Any way I can improve my wireless signal to my laptop?

Question

So my wireless hub is set up in the front of my house while the room that has the computer in it is on the complete opposite side of the house. My internet connection isn't that great, any way I can improve this? My router is a Linksys, and I can't move the wireless hub because it is set up with the cable outlet (for the modem) in that room and the other 2 cable outlets in the house are taken up by TVs. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You local electronics shop, like Circuit City, Fry's or Best Buy, will sell an item known as a range extender, or wireless signal booster.

This device provides amplification to the wirless signal so that the signal strength is stronger, and can be better picked up by your receiver on your computer.

If that fails to resolve the issue, you may just have to move the items closer, or even consider a hard wire connect. You local store may also sell a device that plugs into a electrical socket and uses the house wiring as a wire. Buy 2 of these, one for the router and one for your computer room.

Answer 2

First of all, you did not say how fast you current connection is, where you are trying to use it & the specs of your laptop. There are 2 ends of this issue. 1) How fast is your adapter & how fast is your laptop 2) How fast is the router & how far is your laptop from the router & how fast is your actual internet connection If your laptop is older (and I suspect that it is since you have an adapter rather than the wireless being intergrated) then the computer itself may not be fast enough run the wireless at top speed. The adapter has to match your computer and you might not be able to use the lastest technology if the system is older. If your laptop does not have enough memory or fast enough processor, no matter how fast your connection, your internet will be slow. Most routers are able to send a fast connection, but check to see how fast your computer is receiving--you can find that by checking your network connections. If you are not receiving at over 31, then you might be too far from the router. I receive at a maximum of 54 (no booster) and my connection on a 3 year old laptop with intergrated wireless feels as fast as my desktop which is a much faster overall system & is connect via cable to the router. My laptop keeps this connection speed well over 100 feet from my router. I see a difference in some "hot spot" connections away from home. Also, is you router secured? Maybe someone is "borrowing" your connection which can cause slow downs.

Answer 3

If you are computer savy try changing the channels of the router through the configuration page in the router. (may need manual for this) fool around abit, Also try changing the speed from 802.11g to 802.11b of course it's alot slower but the broadcast distance is greatly increased. The lower the speed/frequency the further the signal travels; The higher the speed/frequency the less it travels. Or option B. buy a $70.00 - $100.00 Wifi-Repeater/Booster and it does what it says it amplifies the signal back and forth.

Answer 4

You can move the internet cable modem to wherever there is a cable outlet in the house. There are modems availiable (Motorolla for example) that have an output for the TV. It might help a little if you point the antennas at the desired laptop location.

Answer 5

1. Try to orient the Router's
antenna for better signal.
2.The antenna if oriented vertically
can be shifted to
Horizontal position.If possible
3.shift the router
position to reduce the distance
to the computer.
Basically what is involved is a
800MHz/2.4GHz wireless transmitter ( very low power)
and receiver

Answer 6

Sorry. Have the same situation. Downstairs PC with direct connection on with a click. Upstairs PC slower than molasses. Just have to get closer to the connection or deal with it.

Answer 7

You can get an Amplified Antenna... We use one at our store 13,000 Square feet, and you can get the signal down the street.

Just make sure you Encrypt your signal, and MAC filter that thing so no one can ride on you for free!

Answer 8

well i usually move it up or id buy another internet line from whaterver company u use and link it on to ur computer. take out any network bridges if your sharing a internet line.