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General discussion

How do I improve signal Strength? (i.e. what should I buy)?

Mar 9, 2005 4:45AM PST

What is the simplest, cheapest and most effective way to get better wireless signal strength on my laptop? My 802.11g wireless router is a different room than I usually use my laptop in (and I can't move either) and my "signal strength" is usually only around 50%, which seems to be effecting my connection speed. What can I do to get that signal strength much stronger?

thank you!

Discussion is locked

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Router
Mar 9, 2005 12:18PM PST

A range expander or a high gain antena. How far away are you from your laptop and what are your walls made out of?

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How effective are range expanders and antennas?
Mar 9, 2005 6:54PM PST

I'm about 100 feet away from the router, but I live in an old apartment building in NYC and the walls are very thick.

Do you know how effective range expanders and/or high gain antennas are? My signal strength is only in the 40-50% range now, any idea on how high these options could boost it?

Thanks

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I have a CANTENNA.
Mar 9, 2005 8:12PM PST

It's great for making it directional and getting what you can to/from a specific area. About 30 bucks.

Another favorite trick is to get an ethernet Wifi "Client" device and then it's much like those USB Wifi dongles in that you can move the client around without moving the laptop/desktop. Also I can fit an antenna if need be. From 50 to 200 bucks.

bob