How do i know about the SpeedBooster?

Question

I was wondering if i had to turn on the speedbooster on my router. The connection on it is only 54mbs and i didnt know if it should be faster with the boster, plus i have the wireless adapter that has speed boost both at 35%, im new to this stuff so i dont really know much about it. Thank you

Answer 1

It's not clear from your note what router you are using now.  Are you using a Linksys router?  Which one?  What have you done so far to try to fix the problem with your current router?  Do you still have any hope of getting your current router to work?  Perhaps all you need to fix your current system is a directional antenna, such as a Cantenna.  Directional antennas focus the radio signals where you need them, thereby improving range.  What kind of adapter do you have in your computer -- wireless b, g, or n?
Since I don't know what is causing your current wireless problems, its hard to say if a new router will fix the problem or not.  Its possible that your new home is constructed in such a way that it is difficult for wireless signals to penetrate it.  Some users have reported that they could not get a wireless signal in the next room (less than 20 feet), while others get over 100 feet range with ordinary wireless g.
You asked about a new router, but I'm not sure if you meant the WTR54GS (Wireless g Travel router with Speedbooster), or the WRT54GS (Wireless g with Speedbooster).  If you wanted to replace your router, I would suggest one of the following routers:
WRT54GS  -  This would accept the HGA7T high gain antennas, if you need them.   If the range is still not enough, you could buy a matching speedbooster adapter for your computer.  Maximum speed increase over ordinary wireless g is probably 10 to 35%.
WRT54GL  -  An overall good router.
WRT100  -  Wireless g router with rangebooster.  If you found that your range was insufficient with the router alone, you could buy a matching rangebooster adapter for your computer.  Maximum speed increase over ordinary wireless g is probably 35 to 100%.
WRT300N - Wireless n router.  If you found that your range was insufficient with the router alone, you could buy a matching wireless n adapter for your computer.  Maximum speed increase over ordinary wireless g is probably 100 to 200%.
To get the maximum speed and range with any of the above routers, you must use the matching adapters in your computer.
If you want to try to get your current Linksys router working better, here are a few tips: 
There are many causes for poor wireless connections, and many solutions:
First of all, give your network a unique SSID. Do not use "linksys". If you are using "linksys" you may be trying to connect to your neighbor's router. Also set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Poor wireless connections are often caused by radio interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. This includes wireless phones, wireless baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless speakers, and your neighbor's wireless network. In rare cases, Bluetooth devices can interfere. Even some 5+ GHz phones also use the 2.4 Ghz band. Unplug these devices, and see if that corrects your problem.
In your router, try a different channel. There are 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band. Usually channel 1, 6, or 11 works best. Check out your neighbors, and see what channel they are using. Because the channels overlap one another, try to stay at least +5 or -5 channels from your strongest neighbors. For example, if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, try any channel 1 through 4.
Also, try to locate the router about 4 to 6 feet above the floor, in an open area. Do not locate it behind your monitor or near other computer equipment or speakers. The antenna should be vertical.
Also, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed. Delete any network named "linksys". Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use. If your current network is not listed, enter its info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings".
If the above does not fix your problem, download and install the latest driver for your wireless card.
For wireless g routers, try setting the "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps. For wireless n routers, try setting the "n Transmission Rate" to 162 Mbps, and the (wireless g) "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps.
If you still have trouble, download and install the latest firmware for your router. After a firmware upgrade, you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
Hope this helps.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 10-24-2007 11:37 PM