Linksys RangeBooster

[jlee2070]

Thinking about the Linksys RangeBooster G Access Point/Router.

Any experiences out there?

Also, does it require compatible RangeBooster Adapters to get the higher range or does it work with "regular" G-Adapters?

[CMasten]

Originally posted by jlee2070
Thinking about the Linksys RangeBooster G Access Point/Router.

Any experiences out there?

Also, does it require compatible RangeBooster Adapters to get the higher range or does it work with "regular" G-Adapters?

I got a little better range with active antennas but the repeaters are expensive and add latency to the whole process. If you really want extend your range and performance (along with perhaps adding WPA encryption) I would highly recommend any of the Pre-N products The standard is still a year or two out and my Belkin unit is light years ahead of any of the wireless G products that I have used over the past few years.

[jlee2070]

Thanks for input...

Using a couple Laptops with built-in G-Adapters. Trying not to require separate adapters for Pre-N is not YET an option. But if nothing viable turns up, I will check that out.

[CMasten]

Originally posted by jlee2070
Thanks for input...

Using a couple Laptops with built-in G-Adapters. Trying not to require separate adapters for Pre-N is not YET an option. But if nothing viable turns up, I will check that out.

I have 5 devices all G, Pre-N works just fine. In fact I dont get dropped near as much as I did with my Cisco or my Linksys WAPs. The Pre-N units are about the same (or less) than the Linksys boosters from what I saw. Another option is to get the better antennas for the unit you have.

[jlee2070]

Again Thanks... Was just reading on Pre-N... Didn't realize it was B and G compatible and will still benefit from some amount of range improvement. But for speed improvement, you still need a N adapter...

I see Linksys as one available. You mentioned Belkin... Wonder which is "better" / cheaper?

[CMasten]

to realize the 108 rate of Pre-N you need N to N.. but I have that also and while it is faster, its not 54 vs 108 faster in the real world. The G devices that you have will also seem much snapier when you transfer laptop to laptop. ( I never liked the switch in my Linksys, the one in the Belkin is better from my experience)

When I was looking at adding a booster they were just about 100 bucks and based on our testing here at the office, not even close to the signal quality or distance that we got out of the Belkin units. I paid about 79.00 for my unit almost a year ago.

[surferbum]

FYI: Saw some articles about problems with the draft 802.11n standard. See links below:


PCWorld recent article

Draft 802.11n Standard Fails To Pass

[rocky]

I have G here, use a laptop and a desktop remotely. the Linksys router is in the basement, computers on first floor. I have taken the laptop to the attic (and potentially a third floor) without loss of signal or speed.

G is plenty fast enough for our needs even when downloading large files

[CMasten]

G is plenty fast enough, but range is the issue, which was where this thread started. I have a large single story home and tired, repeaters, hi gain antennas etc, and while I could get some improvement it was nothing compared to the range of the Belkin Pre-N stuff.

You have to look at the Pre-N for what it is, cutting edge, a 90.00 throw away in a couple of years, but my Linksys units dont even last that long and their performance is fair at best. The Pre-N stuff is all compatable with B and G, so I dont lose any clients, and when the standard does become effeffective, I will buy into that as an upgrade, but I dont see that happening for at least another year or two at this pace.

To give you some idea of range, I can can take my Linksys wireless unit (with TurboBoost) to within 50' of the edge of my home, there are about 4 dead spots which, unfortunately is where I need wireless. I set up additional antennas etc, and got better coverage but noticed the delays with the active units, Hi Gain antennas were more hype than anything but did help some with one dead spot.

Now put in the new Pre-N unit and not only get awesome performance in the house, everywhere, but I can go to a neighbors several doors up, with no problems at all. The other bene for me was WPA encryption. My older B units didnt support it.

I guess my point with my first comment, was a Linksys repeater is about the same price (or more) than a new Pre-N wireless router and the range is only improved in the area you put it. The Pre-N is good in all directions. I was unhappy with the latency it added to my wireless where I had installed it, also I dont have that issue at all with Pre-N.