07-12-2010, 08:38 PM
cbelt is so correct, and I would add to look out for 2.4 Ghz cordless phones also.
cbelt3 wrote:
What Doc said. please keep in mind as you design your wifi setup that there are a number of unexpected things that block wifi signals. Some problems to be aware of include:
Mirrors (the metal back blocks wifi signals 100%)
Plaster / lath. Metal lath is a metal screen, and seriously attenuates wifi signals.
Stone. Especially ferrous stones. Granite, for example.
Metal backed insulation. That aluminum foil backed stuff.
Aluminum siding.
Kitchens with active microwave ovens (great for nagging 'intermittent" problems. )
When I do a residential wifi survey I set up an access point in a central spot of the house and walk around 'sniffing' to see where I can see it. I had one house that we had to put in four AEBS on an ethernet backbone. I personally prefer the ethernet backbone if the cost to run the cable isn't an issue, because it's more reliable and you end up with a futureproofed distributed high speed network.
I've used omni antennae, which work well, but have their own issues.