how to configure antennas on wireless-N router

[Sparko]

OK I got a new toy,



It a Linksys wrt600n wireless N dualband dual radio router.

I was waiting on the DLink DIR-855 but they recalled it and never released it again. :-(

anyway, i am going to set this thing up in the next day or two and I dont have a clue what the best configuration is for the three antennas.

I looked online and nothing is said regarding them.

So should I set it up with the paddle in line with the two sticks (like the photo) or 90-degrees form them? Do I get the best reception in line with all three antennas or should I face them so that they are parallel to my notebook?

Sure I can and probably will fiddle with them, but I am hoping someone might have some clues as to which setup gives the best receptions in what directions.

[Tickle Me Mercury]

I didn't think it really mattered all that much? It seems like the few inches of wiggle-room would be insignificant to cause a change in the broadcast range.

I usually just set up the routers like that: antennae straight up.

[$cirisme]

I don't think you'll see a significant difference unless you're in a gray area.

[NSMinistries]

that thing looks like one of my old CB radios I had as a kid...

[Seasanctuary]

Turning off B and G capability is your best bet.

[JenSen]

There isn't much difference, Sparko. If you find keeping the paddle and the sticks in line causes some interference, just try messing with it a bit, as you said. Turning it one way or the other towards your notebook shouldn't make much difference. Those Linksys routers are what we call the 'smart' routers - no positioning required really. The only time you'd want to move it around some, obviously, is if it couldn't fit into the space you want to put it in (it should be in one with space though). People I've talked to have generally configured those little guys with everything straight up like in the picture, and it's been fine.

[Sparko]

I don't think you'll see a significant difference unless you're in a gray area.

well I am also thinking of my neighbors. I want to minimize the interference with any of them so I would like to set it up so it covers my house and as few neighbors as possible. So if the radius is an ellipse, then I would want the long end to be east and west rather than north/south, because there are only two houses the first way, and they are fairly far away.

[NSMinistries]

well I am also thinking of my neighbors. I want to minimize the interference with any of them so I would like to set it up so it covers my house and as few neighbors as possible. So if the radius is an ellipse, then I would want the long end to be east and west rather than north/south, because there are only two houses the first way, and they are fairly far away.

see its people like you that keep me off the net when Comcast goes down... got to love the unsecured powerful routers on dsl in my neck of the woods...

[Sparko]

see its people like you that keep me off the net when Comcast goes down... got to love the unsecured powerful routers on dsl in my neck of the woods...

well I would never run an unsecured router anyway, so my broadcast into my neighbors space would be just intrusive anyway, since they cannot access it.

although there is a known drug dealer down the road a bit. the police are always there. I wonder if I should aim it at his house and name the network "DEA FIELD OPS" or something. if he has a wireless computer that should make him pretty nervous.

[$cirisme]

I like that DEA idea.

[Sparko]

I like that DEA idea.

I wonder if it would tempt people to try to crack the network though?

[JenSen]

The number of people who leave their wireless connection wide open without protection is unbelievable. Apartment complexes are the worst. All someone with a car and a laptop typically does to get a connection is sit in a parking lot and see how many people have open connections. And securing your network is a piece of cake, too.

[NSMinistries]

God Bless those with DSL and unsecured routers... I'd miss my email if it weren't there...

[JenSen]

point proven

[Em7add11]

I'll bet if you arrange the antennas to all focus on the same area, you could give something cancer.