WRT54G v2 running DD-WRT v23 SP2 - How to get the most out of wifi with it?

I just bought a WRT54G and flashed the DD-WRT v23 SP2 firmware to it, and was wondering how could boost or optimize the wireless signal. I increased the transmit power from 28 to 50 (concerned about router longevity), but was also wondering what else I could do? Perhaps buy new antenna? If so, I'd like to hear personal experiences with specific models unless there isn't a difference in quality between them.

 

Buying a stronger antenna will give it a good boost.

I have the same rooter and i put it on the first floor and the signal was too weak to reach the 3rd floor. I build an antenna reflector to boost the signal. It worked great. It directed more of the signal up and made it stronger in one direction.

Look here:
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/index.html

 

Bumping the factory antennas to 7dbi will give you a huge boost. Remember with dual antennas you have a figure 8 pattern front to back, with a higher. You can run on a single antenna, and get an omni pattern. Cranking the power up to max will shorten the life, and make it run a lot hotter.

 

I have 3 Linksys WRT54GL routers... 2 running DD-WRT (v23 SP2)and 1 Tomato (v1.04) firmware... 2 of them running as client bridges to hook up the XBox, Slingbox, Squezebox, and 2 PCs wirelessly. On the main gateway router, I replaced the stock antenna with the Linksys HGA7T and boosted the output to 42 mW. I also elevated it so it clears most obstructions in the den (PC cases, monitors, etc.). All this resulted in better reception all throughout the house.

On the second floor where the 2 other WRT54GL routers are stationed, the antennas on both are set horizontally as opposed to vertically... I found this resulted in better reception. The reception using the wireless bridges are actually better than reception using the built-in the wireless on my Dell Inspiron (Intel PRO G) so when I am in the room with a WRT54GL, I turn off the laptop's wireless and just hook it up to the bridge.

The open source DD-WRT or Tomato firmwares can also be used to make the router run in WDS or wireless repeater (the latest DD-WRT beta) modes. These settings can be useful in extending overall wireless coverage around the house.

 

How do I bump the antennae to 7dbi? I am not sure what these settings mean.

Is an omni pattern better than a figure eight? Since the signal is transmitted perpendicular to the antennae, I was told I could get better coverage at different levels by adjusting the antennae to different degrees.

 

It is a hardware thing. You need to buy 2 new antennae with 7 or more dbi and take the old antennae off and replace them.

 

Regarding longevity - I was running HyperWRT on my WRT54G for years, with the power boost. It hasn't damaged my router in any way. Go ahead and power it up, you don't have to worry about reducing the lifespan of your router.

 

Linksys has the HGA7T antennas which give 7dbi boost compared to the stock but they are a little pricey. If you search the web you will find generic brands that does the same thing for less.

With the wireless signal boost (via the open source firmware), it pays to do trial and error. Boosting the wireless signal does not always translate to better reception as it might also result in noise getting amplified. In most discussions I have come across, it is usually safe to boost the signal up to around 100mW.

 

Thanks for all the insight! Much appreciated.

 

Increasing that transmit power can make the router run hotter.

 

Mine didn't run any hotter.