The wireless internet at HTD is incredibly flaky.
I have tried four different wireless routers from the best position I can place them.
Currently we are using a Linksys WAG325N.
My productivity takes a nosedive, frustration multiplies.
Unreliable wireless is worse that dialup internet. At least dialup internet was a constant 28.8kbps.
Wireless that deassociates randomly in the middle of gmail sessions is very trying.
Hi Wayne – Randle here – just stumbled over your blog after looking at someone elses…
Consider purchasing a WRT54GL from somewhere like centrecom – cost is ~$75
And we cover the whole site (almost) with one installed up on the roof in a box (at Christ Church Hawthorn).
This firmware allows it to behave as an access point that will extend your range. It also allows the signal to be boosted.
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#Linksys
Half the trouble is your modem is your network switch is your wireless… poor little network router!
Alternatively network cabling is pretty cheap if you buy it in bulk!
Alternatively try making your own range extender
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/
http://binarywolf.com/249/
http://www.techtastic.ca/articles/homemade-antenna.html
hi Randle!
Great to hear from you.
Yes I’ve seen the dd-wrt project, it looks awesome. It seems to implement obvious features that common routers are crippled not to do. And I’m a big fan of linux.
I already own 4-5 wireless routers, unfortunately none of them can run with dd-wrt. Not even my newer linksys ones.
I’m loathe to buy another router, although as you say the dd-wrt compatible ones are cheap.
I have a quote to get a data network cabled at HTD so hopefully that will fix my problems. If we don’t go ahead with that then I think dd-wrt as an extender will be the next solution. Although two hops of wireless won’t be great latency for web 2.0 apps like gmail or google docs.
I’m sure someone in your congregation could do the data cable extension for the cost of the cable… I did/do all ours… but no, couldn’t possibly have time to do yours!
haha – I will be ringing you ASAP Randle.
It’s a pretty complicated building situation here, so I’m pretty happy getting it done professionally. It’s amazing how essential the internet has become to Christian ministry – or has it!?