How can I make my computer find my wireless network signal on the 2nd floor of my house?

Question

I have a router downstairs and a computer with a USB wireless card. The internet never works!

Answer 1

You might either try moving the router to a more central location, or else attaching a hi-gain antenna to the router (and, possibly, getting a pci network card for your computer and also attaching an antenna to that too!). Hawking makes good ones.

Answer 2

A wireless signal can travel a maximum of 150 feet (50 meters). However, going through a floor (and any pipes, heat ducts, and other metal/magnetic items in the floor) can reduce the distance to half that.

First, move the computer next to the wireless router and make sure you can connect. It might be a configuration, rather than a distance issue.

Once you are connected while close, then move the computer back to its original location. If you no longer connect there, then you are outside the signal's range.

You may have to move the router (or PC) so they are closer together. Or you may try purchasing on of the "high gain" antennas the increase the signal strength.

Good luck....

Answer 3

First, move the computer to within 10 feet of your wireless router to determine if the problem really is a weak signal. If you are able to establish a connection, Then carry your laptop further and further away, so you can establish the true range of your signal instead of the theoretical 150 feet, which may or may not be applicable. You can increase this range, if desired, with the purchase of things like hi gain antennas and the like. Or, you can operate it within range.
If you cannot establish a connection even within visible sight range of the router, then you have either a hardware problem, such as your wireless card, or router, or you have a configuration problem. Eliminate the problems one at a time until you reach the culprit, otherwise, you will be buying a lot of unneeded equipment or software.