What kind of wireless card do I need?

Question

I have a desktop computer that is about 160 feet away. Do I need a wireless card or signal booster?

Answer 1

As the expected range of a wireless signal is 150 feet, you may be beyond the range of the wireless router. You will need to buy a wireless adaptor for the desktop to be able to receive the signal (regardless of range). Look for one that plugs in to the USB port, and has a stand with a cable so that it can be placed as near to the router as possible.

You can also see if you can move the router any closer to the PC. If you can get it center between its current location and the wireless PC then you should be good.

They do make signal boosters which you can place between the router and the PC. But as close as you are, I would try moving the router and the USB adapter nearer each other before spending money on a booster.

Answer 2

buy a wireless card that matches your your router. i.e if the router is lynksys get a linksys wireless card. second if your house is concrete block (CBS) like my mom's house, you're going to have problems with wireless. wood frame walls equal no problems. another option is to run cat-5 or cat-6 ethernet through the attic from the router room to the room where your pc is. i did this in our old townhouse, which took me 2 hours. the ethernet wire is pretty cheap. i bought 150' for something like $50. try graybar store if you got one near you. good luck.

Answer 3

depends on what is between the wireless signal. I pickup my neighbors wireless about 300ft away through the walls and two garages away.