I really need a booster!

Question

now i no everyone must be annoyed that i am posting something thats been posted a billion times already, but i seriously need a way to boost my wireless router's signal to my laptop. now i have a dell truemobile 2300. i really really doubt that its the qualtiy of the router, cuz i pretty much always have a signal. but im situated about 50 feert or so away from the router. now if i use cable, can anyone give me a solution? like a new antenna or a plug in? i really dont no about this stuff so i would really appreciate it if u could be as specific as possible. plus, my internet is a tad slower than my other desktop computer's. HELP!!!!!!!

mattcowger · Answer

Too bad :(. You cant add an external amplifer or antenna to the Trumobile 2300.

johnallg · Answer

There is this.  His earlier work.  Then there is his corner reflector.  If you're curious, see the home page.

desol89 · Answer

that is pretty cool, i doubt my dad would let me try that though, plus im clueless at the instructions. thnx for tryin to help tho.

mattcowger · Answer

Why not? It does nothing to modify the hardware itself, just reflects more radio waves back at it.

schmieg · Answer

If you prefer to spend money over making your own antenna, look here: http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=38&prid=629

NemesisDB · Answer

Most routers will allow you to add an external antenna.  Might be the easiest way to go. Or you could buy a repeater and put it somewhere between you and the wireless router.

Baracuda2 · Answer

If this is for a Linksys WAP or Router, I saw High-Gain antennas for them sold at Best Buy. They are about 2.5 times taller and sadly cost about $70. Could be worth it.

Personally I don't think it is the Linksys. I think it is the mini-pci wifi nics. My Intel 2200 is constantly changing speeds and the signal strength changes a lot too. Currently, I have my WAP54G on the desk about 1.5' from the laptop to test. Same thing. About to contact Dell for a replacement to see if mine is defective.
Was also wondering if the Trumobile 1350 was perhaps a better 802.11g card. This is in a 8600.

I used to have a Trumobile 1300 in a Latitude D800. Don't remember this nonsense then. Also, Linksys uses Broadcom chips, I am pretty sure. Trumobile is also Broadcom. Perhaps they work together better than Intel and Linksys does. Anyone know?

Thanks

schmieg · Answer

I'm not sure there is any consistency. I have a wireless network at home and have an I8600 with the TM1450 MPCI and an I8200 with the TM1300 MPCI and an I8000 with the Linksys WPC54G running on a Linksys WRT54G router. The one that I have the most trouble with is the WPC54G. The two Truemobile cards seem consistent and have solid connects no matter where in the house they are. To confuse the issue even more, the normal locations for the two Truemobile machines is right next to 2.4 ghz cordless phones. No problems. The WPC54G periodically loses its connection and speed varies significantly now and then. It's normally in the same room as the router and less than ten feet from it. Go figure.

johnallg · Answer

Right, all it does is focus the radio waves onto the antenna, and offers selectivity also.

desol89 · Answer

well i might try to make the reflectors, the only thing is that i have to print out on acetate or business card stock. are those available anywhere? and to download the instructions and the template, do i have to go to osiris.urbanna.net?

johnallg · Answer

Any paper that is about the consistiency of a business card would be fine. Finding paper stock that is aluminized would be well worth it - I wonder if it exists?!?! Just go to the link I provided and right-click the images and save them.

Message Edited by johnallg on 08-02-2004 10:11 PM

desol89 · Answer

ok i will try this out, but maybe not for a while. thnx a lot johnallg.

johnallg · Answer

Actually they work really well.   I have made two - one on my router and one on an SMC card I added an SMA connector on and I then put a D-Link antenna on.  The signal went from around 53% to 65% with just one on the wireless card and then to 73% when I also added one to the router.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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