Wi-Fi Booster

Is there something that would allow my laptop to pick up weak Wi-Fi signals?

Rebecca

 

For anyone who is already using a USB dongle without an external antenna, a 6' or 10' USB extension cord will usually give about the same results. Just lift the end of the cord with the WiFi dongle up in the air (or near the window of attempting to mooch an unsecured signal nearby).

USB extension cords are cheap - a 6 footer is usually under $5 at Fry's or Amazon.

Hope this helps.

 

Aha! I already have USB extension cords - I will get the dongle and set it in the window! Thanks both of you!

Rebecca

 

The little switch that turns off the WiFi broke off a long time ago. I will have to get a toothpick and see if I can switch it off.

Rebecca

 

Go to CONTROL PANEL > DEVICE MANAGER and find the built-in WiFi card in the list. Click on the "drivers" tab and then click "disable device". This way, even if the light stays on, the internal WiFi card will be disabled.

Hope this helps.

 

Hi Gain wireless antennas, that will work with most USB/Wireless dongles, come in different sizes from 3db gain to 5 db gain to a whopping 9db gain antennad 15" long.

I have several of the BIG Boys and they do a great job. If you're getting an external WiFi USB dongle, you just as well get one that is at least 150N, or even 300N. The difference in price is not that much.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g90/DrWho1943/Computer%20Stuff/7dbGain.jpg

This is my Acer Aspire ONE, netbook with a USB WiFi adapter and a 7db gain antenna.

These things are readily available over the internet.

I have two of the 9db gain antennas on my Linksys G router. It's a good way to give your router more coverage.

Cheers Mates and Happy Holidays!
The Shadow

 

Buy a dongle with a removeable antenna. Build a custom Yagi array, impedance match it to 50 ohms, and connect it to the dongle. The antenna will be about 2 feet long and will require you to point it at the router you desire to connect through.

5-7 and even 9 db will look amateurish. I've run across dedicated RV'ers with such setups picking up Wi-Fi signals from a mile away where interference is limited. A few hundred yards is trivial with such an arrangement.