T30 Internet Connection while on the road

[ImperialKen]

have a 236643U T30. want to know how i can connect to my high-speed internet service while travelling.

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

There's several possibilities for your "normal" broadband connection:

- DSL
- Cable
- Satellite
- Fixed point microwave (e.g. Sprint Broadband Direct)

Any one of those is not really a "mobile" service that you can take with you; I'm assuming that you aren't using a data plan over a cell phone . If you could provide an example of how you would like to use your internet connection while away from home, then maybe there's a solution that can be offered.

Assuming that you have a wireless (WiFi) card in your T30, then you can connect to free "hot spots" at various places (library, book store, etc.). Other alternatives would be a fee-based service like T-Mobile's at Starbucks (soon to be changed over to AT&T; will be free for AT&T DSL subscribers like me ). If a wired connection is available (ethernet), then you basically plug in an RJ-45 cable and possibly configure your wired network connection to match the system being used (dynamic vs. static IP).

[ImperialKen]

I am currently connected wireless via Comcast, but can't stay connected after 500 ft

[rkawakami]

Oh, by "traveling", I assumed you meant when you are on a trip or vacation far away from your house. If you are trying to get more range from your WiFi system at home, then that's another story. Although, 500 feet is pretty far .

Boosting the range of your wireless system can be done in two ways:

- increase the transmit power of both your wireless access point and wireless card in your T30; may violate some FCC laws
- use better antennas

As I won't encourage anybody to break any laws, I'll concentrate on the second item. You could replace the antenna on your wireless access point with one that is more directional. An antenna, similar in design to a satellite dish, can direct the power of the transmitting signal in one direction and at the same time, increase the sensitivity of the receiver. Commercial examples are like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0178116100

People have also constructed simple versions known as "cantennas" because they use a coffee can or Pringles can as the signal concentrator/reflector.

The main drawback of these types of antennas are that they are directional. If you move more than 40 or 50 degrees off-axis, then the signal drops.