I have an ASUS RT-AC87R that I'm using for long range (120 ft) reception. I'm wondering what settings I should adjust from the default settings for optimal 2.4ghz reception from 120 feet away. I have the 5ghz frequency disabled.
Update: It's in the downtown area of a small city. As of right now there are 10 other networks in range of my computer. We're sending the signal directly across the street because our building was only wired for DSL.
Here are the current settings:
What you need are directional antennas between access points in both locations. You don't need more power. You do need to make sure you have minimal signal interference. Directional antennas are designed for this exact scenario. It's best if you put them outside, most models are made for that. Point them directly at each other.
Here's some examples from TP-Link:
With your setup, you can't do a lot with the settings, other than selecting an unused channel. See Which Wifi Channel should I use? for advice on channel selection - it boils down to trying them all and seeing which works best. It's all dependent on interference. Getting a free channel will boost signal quality more than any other setting (other than Tx power). I'd also set the Wireless Mode to N, assuming all your devices support N.
You'd get best reception by placing the router in your own office, in bridge mode, and installing a second router in the office across the street. Place them close to the outside wall in a room with no mirrors and without a lot of steel. Do not place them in such a way that a window is between them. Window glass can be extremely bad for WiFi, much worse than walls, depending on the exact type of glass.
