If you discover a dead spot in a room or office where there's only one device that needs to connect to the network, you might be able to solve the problem by adding an adapter designed to amplify the received signal. It's not a very elegant solution, and it only works in 802.11b and g modes with mid-range equipment. To achieve higher speeds with the latest generation 802.11n, more expensive mid-to-high-end equipment is necessary. Discover how to extend your WiFi signal in dead zones!
Instructables
Instructables, a DIY-focused website for geeks, suggests you can even create your own range-extending adapter by connecting a USB adapter. Even an 11n adapter – onto an extension cable (AP) and then mount it on a signal board to concentrate, like a metal sieve. .
The good news about 802.11n technology is that it reduces the likelihood of Wi-Fi dead spots occurring in the first place, though it does not eliminate them completely.
MIMO Technology
MIMO technology (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology built into 11n access points and adapters uses multiple antennas. It creates optimal links between the AP and clients, responding on the fly to changing network conditions and multiple characteristics.
An 802.11n access point connects to older Wi-Fi devices. Do older devices get any benefit from the «beamforming» capability of the new technology? If you discover dead spots and want to extend your WiFi signal in a small wireless network setup, even when using 11n equipment, you may be able to eliminate them simply by moving the router. In another case, you can move the single access point to a more central position, or away from interfering obstacles, or even higher.
The challenge often lies in extending Ethernet connectivity to the new location when trying to expand the Wi-Fi signal to dead spots.
If it can't be done, the simplest solution is to use a neutral signal booster.
Some SOHO network providers sell simple wireless extenders or repeaters that are installed between the router and the coverage dead spot. They receive signals from the router and retransmit them at a power level into the dead spot.
Important: Most extenders only work with select routers and access points from the same manufacturer. However, Netgear says its universal WN2000RPT WiFi Range Extender works with any access point.
These are all of Band Aid's solutions. The best practice, Sharony says, is to conduct a site survey to identify potential dead spots where you want to extend the Wi-Fi signal and design a network that eliminates them from the outset.
This is one of the most important functions that wireless consultants like Sharony can perform. Although network providers and integrators can also do it.
One of the keys in Wi-Fi network design, Sharony says, is to always build in a «buffer» of radio signal strength, a sort of margin for error. So that when multiple interference causes a drop in strength, as it inevitably will. The signal will be strong enough to provide adequate connectivity everywhere in the facility.
The solution for extending your Wi-Fi signal in dead zones? Invest in a site survey of the location where you plan to install a Wi-Fi network
How do we conduct a Wi-Fi survey?
To conduct a Wi-Fi survey, an Enbex consultant sets up an access point in the middle of the space. They connect to it using a laptop equipped with special mapping software that has the facility layout loaded.
Next, you will navigate through the building's points. Thanks to the use of the software, the coverage characteristics of the maps are studied, analyzing the signals and classifying them as weak, strong, and critical zones.
The result is a heat map showing green areas [connectivity], yellow areas (moderate connectivity), and red areas for critical connectivity.
The best thing about this type of software is that it’s smart enough to automatically calculate the number of access points needed. It does all this to ensure Wi-Fi coverage and make recommendations for their optimal placement.
Description: Study of a wireless network; Wi-Fi network installation by Enbex
Possible ways to solve the problem
If you conduct a site survey and discover that you need more than one AP to eliminate all potential dead spots. There are several possible ways to implement and configure them.
In corporate networks, each access point is typically connected to a backbone Ethernet network that links them to the Internet. More and more new homes today are wired with Ethernet in every room. So it may be possible to design a network in a large new home in the same way.
In that case, you will need to either use one of the solutions mentioned above. You can also install multiple access points configured to operate in "bridge" or "repeater" mode.
A router or AP, connected to the Internet, provides functions like the root, while others, configured in bridge mode, are located closer to dead spots. Connect wirelessly to the root, and at the same time, provide wireless connectivity to nearby client devices.
Even if it's assumed that you only need one access point and don't want to go to the trouble or expense of conducting a site survey. It makes sense to select a router or AP that can support bridge mode. Most of the company's products do, but only the new and higher-end SOHO products.
If you start with an SOHO device that doesn't support bridge mode, and later find that you need additional access points, you'll have to discard the first product and start over.
Also, keep in mind that, for all practical purposes, you will need to standardize on a single vendor's products. This will likely involve a single model, since bridge mode functionality typically uses proprietary protocols.
Some access points can only function in point-to-point bridge mode, meaning you can only wirelessly connect one access point to another.
Learn more about how to extend your WiFi signal in dead spots!
We’ve already learned some great tips and tricks for extending your Wi-Fi signal in dead zones—what else is there? With point-to-multipoint transition products, especially those from this company, you can create a wireless mesh network. This makes it even easier to eliminate dead zones caused by multiple interference effects.
Linksys, Cisco's consumer brand, does not include WDS functionality in all of its router products, on the assumption that it is not needed in a home setting. Cisco's small-business router brand, on the other hand, does include this feature.
Netgear bets on SOHO products with repeater or WDS mode compatibility in both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint modes.
What happens if a site survey isn't conducted?
Poor coverage or dead spots in our Wi-Fi signal that we need to extend are almost inevitable. Even the simplest Wi-Fi networks can have gaps. However, the best approach is to conduct a site survey and design a network that eliminates dead spots from the start.
Without a site survey, if you're lucky, you can eliminate dead spots with minimal cost and effort. However, this does require the installation of additional infrastructure.
Where have we used this technology?
In the installation of company networks, airports, events, residential communities, conferences, public networks, restricted networks, rural Wi-Fi networks, etc.
Now that we've discovered how to extend the WiFi signal in dead spots, learn How to boost your Wi-Fi signal and speed. Don't miss a thing!