Range dilemma

[stevech]

Maximum Simultaneous Connections (Sessions). It's one of our Router tests.

"connections" meaning WiFi client associations (rather than TCP connections or active NATs, etc.)?

 

[thiggins]

"connections" meaning WiFi client associations (rather than TCP connections or active NATs, etc.)?

Not wireless associations. Router sessions / connections

 

[stevech]

Not wireless associations. Router sessions / connections

??? say, streaming VoIP or video is connectionless. Most use a variant of UDP/RTSP. Unlike TCP, these are connectionless.

Perhaps this: They should rate consumer routers on: Packets per second on the WAN port, for some WAN capacity (test lab, say, 10Mbps constant). The packets/sec (pps) achieve show how fast the router's CPU is, and how much overhead it has.

Now this could be varied by whether QoS is on for some/all flows, on certain protocols or LAN ports, etc.

 

[oldtrlrnr]

More questions on my range dilemma

Stevech, you said, "the client and router must be at the same data rate in 802.11a/b/g and most 11n. Therefore, the client's transmitter power is the constraint, i.e., the "weakest link"." Does this mean that it would be a waste of money to implement a higher powered router or a high-gain antenna without also upgrading the client adapter or antenna?

I admit to being somewhat confused here. This whole area is new to me, and I'm struggling to learn about the most cost-effective ways to extend wi-fi range. My current understanding is that 802.11n routers really don't have more range than 802.11g units, so it seems that (not being able to run cable for a 2nd AP) my best alternative is high-gain antennas. But I'm not sure one on the router only would help; maybe I'd need something on the client end too?

Hope someone can point me to some relevant articles &/or products. Grateful for any advice.

Bob

 

[thiggins]

The most cost-effective ways to increase wireless range are:

1) Relocate the AP
2) Upgrade to higher gain antennas.

Boosting antenna gain works for both transmit and receive.
Boosting transmit power only helps the AP to reach farther.

More in:
How To Fix Your Wireless Network - Part 3: Increasing Coverage

How To Fix Your Wireless Network - Part 4: Antennas

 

[oldnavy]

I have two 4 dbi antennas left after WHR-PCI-G54 routers (both routers are dead). May I use them with ESR9850 instead its 2dbi antenna and get some range increasing?

 

[thiggins]

Assuming the connectors are compatible, sure. But don't expect much in the way of range increase. You need at least 6 dB of additional gain to make a significant difference. (Standard antennas are rated at 2 dBi.)

 

[stevech]

Stevech, you said, "the client and router must be at the same data rate in 802.11a/b/g and most 11n. Therefore, the client's transmitter power is the constraint, i.e., the "weakest link"." Does this mean that it would be a waste of money to implement a higher powered router or a high-gain antenna without also upgrading the client adapter or antenna?

Bob

Antenna gain is always the best, because it applies to both transmitting and receiving, and this applies to either/both client and WiFi rourter/access point.

Getting a supposedly high power WiFi router/access point creates a stronger signal in only one direction. So like a rock band with a gigantic sound amplifier, it is one-way. (Tipster has yet to see the light in this topic - he keeps espousing the virtues of high power routers)