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?
Wireless internet booster?
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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.
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.
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.
I did check the antennas and they are removable, so getting new antennas might help.
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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....
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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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.
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.
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.
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translation.....you live with your parents......and....the best way to save money to buy a house.
You might search Lifehacker. They often run feature articles on DIY built signal boosters. www.lifehacker.com
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.
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.
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
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
Edimax EW-7438RPn 300Mbps Wireless 802.11/b/g/n Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QXLQES/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works great!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QXLQES/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works great!
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21 Posts
Not sure if OP has solved their issue or not but.... Dump the D-Link and throw in something better and grab some high gain antennas Throw them on there, Grab something like a ZyXEL http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833181136 such as this or there are others but this gives you the added security of a hardware firewall. or this ZyXEL http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1EA0UT8905 It has the newest bandwidth capabilities of AC1200 not the fastest but it's high end and would give you amazing range, shove a couple high gainers on there and you would likely reap the bennefits. I will also be posting some of these into another thread with a user with a somewhat similar issue. There are TONS of options, NETGEAR just came out with a new AC series router called the Nighthawk, it looks freaking awesome and I would buy it if I could afford it. Get everybody to pitch in 40 each and you can afford a really nice setup, it would benefit all of you, seeing as there are 4 people in the home, an AC series router would be better than an older B/G/N 300 Router. If you look at it from a standpoint of a technician and networking specialist such as I am you'll find that you can't beat just upgrading, testing and then going out and buying the high gain boosters, then placing a booster out there in the house as a second option. You've got a few things to work with. I'll leave you with a link to the XyXEL store on Newegg and Let you browse. Please feel free to skype me with any questions you may have. http://www.newegg.com/ZyXEL/BrandStore/ID-7208?Tpk=XyXEL
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