Wireless Connectivity

mikem1986

I cant get broadband in my apartment but the pub i live across the road has wireless and its free so if i can access it i can use it, ive asked the landlady there and she says its fine for me to do. I dont have a wireless card thing in my laptop but i have a USB adaptor thing, like a small dongle but it doesnt reach that far. My question is, can i buy a USB adaptor which searches out further for the network or is it case of the landlady having to move her wireless box closer which is basically out of the question? If so where could i buy one of these from?

Any help would be great?

Cricri

Well, USB dongles indeed have a limited range. You could try to get a better quality one, but I wouldn't bet my cash on having it working. You're better off with a more robust device. If you don't get any signal at all with the dongle, you might want something with a pigtail plug. If your budget allows it, you could then use a directional antenna, which I'm sure would work for you. That is, if the signal from the pub crosses the street at all!

mikem1986

Ive seen usb dongles which claim to reach 100m which is easily enough as the pub is about 30m away. I think the reason the dongle doesnt work now is because it was one thrown in with the laptop so doubt it was actually any good. And the signal does have to go through a few walls to reach the pub? I dont want to purchase something without knowing what im buying, money isnt really an issue but i dont want to buy something and then keep having to take it back just because it doesnt reach? Id rather not go through the trial and error process

nephilim

I dont think USB dongles reach 100m at all, at a push you are lucky to hit 25m!! I work in a school and as such, I have to use wireless every day, and the best advice I can offer you is to get a PCI Card used for wireless (Linksys Wireless G Notebook adaptor is the best I have come across), perhaps that could be a thought? The linksys one reaches 60m in horrific weather, so you shouldnt have a problem with that!

mikem1986

do you have a link where i could get one of them from or which high street shop sells them?

thanks

Dave_®f©

Walk out in the street with your laptop and dongle and see how far your getting the pub signal or try it near a window in your house. That'll give you an idea of how much extra distance a new recieving antenna would need.

Buy one on the internet and your covered by distance selling and if it don't work...return it.

BillScarab

Use this template to make a signal booster for your USB dingle and try that first. Apparently they really work.

In the magazine they also suggested putting foil on the back to make it better. Thewre are some instructions and a slightly less celar template here

In the magazine they rtried it with a USB adapter bodged through the middle and that worked as well.

nephilim

I use wireless N in my school as it is mainly for secure networks - http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=265461&CatId=305

but you should use wireless G - http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=133671&CatId=305

and purchase through quidco, as you will get 4% back on it!

GoBoldly

Maplins have several wireless amplifiers I use a Cable & Wireless USB unit which has its own adjustable small aerial. You can use quite a long USB cable on it to possibly get nearer the wifi source

Jay974

Would it not be better to simply take the laptop, and yourself into the pub. not only will you save money on buying additional equipment, you can also turn off the heating in the flat.

Seriously though, Maplins is your best bet. They are doing cards for about £20 which will be fine for the radius you are looking for.