor of the apartment complex across the street?

For stability, cabling is recommended. Extenders will work--pricey, like you mentioned--but they need to be close enough to allow for a decent signal.

What about a Wireless N Router? They are advertised to have pretty amazing coverage.

I have a Linksys Wirelsess G router, extender and USB device that plugs into a remote computer. After three months of working OK it quit last night. It was not easy to set up and to make it easier I have no security so will probably swap this out for a Wireless N router and avoid the range extender in the middle plus security issues.

Where is your router now? And what flavor is it (b, g mimo, etc?)

If you change it to N and move it way high in your place, it's possible the signal may go considerably further.

House is right next door. I mean I can access the signal off my laptop if I sit by the window - weak bit still can get it. I just need something to repeat that signal around the living/dining room area. The router is a motorola one G with wifi,

USB stick
 

The cheapest is a USB stick connected to a Pringles can or a colander.

Check out the Keybola... http://www.wificentrum.sk/buxus/gene..._id=567&lng=sk

but not to one computer, but repeating the signal for multiple computers...

Well you could buy a USB stick for each computer. Or you can make one computer offer ad hoc connections for the others in the house. Or...

Also you could just buy a single high gain antenna for the AP. I saw them cheap in HKG. Or you could order one online. If it is just one direction, get a directional 10-15db antenna and everyone will be connecting just fine.

If a colander is too rich for your blood, a plastic salad bowl lined with aluminum foil makes an economical stand-in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY8Wi7XRXCA

Ooooh. That could double as a hat!

The hack way to do it would be to set up a media converter (often sold as a Wireless Game Adapter) and then run another access point on a different channel connected to the game adapter. It'll get the job done. You can also use a WDS compliant repeater.