Wireless internet?

Question

I got a new laptop a two days ago that has a wireless card already installed in it. Now, because my parents are cheap and my neighbors are nice, the neighbors are allowing me to use their network for an hour a day; the only condition is that I have to call them first to make sure they aren't doing anything important.
We worked out this agreement before I got the laptop. However, there are a lot of trees between our houses, and I can't recieve a signal. I have trouble-shooted and double-checked everything that can be checked, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's not a mechanial problem and there's just too much interference.
Is there anything I can buy that could possibly boost the range of my computer? Thank you for any help.

truthseeker- Thanks, but I did that already. It worked fine when I was over there, but as soon as I got back to my house, the connection vanished.

thanks everyone for your help; i really appreciate it.
Truthseeker- thank you, I'll talk to my neighbors about that...

Answer 1

Wi Fi the term used for Wireless Internet can only be access within the range of 300 to 500 feet of a home network. Because your neighbor lives in a separate house it is extremely hard to get a constant Wi-Fi signal to your laptop. Because of walls, trees etc. The signal will not travel that far enough.

The only way you get a good signal is to have your own home network (broadband DSL internet or Cable internet, a router, and a desktop computer) then you can use the internet in your anywhere in your house wirelessly from your laptop.

Another option is to visit areas that offer Free Wi-Fi access internet. This is totally free and here is a list of places that offer Wi-Fi internet. Once you are there your laptop will detect the wireless signal and connect to the internet.

http://www.wififreespot.com/

Select your state from the website and locate your nearest city and you will get a list of places that offer free Wi-Fi internet.

Answer 2

O.k - there is a site with info on wireless booster. I have no experience with this technology and don't even if it is even possible with the configuration but worth a check. These are not cheap either. Maybe visit you local tech shop (bestbuy..etc.) and ask them for cheaper products.

ww.netcomm.com.au/Wireless/boosters.php

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Q My daughter and myself used to share the internet connection at home. She has now moved next door – is there any way we can still share the same internet service?

A In practical terms, this might be possible – if the two houses are next door to each other, a wireless network access point placed against the party wall may be able to reach across into the other house.

However, most internet service providers (ISPs) will not smile on this behaviour as they believe each house should have a separate connection. It’s worth checking with a selection of ISPs to find out whether they allow this kind of connection sharing. If you do choose to share a wireless network, make sure it’s secure, preferably using WPA security – the wireless access point’s manual should explain how to set this up. Alternatively, you could run a cable or a wireless booster throught the wall into the adjoining property, taking care not to disturb pipes and cables.

Answer 3

There is really nothing much that can be done if there is a forest of trees between your home and that of the neighbors.

There are things called Wireless range expanders, but as to how well this will work in your case is a moot point. The wireless range expander expands the total range of the tranmission of wireless signals to some extent. But that is about it. This range is really is nothing much to be mentioned about.

There are also special antennas called cantenna, maybe you should try that as well.

Answer 4

There are many ways to make this work.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx

Good Luck.