I realize that this post was over a month ago, but I've been too busy 
until now to give it the full response it requires....

  The list of components involved here appears to demonstrate some 
misunderstandings about how these devices are supposed to work together.  So 
let's start with that.
  There are two common sorts of wireless netsork -- "ad hoc", where two 
computers use wirless to pass information between them, and 
"infrastructure", where one or more wireless-equipped computers connect 
wirelessly to "base stations" -- access points -- on a wired network which 
offers resources such as an Internet connection.  The latter appears to be 
what Diane has attempted to build.

  Device 1. is a DSL modem, a bridge between a local Ethernet segment and a 
carrier DSL line.  It connects to the WAN port ot device 2., which although 
called a "wireless router" contains three functional devices in one package.
  The router core exchanges packets between the local LAN network and the 
carrier network.  An included bridge provides multiple wired LAN ports -- 
usually 4, although she hasn't specified the model so the number might be 
different.  Built in is an access point, a bridge between the wired LAN and 
the RF spectrum for wireless devices to attach to the LAN.
  Ideally, if there is a signal booster, it should be attached to the 
wireless rig in the router; this is supposed to be difficult if they are if 
different brands (FCC regulation).  If a separate access point is provided 
(device 3.) then the wireless capability of the router should be turned OFF.
  Note that most "signal boosters" (device 4.) are really various forms of 
directional antenna, and so the orientation of this device can greatly 
impact it effectiveness.  The FCC limits the overall radiated power, but 
allows devices to focus it in specific directions rrather than distribute it 
evenly in all directions.

  The wireless client upstairs (device 6.) should be connecting with this 
focused signal, leaving nothing for the other access point (device 5.) to do 
except generate interference.
  There *is* a device called a wireless bridge, which looks conceptually 
like an access point set to connect with a single client.  It would be the 
thing to use if Dian had a wired network upstairs to be joined to the 
downstairs network and its resources.  Not all access points can be 
reconfigured for this role; IF she were doing that, the upstairs PC would 
have a wired connectiuon to the upstairs AP, with the wireless just bridging 
the gap between upstairs and downstairs.  There's no sign here that Diane is 
trying to operate sucha a link.

  Encryption of a wireless connection needs to be at both ends; in this 
scenario, typically between devices 3. and 6.  It will do nothing to 
*strengthen* the signal.  What it does is make it harder for unauthorized 
neighbors to listen to your traffic (looking for credit card numbers?) and 
make their own use of resources such as the DSL line.

David Gillett


On 5 Nov 2007 at 13:16, D Duncan wrote:

Date sent:      	Mon, 5 Nov 2007 13:16:23 -0800
Send reply to:  	Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
             	<[log in to unmask]>
From:           	D Duncan <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:        	[PCBUILD] Wireless LAN encrypting
To:             	[log in to unmask]

> I'm hoping you can tutor me on the theory and execution of encrypting a 
> residential wireless LAN.
> 
> downstairs:
> 1.-DSL modem cabled to
> 2.-DLink wireless router RJ45'd to
> 3.-Linksys access point wired with/to
> 4.-Linksys signal booster
> upstairs:
> 5.-Linksys access point
> 6.-Linksys wireless adapter usb'd to PC (XP)
> 
> Now, the signal upstairs is really sporadic, but I think that may be 
> because the signal from downstairs has to travel through an environment 
> with brick and metal and assorted other noisy stuff.
> 
> When the upstairs pc goes online, it takes a few minutes to complete and 
> the signal info on the linksys adapter monitor widget notes a weak 
> signal plus others in the neighborhood who are presently online.
> 
> I'm wondering if encrypting the signal would bump up the upstairs signal 
> strength?
> 
> Would I encrypt (WEP, right?) node 2. (as listed above) or...?
> 
> Would all the other nodes automatically be ok with that, or would I have 
> to manually do stuff?
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> Diane
> 
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