How to extend Wireless siganl???

By posting here, I hope someone (expert) has a good knowledge of router, switch, network... can help me out.

I know there's many way to extend the signal but since I already have existing parts, I want to go this route first. Here's the question:

Hardware that I own now:
1.First notebook with built-in 2200 b/G & 10/100 running XP. I received internet siganl thru the 2200. Signal is good.
2. Have a Sohoware switch (4 switch ports and 1 "uplink" port).
3. NetGear WGR614 Wireless Router.
4. Second notebook with built-in b/G wireless.

I was wondering with the existing hardwares that I have, can I somehow reboardcast the intenet signal from my first notebook to the second notebook(located at other side of the house) through the wireless router or switch arrangment. In other word, what can I do to get my second notebook to go online without buying extra equipment(s)?

 

You're using the Router to connect to your ISP, right?

You're connecting the first laptop to the Router wirelessly to get internet access there, right?

Why can't you just connect the second laptop to the Router as well, the same way that the first is connected?

Unless you have some wired connections you didn't mention, I don't even think you need the switch....

 

The ISP and router are all up stream of the first notebook where I got the incoming internet signal through 2200 b/g (2200 & 10/100 coexist in first notebook).
I am trying to figure out what I can do from the first notebook's 10/100 connection end and pass the internet access to the second notebbok either wired or wireless.

 

The purpose of this exercise is thru the first notebook, hopefully I can extend my internet to the second NB which further away from the ISP source. Can it be done with my extra wireless router and switch box around?

 

Okay, so let me see if I got this straight - basically, the Wireless Router is at one end of the house, and Notebook 2 is at the other. You want to use Notebook 1, somewhere in the middle, to repeat the signal? I don't think you'll be able to do this without a second network card, but that wouldn't be my first suggestion at a solution for this scenario. If this is the scenario you're working with, can you give a little more detail as to the environment (walls, distances, elevations, can you get any signal at max distance, can you move the wireless router)?

You mention the 10/100 card in Notebook 1 - is this currently connected to anything? Are you using that switch for anything currently?

 

I don't understand the above what extra wireless router ? You state your set up as two notebooks (which will be receivers of the signal not transmitters) and

Have a Sohoware switch (4 switch ports and 1 "uplink" port).
NetGear WGR614 Wireless Router.

I see only one wireless router.

You can extend the signal as you mentioned numerous ways - without buying any extra equipment I think other than placement of the NetGear WGR614 Wireless Router you would have to look at DIY antennas ( http://www.freeantennas.com/)

Unless I am missing something .....

 

Let me try to clear this up.
2 notebooks
Right now the first notebook is connected to internet through one of the built-in network 2200 b/G. It also has a un-use 10/100 network port built-in. Notebook surf fine with wirelss, no problem. Internet source is at basement. First notebook is at first floor.

Now, this thing is, I have a second NB, WRG614, Sohoware switch sitting around doing nothing. I want to hook up the 2nd NB at 2nd floor to Internet. Signal is too weak for it to pick up from the basement. That's why I try to use the extra hardwares (Switch, wireless router) that I have to hook up the 2nd NB. Hopefully I can use the first NB as a mid point transmitter. If all this make sense?

 

This will work if you make sure to share internet connection on the other lappy. Otherwise it will not work, because when you are using the wireless int he basement it is actually in control.

If you use it like that make sure the other laptop doesn't heat up...some older ones do when you leave them on for a while.

Good idea to save money.

 

I think I understand - there is an 'existing' set up (including some kind of wireless router) configured in your basement (you called it the 'Internet Source'). You have this additional hardware gathering dust.

So basically you want to use your Netgear as a repeater to extend you range. This can get tricky - but a place to start would be

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13697

Then check out the Netgear forms - you will need to know the details of the 'Internet Source' in the basement as well. It 'may' be able to be done.

You can also play with the location of the "internet source' in the basement or buy / make some high gain antennas. Make sure all your Laptop cards have the latest drivers as well. Look for the huge 'Issues with 2200 card" thread here

Good luck

 

Edit: some more posts came in while I was typing....
Hi ml320,

The short answer should be:" turn on the wireless on the 2nd notebook", but obviously you have some problems with it, so....

So you directly connect to the wireless "internet source" in the basement over your built in 2200b/g. Where does this Internet link come from? If it is a router do you have access to it, or you are connecting to someone's access point? Why your other notebook cannot access this same source (access point, hotspot?) like other people suggested?

Although I still don't get it from your posts (like all people here) - there is a way to bridge the network adapters, so you can use computer as a bridge. You should connect your LAN card (10/100) to your wireless router, and make the bridge connection between the wireless and Lan adapters on your laptop. 2nd laptop will access the router wirelessly and get the Internet connection. But this seems unnecessary for the most part.

Cheers,

 

Quote "This will work if you make sure to share internet connection on the other lappy"
I was trying to do ICS on my first NB but it doesn't work. As for hardware hook up. Can you tell me how to make the connections on the hardware side & what do I need to do on the software side. ICS on the first NB? or both? Do I hook up the 614 to the 10/100 port in the first NB??

 

Thanks for the help here.
I managed to connect my second NB to the Wireless router down at the basement by moving the Router around. But there's still some dead spot on my second floor.
I still trying to proceed my original idea of using either my 2nd wireless router or switch or combination of both thru the first NB 10/100 port(both located at 1st floor), so that my 2nd NB located at 2nd floor will have a better cover range. I really want to walk around with my 2nd NB and be able to connect to the internet all the time.

 

Good for you - you can also try to adjust Antenna orientation (along with moving the router) it may help with some dead sports. Can you get it any higher (ie: closer to the second floor?) on a shelf perhaps ?

 

I know you are trying to solve the problem without buying any extra hardware, but in the long run you will have to buy something. I see three options:
1. If the wireless router in the basement can take a high gain antenna this is one option.
2. There is a piece of hardware called a Range Extender - usually mounted in a hallway or stair landing.
3. You can get a high power wireless adapter (fits in the pcmcia slot) for the second notebook - I use one made by EnGenius. It is 200mW and it is amazing the increase in signal strength compared to my internal adapter, or even a standard pcmcia wireless adapter which I also have. Cost around $25 to $30.

Option #3 would be my preference especially as you say you can sometimes pickup the signal with NB#2 depending on where you are in the room. This method would also come in very usefull when you are travelling, and you can use it in either Notebook.

 

Thanks Chut for your suggestion. As I said b4, I am trying to make it works without spending more $$ if you know what I mean. Why would I have equipments sitting around if I can make a us out of it...
Any suggestion how I shall hook them up.. Any 1??