Linksys WSB24

Pros: Will likely at least marginally improve signals throughout your network.
Cons: Depending upon the receiving device, it's quite possible you won't see any benefit.

Greetings. I imagine that with all of the current Wi-Fi hysteria, there is a fair amount of people out there wondering about this product. To my knowledge and brief research, Linksys is the only prominent Wi-Fi vendor to offer a device of this natur ...

Pros: Simple, no software-required installation, amazing range
Cons: You may get fired for working outside of the office

When I was "forced" to purchase a Linksys WAP11 (see my review here!), I figured that I might as well pick up the matching signal booster. I've always wondered when a company would offer a high-gain antenna that could be purchased at the local...

Pros: simple installation
Cons: doesn't work worth beans for me - actually REDUCED the range

Well, I don't get it. When I installed the Wireless Signal "Booster" it actually REDUCED the signal strength! I set my laptop (IBM Thinkpad that has an excellent built-in wi-fi) across the room from the Linksys Wireless Access Point + Router (BEFW11S4) ...

Pros: Had this baby running in less than 5 minutes. Reaches all corners of the house.
Cons: No cons experienced.

This was the easiest thing to setup I have ever worked with. Easily had it out of the box and functi ...

Pros: Boosts signal from good to excellent in house with room to roam anywhere outside
Cons: there are no cons to write,

Before installing this item the signal in my house was weak at far corners of my house, now It is excellent at all locations and I can move outside to about a half block away and still have signal. I have tried other boosters, even the ones to pick up ...

Pros: Absolutely simple installation.
Cons: None.

Just installed this yesterday. Before I couldn't go 50 foot in my house (through two drywall walls and a refrigerator....) Now, I can walk outside my home and walk 200 feet down the street with about 30% signal left. Can you believe it? Best 75 dollars I've spent. I'll make the money up in time, my signals are STRONG and no drops. BUY ONE TODAY!

Pros: Instant installation
Cons: Makes only a marginal difference

I bought this unit and plugged it in. There isn't anything more to the installation. I think it increased my range maybe 10 feet.

Then I installed an antenna, and raised it up high. (I didn't want to raise the WAP11/WSB24 high because that is unsightly in my den.) Boom, I doubled and even tripled my wireless range.

I was loath to do this initially because I was told that the long pigtail would degrade the signal too much. Nonsense. You can get a low loss cable, and the signal degradation of a 4 foot (or even 10 foot) cable is far less than the gain accomplished by placing an antenna closer to the ceiling.

Don't waste your money on the WSB24. Get a good antenna instead and locate it appropriately.

As an aside, the FCC was limiting the sale of the WSB24 in November 2003, I think, anyway, due to "potential interference issues and uses by non-compatible equipment". That's because some people were using the booster with non-Linksys products. I don't know what the current status is...

Pros: Provides about 5% increase in signal and link strength.
Cons: Expensive and not effective. Does not provide enough signal strength to justify the cost.

I got the Linksys Wireless Router a few months ago and the signal strength in my house was not great. So, I went to Radio Shack and got the $30 pair of 5dB Antennas, this increased signal strength by 50%! For added insurance, I also go this Booster device. It was extremely easy to install, it just sits on top of the router. But it only added about 5% strength, which is very disappointing since it costs about $100 at certain places. The added strength is just not worth the cost.

I do plan to keep the booster however, since it might work better in different locations if I move. My condo is long and narrow and the Router sits at one end, and I have computers at the other end. If I had to do it all over again, I would simply get a stronger (6dB or more) Antenna from a third-party antenna maker.

I did some research on this and found these to be the best:
http://www.hdcom.com/bundles.html#HD19350-1

Good luck on your search for a solid wifi connection!