cmackay
join:2004-07-30
Enderby, BC
| Best wireless network adapter?
I can't increase the range of my wireless router anymore, it's maxed out, and still have problems in one location in our home connecting (low signal strength). Is there one laptop adapter that most recommend to get more receive gain on a laptop?
Thanks
CMack |
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stevech0
join:2006-09-17
San Diego, CA
edit:
July 16th, @11:15PM
| among PCMCIA cards and built-in WiFi, in a laptop, you won't see a great difference among products.
try
1) better position for W-router; reduce RF blockages, elevate antennas, etc.
2) Buy a low cost USB WiFi adapter and a 12 ft. USB extension cord. Switch the laptop to use this adapter. Position the adapter favorably in terms of RF blockages to the w-router.
3) Buy or recycle a cheap WiFi router to be an access point. Put that nearer the dead spot. Connect by cat5 to the w-router. How-to on this is on the forum.
4) Put better antenna on w-router. Don't buy at Fry's or BestBuy.
don't forget: the problem is often that your laptop's transmitted power is lower than the w-router's power and thus is the constraint (WiFi is two-way). More antenna gain benefits both Tx and Rx. |
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No_Strings
Premium,Mod
join:2001-11-22
The OC
Host:
General Questions
Wireless Networking
All Things Unix
D-Link
| reply to cmackay
If you're feeling adventurous, you could put in a higher-powered mini-PCI card. Two caveats:
Some BIOSes don't like third party cards.
Some of the extreme cards (400mw Tx power in B mode, for example) are designed for external applications like routers and not for laptops.
»www.netgate.com/index.php?cPath=26_34 |
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cmackay
join:2004-07-30
Enderby, BC | Thanks all, good suggestions.
CMack |
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tschmidt
Premium,MVM
join:2000-11-12
Milford, NH | reply to cmackay
By maxed out I assume you have installed a higher gain antenna and tried moving it to an optimal location.
Have you though about adding an Access Point? That gives you two radios so you are better able to optimize coverage.
/tom |
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