I wanna pickup wi-fi networks better

[Aztech]

I have a notebook with built-in wireless. It's barely picking up some wi-fi networks nearby. Can I buy a PCMCI card or USB network adapter with an antenna and pick up these signals better? Any recommendations? Thank you.

 

[nweaver]

what do you have now?

an external antenna (or cantenna for directional) would help to increase these. Boosting the source is a better/easier method

 

[Aztech]

It's not my source to boost

I'm trying to pickup a nearby network better. Actually, it's my work network, so I'm not stealing or anything.

I have a DeLL 6000 Centrino laptop. Is there somewhere to add an antenna? I don't think so, I guess I have to buy a card with an antenna. Right?

 

[jwhitt]

yes, or a more powerfull card, also linksys makes this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124163 just a usb adapter, but you can move it closer to a window or somethig to try to get better reception, or get a range extender also made by linksys

 

[kehi]

If you are at home trying to pick up this network, and do not care what the appearance of the setup is you could try one of these.



1
2
3
4
5

 

[harrkev]

Originally posted by: Aztech
It's not my source to boost

I'm trying to pickup a nearby network better. Actually, it's my work network, so I'm not stealing or anything.

I have a DeLL 6000 Centrino laptop. Is there somewhere to add an antenna? I don't think so, I guess I have to buy a card with an antenna. Right?

Right. Some (not many) PCMCIA cards also have an external jack. With a jack, you can use ANY antenna that you want. The ultimate is the cantenna, but it is big, ugly, and directional. If a couple of extra dB in gain would help, you can get a better vertical antenna.