network adapters

hi, just a quick question about wireless network adapters, my friend is using a belkin F6D4050 v1 network adapter on his laptop, just wondered if there are any better adapters available as his signal seems a little weak compared to the internal adapter in my laptop, if any one knows of any better ones could you please let me know? thank you

 

Yes, there are all kind of new adapters that are better. But they still will not improve a weak signal, if it is caused by poor placement of the Wireless Access Point, or too far from the Access Point.

 

ok, thanks, but why do i get a stonger signal on my laptop with out it? in some areas the adapter wont pick up any signal yet with my internal adapter it does

 

Interference with the external antenna on that USB adapter, if both the internal & external USB devices are active at the same time. You should only run one Wireless Network adapter on a computer. It is fine to do wired & wireless at the same time, but wireless adapters, especially if they operate on the same band (2.4ghz or 5ghz (with 2.4ghz ability)).

 

I agree with everything brownizs said but will add that that specific USB 2.0 Belkin is 11n 150Mbps adapter. The internal adapter on your notebook may be an 11n 300Mbps and not go via USB. And while it is not typical you will ever achieve the full bandwidth of either, the 300 (if there is one) may still be a bit quicker.

Also, the orientation of the internal antenna vs that of the USB 2.0 adapter can be a factor. Simply turning 90° in the chair can make a difference, especially if at the far end of the effective range.

Plus, many notebooks with internal adapters actually have more than one antenna with different orientations to optimize range and performance.

He may be better off with something like this. The main thing I don't like about those type adapters is that it is easier to knock the adapter against something that then damages the USB port.

That said, the first thing I would do if him is move closer to the WAP (most commonly integrated into a "wireless router") and see if that improves things.