Is it possible to double my download speed by using two wireless cards and two different networks?

Question

I have an internal wireless card on my laptop. I have an extra one just sitting here, and I have a neighbor with an open wifi network. Is this possible? I want both cards to work simultaneously to double my download speed. Thanks fellow nerds. :)

Maybe by bridging the connections? Or maybe some software out there that does this. I've heard of something called shotgunning before. Thanks.

Answer 1

Well, yes and no.
First, the wireless:
It's possible to have two wireless LAN connections going at a time, typically with a card that has both a & G, connecting to an A&G access point. This is actually getting common in high speed wireless LANS. Combo units are getting so affordable, I've seen complete solutions in office supply stores for less than $100.
-Normally this is done with hardware designed to do it, so you don't have to jump through technological hoops.
-Normally this is done with only one network at a time.

Second, the internet connection:
It's possible to bond internet connections. Having two different connections is very common in the business world. Typically, they pick up a router designed for two net connections (like Cisco's 1841). The fact that one of your WAN sources is wireless makes that particular approach more complicated, you'd have to have an external device acting as a wireless modem to use that approach.

You'd probably find this discussion interesting:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/469092836/m/811001420831

Answer 2

It might be but i doubt it. The reason for this is you and your neighbor most likely have the same broadband speed. I think you can only have 1 wifi connection at one time. But I don't think it would work because you would probably have to use the Wireless internet manager thing on your laptop which cannot connect to multiple networks. I see what you mean, and I wish I could do the same, but i doubt it's possible. Why don't you try it?

Answer 3

I am not sure about the two different network cards, prob can be done, but need lots of aspirin.

You can, however, purchase a router that has two inputs for two different networks and it will do what you wish. You need a load balancing router such as:

http://www.hotbrick.com/produto.asp?tipo=2&codPro=22

http://www.saveateagle.com/xinxcxctwind.html

there are others, but this gives you a starting point. And I know it is not wireless but you can add a wireless router or access point to it. I am sure there are wireless ones out there as well.

whoops, misread the post, you will need a bridge to bring the second network connection to your router...

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=347

complicated stuff and kind of pricey, not sure it is worth the trouble.

By the way, it could become real sticky if your neighbor has the same service as you.

Answer 4

No. This is not possible. If merging the speeds of two cards WAS possible, it would only increase download speeds of computers connected to your local network. Your internet connection speed will still be the same.

Answer 5

there no such kind of service in your widows or networking either to provide you the facility of merging the two wireless cards bandiwdth. You should purchase a high link for that

Answer 6

no....you cant use two "internet" connections but you can connect to two separate connections. Its not worth it unless you have some kind of server or business. There is no way to double your internet speed...or else you would see everyone doing it...lol

Answer 7

It won't work. Don't even bother trying.

Answer 8

I don't think it will work. You'll have a conflict.