New help on best set-up in configuring wireless network in a large house?

need to help a friend of a friend. They bought a large home, 5300 sq
feet.
They have 3 computers. One computer is on RoadRunner via Cable Modem.
Connected to that is the standard 802.11b wireless router.

They have 2 other desktop PC's (one on same floor) with USB Wireless
Connectors that are not receiving the signal in this new house.

I told them that they probably will need the following in the order
listed.

1. Upgrade to Linksys 802.11G everywhere, The 2 PC with USB wireless
connections will have an antenna of course that can be moved around. I
think this is better than a PCI adapter on the back of the box.
2. If need be use a Hawking Antenna or put Linksys 7dbi antennas on the
Router
3. If necessary add a Range Extender from Linksys.

4. If all else fails-perhaps I could try a Belkin Pre-n router but not
sure they make USB pre-n adapters for other PC's. Perhaps use this with
the Linksys G but not sure this would help.

I do have a cheapie $30 Hawking Wireless signal strength detector I
will try in their house and see if I am getting a signal in various
places.

Unfortunately I do not have a wireless laptop (nor do they) to walk
around the house with to test things.

Ideas on my logic, opinions, recommendations?
Only use of the 2 wireless PC's is for web surfing.

Thanks, Patty

 

wrote in @c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

You could look at a wireless repeater to extend the range. You can also
post your questions at alt.internet.wireless where the Top Guns hang.

Duane

 

They are unlikely to get 'g performance, given the size of the place
(life is so tough sometimes) but even so, 11 Mb/s should give reasonable
surfing... signal strength detectors are OK but are only valid for the
instant in which you do the test.. any movement of persons, change of
furniture location etc can affect signal levels a lot..

External antennae ( to the PC and/or AP/router etc) will help if you
position them correctly - high, with no metal in the vicinity is a good
place to start - but not guaranteed... radio is a black art.. but the
basics of good signal locating holds true.. having an antenna in the
middle of the hall or on the dinner table isn't great from some points
of view, but if it works for your situation then you are the only one
that can make the call.. just another compromise (like putting speakers
in corners etc)...

 

Thanks all very much..except idiot tit guy
Peter

 

Okay unless the house is 3 feet wide and 1500 feet + long then I think you
should be okay. Normally if its a finished basement, then the house really
isn't that large. I live in a 2300 sq ft house because the basement isn't
finished if it was, thats another 2000 sq ft. So 4300, so therefore not
really that big. Plus if you add a second floor, That house isn't impossible
large for wireless needs. Most will operate easily at ranges of 500ft
straight line between the components. I would try to first centrally locate
the Router. It doesn't allways have to be next to the main computer.