Wireless Signal Boosters

How can I improve my laptop's wireless signal?

I am catching my neighbors internet but I want to improve the connection. I KNOW there is a way - I just haven't found it yet. If you're going to tell me to buy something - then please give me a specific name of the product instead of just saying something like "get a booster." I have an acer 5100 latop with a BUILT IN wireless card. I do have USB ports and a card slot. Thank you so much for your help. Thumbs up to anyone that tries to help. Thumbs down to anyone that is a moron.

Public Comments

1. increase the height of the arial
2. You can boost the signal range of a WiFi computer network in several ways: * reposition your router (or access point) to avoid obstructions and radio interference. Both reduce the range of WiFi network equipment. Common sources of interference in residences include brick or plaster walls, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. Additionally, consider changing the WiFi channel number on your equipment to avoid interference. * upgrade the antenna on your router (or access point). WiFi antennas on most wireless base stations can be removed and replaced with more powerful ones. * add another access point (or router). Large residences typically require no more than two APs, whereas businesses may employ dozens of APs. In a home, this option requires connecting your primary wireless router (access point) to the second one with Ethernet cable; home wireless routers and/or APs don't normally communicate with each other directly. * add a bi-directional WiFi signal amplifier to wireless devices as needed. A WiFi signal amplifier (sometimes called "signal booster") attaches to a router, access point or Wi-Fi client at the place where the antenna connects. Bi-directional antennas amplify the wireless signal in both transmit and receive directions. These should be used as WiFi transmissions are two-way radio communications. * add a WiFi repeater. A wireless repeater is a stand-alone unit positioned within range of a wireless router (access point). Repeaters (sometimes called "range expanders") serve as a two-way relay station for WiFi signals. Clients too far away from the original router / AP can instead associate with the WLAN through the repeater.
3. no specific name for a wireless card goto walmart or somtin and get one make sure u have the right port
4. Hi. If you build a wireless antenna (pretty cheap) you may get a better signal. The problem is getting the signal into your computer. Some external cards have an antenna input and you will need one of these I think. An example: http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html
5. Specifically, you need to purchase your own internet account and wireless access point instead of illegally piggybacking on your neighbour's. Addendum from our Questioner who e-mails or IMs those whose answers he doesn't like: From: godsrepresentative Subject: your answer on yahoo answers Message: actually guy - your allowed to use ANYONES wireless internet that leaves it unsecured. so dont come onto my question rambling and go learn some up to date law enforcement stuff. nooby
6. In order to increase your wireless range of your laptop you will need an external antenna to your wireless card. There are two basic categories of antennas, omnidirectional a directional (Cantenna style) antennas. With directional antennas you basically have to point them at the source, great for picking up a wireless signal from across the street. Some wireless cards have a connector to connect to an external antenna, most do not. Some cards can be modified to add an antenna connector. Example of an external omnidirectional antenna http://ohgizmo.com/2007/01/22/buffalos-wifi-adaptor-will-boost-signal-210/ Example of an external directional antenna http://www.cantenna.com/howtouseit.html Some wireless cards have a connector to connect to an external antenna, most do not. Some cards can be modified to add an antenna connector. Adding an antenna jack to a wireless card: http://wirelessgardenstore.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4 http://www.binarywolf.com/249/faq.htm http://www.binarywolf.com/249/modify-wireless-adaptor-card.htm http://mtarena.blogspot.com/2006/06/add-external-antenna-sma-connector.html http://www.lincomatic.com/wireless/usr2410.html http://www.mrx.com.au/wireless/AironetModifications.htm http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&rls=GGGL%2CGGGL%3A2006-45%2CGGGL%3Aen&q=solder+antenna+to+pcmcia&btnG=Search http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&rls=GGGL%2CGGGL%3A2006-45%2CGGGL%3Aen&q=solder+antenna+to+laptop Directional (Cantenna style) antennas http://www.cantenna.com/howtouseit.html http://wirelessgardenstore.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4 http://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448 http://www.danets.com/wi-fi/+18dBi%20yagi%20n-female.htm http://www.danets.com/wi-fi/antenna_e.htm http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&satitle=wifi+antenna+directional+-omni&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search Other Antennas/ kits http://ohgizmo.com/2007/01/22/buffalos-wifi-adaptor-will-boost-signal-210/ http://www.provantage.com/buffalo-technology-wle-myg~4BFLA00A.htm http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/networking/mobile-wireless-kit.php http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/wireless-cards.php?PHPSESSID=102f3bfc8276a70e48bc4e1d4cb613c7 http://search.ebay.com/wifi-antenna_W0QQfromZR40 Wireless Booster antennas http://www.cantenna.com/ http://www.tritium.co.uk/Flatennaroot.htm http://www.instructables.com/id/EQARE4I72GEPUCHTHU http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/2221601 http://www.binarywolf.com/249/ http://practicalinc.typepad.com/jon/2005/07/diy_way_to_incr.html http://www.tongfamily.com/networking/wifi/increasing_wifi_range.php 10 Ways To Boost Your WiFi Signal http://www.voip-sol.com/10-ways-to-boost-your-wifi-signal/ 10 tips for improving your wireless network Extend the range and the strength of your wireless network http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx General Notes On Increasing Wireless Range http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=21 Wireless Forums http://www.wirelessforums.org/