Wireless internet booster?

Post-it

So I have a wireless Internet USB adapter to my PC but the problem is that my signal is very weak because of the distance it is from our router. Is there a way to make the signal stronger without moving the router closer? Some type of booster or anything?

ddawg16

Short of moving the router or getting a different one with more range, you can get a wireless repeater.

I installed one at my in-laws house. It works well.....you just have to understand how it works....it will actually show up as a different wireless access point....so instead of connection to 'my home', you would connect to 'my repeater'.....

BTW....how far are we talking?

If you have an old router...instead of buying a repeater...get a new one with more range....and while your at it...get one with NAS. Basically, NAS capability lets you plug a USB HD into the router and it is now accessable by any computer on your network. Sort of a cheap and easy way to have a network drive.

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SuperJETT

If the antennas are removable from the router, buy new higher dbi antennas. They are cheap, no complicated setup, and work great.

Post-it

Well I am using a D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band N+300 USB Adapter. It's the first one I found that would actually even find a signal. My signal strength jumps up and down from 10% - 25%. The router and my computer are on opposite corners of about a 2500 sq. ft. house.
I did check the antennas and they are removable, so getting new antennas might help.

ddawg16

It's worth trying the antenna's...but I think you are only going to get marginal improvement. The freq is pretty high and chances are the installed antenna is already a full wavelength antenna....about the only improvement would be a remote antenna....and you can get the same result by just moving the router.

On your USB...is it the fixed type? Looks like a USB memory stick? If so....have you tried pluging it into a USB port on the other side of the computer?

I use a USB on one of my computers...but this one has a cord and the actual reciever can be mounted up high...

I still think your going to need a repeater....

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SuperJETT

I use higher gain antennas at work for our office building which has concrete walls throughout. They work, they really do extend the range. 3 access points cover the entire building now where I used to have 5.

TheBobmanNH

Not to put too fine a point on it, but is this your house? Is running cat5 or moving the router THAT out of the question? Or are you just renting a room and stuck with what you have?

Adding a repeater is certainly your best bet given your restraints. It's going to add a bit of latency, so if you're a gamer, keep that in mind.

Post-it

Yeah you could say I'm renting a room and stuck with what I got. I'm not a gamer on the PC. I just use it mostly for surfing the web but would like it to be faster. We are in the 21st century and I need better than dial-up speed Internet, lol.

ddawg16

translation.....you live with your parents......and....the best way to save money to buy a house.

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Post-it

Haha no. I rent a house with 4 others. I just can't relocate the router. I'm just looking for an affordable way to make it better because I may only be here for a few more months

sdsester

You might search Lifehacker. They often run feature articles on DIY built signal boosters. www.lifehacker.com

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sdsester

Not sure where you are but is your own wireless connection in the budget? I have been delighted with CLEAR and get unlimited super fast service with no ceilings or throttle downs for $45/month. I had to buy my own modem thingie but it was cheap. Obviously I can take the connection with me.

CLEAR also sells a hotspot for $45 that you can tap with 6-8 devices.

I think Virgin has a plan for like $35 but it does threaten to slow you down after a certain data amount.

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diyorpay

Saw this "today only" 11/29/12, free shipping.

Diamond Multimedia WR300N Wireless-N Range Extender



http://mobile.dailysteals.com/

Don't know how well it works using house wiring.

Condition: New
Packaging: Retail
Warranty: 1 Year
Brand: Diamond Multimedia
Model: WR300N

Product Features:
• Can be used as a Wireless Range Extender, a Standalone Wireless Access Point, and a Wireless Bridge Device
• Receives weak wireless signals and extends the range to greater distances
• Eliminates wireless dead spots
• Easy to install
• Ethernet port
• Plugs directly into wall socket
• 300Mbps speed
• WEP and WPA security
• WPA2 encryption
• TKIP and AES algorithm
• 802.11b/g/n compatibility

What You Get:
• Diamond Multimedia Wireless Range Extender
• LAN Cable
• Installation CD
• Quick Start Guide