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[torano]

Single mode G.

[FurryNutz]

well single mode G at 2.4Ghz should be getting you great signal and range.  I might try shifting the channel and the transmisstion rate...see if auto 20/40 or just 20 works better. For 1800 sq ft, it should be getting all over. I've got 2200Sq ft here. Are there any other WiFi in the area?

[torano]

well single mode G at 2.4Ghz should be getting you great signal and range.  I might try shifting the channel and the transmisstion rate...see if auto 20/40 or just 20 works better. For 1800 sq ft, it should be getting all over. I've got 2200Sq ft here. Are there any other WiFi in the area?

Yeah there are a bunch of others - mix of N and G. However, I have picked channel 2, which is out of the way of the others by 4+ channels. In the router options, should I select "auto scan channels" (or whatever it' s called")?

I'll see if I can find the transmission rate, but the two options I mentioned a few posts up seemed to help also.

Now... to figure out the best way to use that damn extender antenna.

[FurryNutz]

You could deselect that auto channel scan and see if that helps any, will have to run thru and see if any of them helps pick up the signal any. IF you have other WiFi in the area, could be interference. Happens.  Let us know how it goes.

[torano]

Honestly I just want an answer from d-link tech support on this. They should be able to tell me how to use the range extender I purchased (made by d-link) with the 4500 (made by d-link). Sent a note to tech support but not sure if/when I'll get a response.

Edit: Gah, didn't mean that to seem unappreciative of your help so far. Sorry.

[FurryNutz]

No worries bud...just hope I can help and understand your frustration. Might send a PM to the moderator on here and see if you can get any more answers. I know, tech support is the greatest. 

[Kamikazi2142]

i use three of Hawking Tech's High Gain Antenna's

Link is = http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=58&ProdID=214

I find that the antenna's the DGL-4500 came with to be just barely cutting it, so i threw these on, AWESOME performance, works with 5Ghz, no signal loss with new updates, very happy with investment!

As for the three radio's, they are identical radio's broadcasting in unison, the reason for the three radio's is to ease the load per radio, since one radio trying to communicate with 8+ computers simultaneously is impossible.  The radio's do not broadcast individual 802.11 modes, i have debunked this my self, N seemed to be on one, then wait a minute it's on another.

For some reason i am having an issue with my Blackberry 8530, it seems to think my DGL-4500 is a Charter Communication Hotspot... ? WTF?

[Trikein]

Well I will take ownership of this one, since I was the one who told you to buy it. It worked great on my 4300, so I assumed it would work on a 4500, and while it still might, I shouldnt have made that assumption with my accurate testing, and I am sorry.

Now lets get down to buisness:

Hardware
DGL-4500 A2 with 1.22NA
DWL-AG530 driver 5.3.0.46

Network Configuration
802.11G Only at 2.4Ghz
Auto Channel Scan on
Transmission Rate - Best
WPA2-PSK with AES
WMM Enabled
Short GI On
Extra Wireless Protection Off
DWL-AG530 all settings set to default.

Location
The router is located about 10-12 feet above the adapter, directly under it, but with a brick wall (the front of my house on the first floor) next to the wireless desktop.

Results
Using the Status > Wireless page for a semi accurate Signal % I get around 80-90%. This does change quite frequently too, whether that normal or not, I do not know. For the sake of this test, we will call the antenna closest to the power cord A, the one in the middle B, and the one furthest from the power cord C.  The first thing I did was remove all the antennae and was surprised I still got a signal of 17%. Then when I put in C, it went to 24. I unscrewed C and just screwed in B, and got about the same. I then unscrewed B and screwed in A, and it jumped to about 70-72%. I unscrewed A and just screwed in B and C and got about 40-45%. And with A and C, it was still around 70%.

Hypothetical
So I think Antenna A(closest to the power cord) is the domminent broadcaster while in G. With maybe radio assist from C? Where my question is, when does NIMO go into effect? Theres no setting to turn it on or off, so I assume its always on? But if the connection can still be active with one antenna, maybe it adjusts automatically? Because I don't see how you can get NIMO with one antenna.

Suggestions
Put the extender closest to the power cord. Also try enabling and disabling the Short GI and the Extra wireless protection. Also, if you have Android OS phone, download a free app called "WiFiScan". Not only does it tell you your channel, it gives you a portable platform with a DB read out on signal strength, which is great for finding the best place for a antenna on the receiving end. It also helps in the orientation of the antenna. I laptop will do as well, just don't pay any attention to the bars, since they are not accurate at all.

[torano]

Not at all your fault. It was a good suggestion and one that I actually mentioned in the OP. I agree with your recommendations, however I have Short GI off which gives me better reception.

Overall, with the external antenna I get about 48% signal and max 24 Mbps (usually 12) about 40 feet away from the router - this is through multiple walls and up a floor. Without the antenna I get about 30% signal, so it does help. I'm assuming that if I got two more, the signal would be around 65%. However that won't be happening as the one is ugly enough.

[Trikein]

Well you could do what I did, duck tape them to the side(inside) of the closest door next to my work desk. You could also intergrate them into a picture frame. Way I see it, you have 5 choices.

1. Increase router dBi
2. Increase client dBi and/or size.
3. Decrease distance from router to clients
4. Run RJ45
5. Increase freq. of wireless

Each have their pro and cons. When it comes to networks its: price, performance, elegance. Pick two. You might want to look into what industrial options you have. But thats not going to be cheap. You might also consider getting a 3G router. Call your Cell provider and see what they have. Dlink offers the DIR-450. It all depends on your budget.

[torano]

Looked at my hardware version and it's rev A2. I remember reading about version A, that they are not ideal. Is that the culprit?

Also, what percentage error rate is acceptable for wireless? Currently I'm getting a 2.5-4% error rate.

[Trikein]

Well there is no revision B, I don't think. Just A1 and A2, but someone correct me if I am wrong. And I think A1 was the one with problems with the 1.22, so your in the clear. Plus, I doabt there was any major change between the two. And antenna configuration would be a major change. Could just be they changed the color of the lights. LOL

[torano]

Quick update. Things seem to be better and more stable overall. I *think* this is due to the combo of two things:

Auto Channel Scan on
Short GI off

I put the antenna extender into the port next to the power per Trikein's advice. Seems to be working out so far!

[Trikein]

First, glad things are better. Second, thats actually interesting. As I understand it, Short Guard Interval (GI) is the process of attaching a buffer that includes all data obtained from a antenna before and after a single transmission is incorporated into that transmission timeslot. Its kind like saying "over" on a walkie talkie. Each person knows not to talk until they here "over". Except with this, its a little bit different, because sometimes something important is said after the "over" so a long GI assumes it a echo if its within a certain timeframe.

In reality, what this means is it allows better separation of channels and individual broadcasts on a single channel in trade off with performance. If turning short GI helps, that means your having problem with echo, interference, and overall wireless signal problems. Is there alot of networks in your area? Also..have your tried moving the network somewhere else? Maybe to a friends house and just try out the range there? Maybe theres a Cell phone tower near by or something that is messing with your wireless signal. Just a thought.

[torano]

First, glad things are better. Second, thats actually interesting. As I understand it, Short Guard Interval (GI) is the process of attaching a buffer that includes all data obtained from a antenna before and after a single transmission is incorporated into that transmission timeslot. Its kind like saying "over" on a walkie talkie. Each person knows not to talk until they here "over". Except with this, its a little bit different, because sometimes something important is said after the "over" so a long GI assumes it a echo if its within a certain timeframe.

In reality, what this means is it allows better separation of channels and individual broadcasts on a single channel in trade off with performance. If turning short GI helps, that means your having problem with echo, interference, and overall wireless signal problems. Is there alot of networks in your area? Also..have your tried moving the network somewhere else? Maybe to a friends house and just try out the range there? Maybe theres a Cell phone tower near by or something that is messing with your wireless signal. Just a thought.

That *is* interesting. I had no idea that's what it was. I need to try turning it back on again. When I was experimenting, I didn't take the time to evaluate each setting for an extended period. I will try turning it back on again. I don't have a ton of networks around me - maybe 3 within decent signal range.