Improving reception in a wireless environment

My friend is a mechanic for an auto dealership and he often needs to go on line to do research, but the wireless environment at the shop is too weak and the IT guy there won't help. Is there an effective way to improve reception on his laptop so that he can go on line without issues? Would you recommend a laptop booster antennae? I would greatly appreciate your inputs. Thank you.

 

Is this what your friend is looking for ?

http://www.amazon.com/802-11g-Wirel...WTKK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1289478344&sr=8-5

 

There are also wireless amplifiers and boosters available - one of my customers uses this Linksys expander in his metal building because of interference issues.

Common sense also prevails: make sure there are no obvious obstacles between the source and the receptor. Sometimes, moving the laptop just a few feet can vastly improve signal strength.

 

Wireless network can be affected by interference just like radios. If there's other wifi networks in the area, download netstumbler (iStumbler for macs) and it'll tell you what wireless (radio) channels are already being used. Just use one that isn't on the list.
Most routers also have a power setting, make sure it's turned up to 100%.
Also check the model of the router. 802.11g routers are fairly common but 802.11n (WifiN) routers are 5 to 6 times faster and have a better range by at least 2x or 3x.

If all that doesn't help, then get a range extender or wire-in a second wireless router.

 

Thank you for all your responses, but as I indicated in the original thread the IT guy there will not help, meaning my friend has no access to the router itself. So, he is looking for some way to increase reception from his laptop and was wondering if a laptop booster antennae actually worked or if there were any other options. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate suggestions that would work from the laptop side.

Caliban, I think your common sense approach is definitely something that I will suggest to my friend. Thank you.

 

I'm not sure. Will that improve his reception?

 

Sounds like they need a new IT guy there as well to be honest.

 

If you know the general direction of your wireless signal from the router, you can use something like this.

http://www.cantenna.com/

http://www.motorhometraveler.com/product-reviews/product-reviews-graphics/wifi-booster-antenna/super-cantenna3.jpg

 

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I will pass it on to my friend.