4th September 2002

Question: Is there any way to boost the range of my Linksys 802.11b access point to reach my back porch? I have read about concoctions made from Pringles cans but I am new to this and I don't know anything about RF?

Answer: Wireless access points send out their signals using antennas, and just like television antennas you can always rig up something to increase the range. Of course, if you are like me, then you just go buy a more powerful antenna. I may be a technical person but I still don't mind saving myself some time and frustration. This same principal holds true for some wireless access points. Many wireless access points have removable antennas that can be replaced with more powerful antennas from a store like Radio Shack. Why mess with the Pringles cans and just have something that looks ugly when you could spend a few bucks and have something a little more functional. Of course, another option may be to just move the wireless access point closer to the back porch or try aiming the antennas in that direction.