What Percent Reception Must One Have To Actually Use Wireless Internet?

Question

I just got a new NetGear wireless internet adapter for my laptop. When I set it up, I was picking up anywhere from 6-20% on my college's wireless network (from a couple miles down the road), but they were asking for a password. So, I called the girl at the computer center, and she told me a password, but I'm not sure I typed it in right.

Anyways, my question is: At what percent should I be able to use this network? How do I know it's not working because the percentage is too low? Could it be something else?

Answer 1

it will drop connection if its that low ...

Answer 2

From the distance you are from college you really need an adapter card with an EXTERNAL antenna. Not the ones that are just builtin but a good external antenna.

At 20% you will work OK but below 15 your probably wont. (20 is still marginal) When we set clients up we look for 30 or better in most cases to assure continuous connections.

The percentage is only showing signal to noise ratio and if the noise is close to signal you will slow down and will drop packets etc. See if you can change your adapter or get one with higher power and better antenna.
http://radiolabs.com have some for better distance.
http://radiolabs.com/products/wireless/networking/long-range-notebook-wifi-kit.php
This will help greatly when you aren't on campus!

You can use some like this -- which will work as if you are on campus.
http://www.echotechwireless.com/Tranzeo_2_4GHz_CPE_with_QOS_p/tr-cpq-19f.htm
or
http://shop.defactowireless.com/s.nl;jsessionid=ac112b801f43c94b77f4662843608fe8b42308a7c461.e3eTaxiPc3mTe34Pa38Ta38Pch50?it=A&id=380&sc=2&category=227
These mount outside, can be used at really long distances (8-10miles or more) run ethernet from the antenna into the house and can then connect to another "local" wireless router for internal distribution. BUT you will need help to set them up they are not your store bought easy stuff!

I know what everyone will say - but "Linksys, Dlink, Netgear" are the best -- OK if you are at the router but not if you are further than 300 feet! They are for "local use" the high power cards are built for distance and weak signals. They cost more because they work further etc.

Answer 3

Are you using Windows XP? You will KNOW it connected. Windows XP gives you a "Connected" message in the wireless configuration page, and there will be an icon in the system tray that says you are connected. If it just sits there trying to connect, then your "password" (encryption key) is probably wrong. Technically if you are getting any signal at all it will work, but if it is very low, it may drop often, or with degraded speed.