My housemate is moving into a house almost directly opposite mine. I want to share my network and internet connection with him.

Its probably around 30m with direct line of site, both properties have large bay windows at the front facing each other.

There's no possibility of running cables over the road.

Map of the area (my place in yellow, his in red).



Other than sticking my router/a repeater in my front window and hoping a repeater in his front window can see the network from his window, are there any options I have to increase the chances of him getting a strong and reliable connection?

You can get directed/line of sight antennas I think? I would think 'N' range coverage should be enough without extra equipment though as that is supposedly up to 250m outdoors and 70m indoors (of course we know it will never be anyhwere near that). If you opt for 5Ghz instead of 2.4Ghz you shouldn't get any interference.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

x2

Quote from: matt5cott on June 11, 2012, 16:15:54 PM
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

x2

Was going to link to that (or a similar article anyway)

Quote from: matt5cott on June 11, 2012, 16:15:54 PM
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

x2

I've failed to extend a wireless network before using similar DIY approaches ... I think I've reached the stage of life where, if possible, i'd rather pay for a guaranteed solution.

Currently I have two Virgin Superhubs (one in use as the main modem, one spare) and a Netgear router of some description, the Superhubs are meant to have terrible wireless range and I dont think the Netgear is N.

Two of these perhaps? One in each window?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TL-WA830RE-300Mbps-Wireless-Range-Extender/dp/B006BBYXPA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339428941&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Easy if you can't put cables over the road, dig under it...

I am going to set a 2 kilomer link sometime this summer, using 2 of these http://www.tradlost.se/shop/catalog_en/Gallerantenn%2024%20dBi%2C%202.4%20GHz-p-16285.html

I am sharing my internet with friend in a house next to me about 20 meter using two Linksys WRT bridged using Tomato, one is in a window and the other one the inside of a wooden wall.

Quote from: Clock'd 0Ne on June 11, 2012, 16:08:27 PM
You can get directed/line of sight antennas I think? I would think 'N' range coverage should be enough without extra equipment though as that is supposedly up to 250m outdoors and 70m indoors.

Squared, or cubed or something.  It's not 250/70 in all directions.

Quote from: soopahfly on June 11, 2012, 19:10:12 PM

Quote from: Clock'd 0Ne on June 11, 2012, 16:08:27 PM
You can get directed/line of sight antennas I think? I would think 'N' range coverage should be enough without extra equipment though as that is supposedly up to 250m outdoors and 70m indoors.

Squared, or cubed or something.  It's not 250/70 in all directions.

That can't be right, 250m is about 16m if squared! I'm pretty sure I can get signal on my iPhone 30m away from my house on wireless G... to be honest setup the wireless by the window, and see if he can get a decent signal on his laptop, if he can then you should be ok to go for a more permanent solution.. You might even be able to use a home plug adapter if you are on the same phase electric! Just remember to encrypt the traffic

Wireless repeaters with antennas that can be positioned to a certain direction would give you the best option. Or buy some of that laser sh*t they use on office blocks