Lock onto wireless signal

I live on the second floor of a 1700's building. I live directly above the jukebox which contains the wireless modem. Most days I am able to get a full signal from my room. However, there are days when the signal is intermittent and I will lose connectivity for a little while and it comes back again after different periods of time, anywhere from 2 minutes up to 10 minutes. I know the jukebox draws its information form the internet using the wireless connection so I am not sure if it is taking away from the signal while being played, I would think it would be shared. It is set up for that purpose, to be shared throughout the bar/rooms. I am curious if there is a way to lock onto the signal and keep it locked on or possibly boost my reception of it, with a program or changing my settings, not using any equipment (the landlady is worried that using any equipment would disrupt the jukebox's performance. It is set as Public, and reads that we are getting upwards of 15 Mbps while connected though we are slated to have only three. I believe the boost comes from having several wireless signals surrounding us. Anyone with any idea on how to make my computer stay in touch with the signal permanently please let me know. Other than using equipment. I have read of home made reception devices but am asking here before doing anything of that nature. Thanks as always.

 

The connection speed windows reports is only the speed between the computer and the router, not the actual speed of internet hooked to it. Saddly the only way to get a better signal strength really is to get a wifi card with an external antenna hooked up and get a better antenna.

 

I don't believe that would classify as "equipment".
Would it?

 

Also, what kind of basic connection is being used - cable or DSL? Correct me if I'm wrong - I've always been under the impression that cable is quicker (as a rule) than DSL, but cable speed is affected by the number of node users, whereas DSL doesn't care.

 

I may try that if I can get it to fit into the Jukebox. I would have to come up with a way to make it multidirectional so that it sends the signal through the whole building and all floors. Unfortunately it is in the middle of the building. Thank you.

 

If you want this to reliably work you really shouldn't home build imho, just buy the proper antenna setup and use it as intended to extend the range of your signal. Also keep in mind with greater range comes greater risk of additional people piggybacking on the free wifi if its not secured in anyway. Good luck though!

 

No worries on piggybacking. It is secure. I am considering getting an antennae, but there is limited room in the jukebox and I need as little space as possible taken up. I guess the antennae would be a better choice if I set it straight up, that would give the orb range we need. Thanks!