can i extend my antenna?

[CDN_Z60m]

i have a bad signal in the alcove where my desk is, but at the window i can get a strong wireless signal. Aside from the obvious solution of moving everything to the window, is there an easy way to extend the antenna range of my Z60m about 6 feet more?

[warder]

- Attach a MASSIVE sheet of aluminum using duct tape in front of your screen (just kidding) Although thinking about it, attaching it to the wall behind your laptop might enable some slight signal reflection. Depends on many factors. I feel it is unlikely to help but might be a laugh.

The real answer:

- Buy a wifi repeater and stick that where the good signal is in the same room.

- Tilt your screen/notebook angle and you may get slightly better reception. In some hotel rooms I've been in, even moving it an inch can make the difference between getting the lobby wifi or not.

- Move your Wifi Router orientation/position.

- Move your chair (your body may be blocking the signal)

Since the antenna is built-in, the options are limited.

[PDX28]

Another option would be to increase the signal output of your router by downloading a third-party firmware, assumed you have a Linksys router (at least that's the only one I know of where it works).

[rkawakami]

If your wireless access point (WAP) uses removable antenna(s), typically with RP-SMA connectors, buy ones that are rated with a higher gain. 5dB or more should be noticeable. If you're like me and your WAP is located at one corner of the house, use a "corner antenna" which directs the signal towards a specific area as opposed to the unidirectional, "whip" antennas.

If the WAP doesn't have removable antennas, then you either hack it or replace it with one that does .

Hacking the power output can help you slightly, but with two problems or limitations: 1) Typically the signal gets a little "dirtier" and can interfere with neighboring WiFi systems, and 2) while the increased power from your WAP may allow it to reach out further, it will do nothing to increase the reception capability. If your range limitation is due to the laptop's transmit power, then fooling around with the WAP power output won't help. By changing the antenna to one that has better gain and/or directional characteristics, it helps both transmit and receive.

[CDN_Z60m]

im just trying to tap a hotspot, i dont have a router or my own wireless access. I know that stinks but unfortunately they make it difficult for foreigners to sign up for internet access in the area I'm living (I'm overseas teaching English)

is there some kind of standard repeating hardware I can stick on my window that will direct ambient signals in the street into my room?


edit: incidentally, I did try the tin foil thing, I made a long thin snake of it and tacked it to my wall and just kinda rested the other end near my laptop. Stupidest idea ever but one must try these things just in case. Apparently, microwaves operate a bit more delicately than that

[hoopics]

I know you can build crude antennas for WiFi using a soup can and some other parts. A quick google revealed the following link:

http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

The bigger question, which I don't know the answer to, is whether there is a way to hook such an antenna to the wireless card on a Z60m.

As you live abroad, I'd be careful where you point an antenna like that. They might say you're a spy.

[warder]

ROTFL.

I haven't suggested something so silly since April 1st. Glad you had a laugh.


Looking around briefly it appears that manufacturers repeaters generally only match the base wifi router (e.g. Dlink Range Extenders')

For a generic 'repeater, check this out:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Un ... s_Repeater

Those linksys boxes are very cheap - just check you get one that is supported by the wrt-firmware (the hardware rev's are quite particular but the wiki goes into that).

[Phazer]

Could you possibly disable the built-in WI-FI and go with a PCMCIA wireless? They usually reach out a little farther. I know it defeats the purpose and adds an appendage that can get bumped, but for the price it might be a cheap fix.

[warder]

Just spotted this flexible Wifi adapter too:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/buff ... range-210/