At 12:13 PM 5/31/2004 -0700, you wrote: >Doug Kit wrote: > >I am presently using a Microsoft wireless 802.11b base station (MN-500) >] >When purchasing any type of wired/wireless hardware, not all products are >created equal nor may they be compatible with certain hardware/software >situations. Do the necessary research and purchase the best you can buy. >Don't let the "I got a good deal" put a bad taste in your mouth when you >find out it wasn't all that good. The bottom line is important and so is the >performance of the hardware. > >David Gillett wrote: > >The physical location of the Ap is probably not as important as the > >location, shape/type, and, for some types, the *orientation* of the > >antenna(e). > > >I have no complaints except it's weak signal 1 1/2 floors from the > >base station, > >Dave made a good observation on the subject. Again, experimenting with >placement may help. I would try putting it as high as possible. As for >boosting the signal, one response was to build "parabolic antennas" Which >for the most part seems reasonable however, there may be some point where >the signal is not omni directional which may defeat the purpose. 1 1/2 >floors from the base may be the limit of your equipment. Check the specs of >your base to see what the signal output is or should be. I recently installed a Netgear 'G' router so I could put two of my systems upstairs. One thing I found is that I got better signal strength by adjusting the antenna on the upstairs systems so they stick out horizontal rather than vertical. Definitely play with orientation and position. Russ Poffenberger NPTest, Inc. [log in to unmask] PCBUILD's List Owners: Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]> Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>