WiFi Laptop Signal Boost Help Question

[Flagelpater]

I have a HP Pavilion with built-in WiFi and USB Ports. As we travel, only a couple of times per year, for about one week each, I need more signal from a campground transmitter. I was thinking of getting an inexpensive USB device so I could make a DIY directional signal booster to try to improve the signal when we are in these campgrounds. Something like this; Hiro H50193 Wireless USB Network Adapter and External Antenna - High-Gain, OMNI Direction, 2dBi

Is this what you Guru's would recommend? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Am I looking in the wrong direction?

[texnet]

Do a search for Wifi and wi fi... you will find lots of past discussion on this with many suggestions :-)

[bdpreece]

I am using one of these with great results. C. Crane Company - Super USB WiFi Antenna II - Toll Free (800) 522-8863

[Flagelpater]

Thank you. Sorry, I should have done a search first! Also want to be sure I have current INFO.

[Ernie Ekberg]

I bought a Wilson signal boost from Amazon. Works great

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flagelpater Thank you. Sorry, I should have done a search first! Also want to be sure I have current INFO.

Here is recent discussion on the subject:

jefatech Wi Fi repeater

[Ray,IN]

Is this what you mean: RV Road Trip Library - Do-It-Yourself Wi-Fi Signal Booster
Assuming you already have a http://www.engeniustech.com/datacom/...gory.aspx?id=5
USB adapter. I have one(EUB 362) and it is well worth the money.

[Flagelpater]

Ray,IN Yes, that is what I am thinking about. I have not made the USB purchase yet though.

[wa8yxm]

2 dbi is not much gain Look for Wi-Fi Repeater on the forums.

[Flagelpater]

Thank you wa8yxm. I will do just that.

[Gary - K7GLD]

IF I am reading all the above correctly, these posts are referring to replacing an otherwise operational built-in laptop wireless, with an add-on EXTERNAL USB type that then allows some form of signal enhancement and range extender?

Is there NO available device that will simply boost the signal range of the built-n wireless the laptop already has?

Seems there are various add-on devices advertised for cell phones and similar, that supposedly improve reception - Fractal antennas and such - is there nothing similar available for laptop wireless? It seems a shame to have to abandon an otherwise perfectly operational built-in wireless device, when all that's really wanted or needed, is better signal transfer...

[John Hilley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD IF I am reading all the above correctly, these posts are referring to replacing an otherwise operational built-in laptop wireless, with an add-on EXTERNAL USB type that then allows some form of signal enhancement and range extender? Is there NO available device that will simply boost the signal range of the built-n wireless the laptop already has? Seems there are various add-on devices advertised for cell phones and similar, that supposedly improve reception - Fractal antennas and such - is there nothing similar available for laptop wireless? It seems a shame to have to abandon an otherwise perfectly operational built-in wireless device, when all that's really wanted or needed, is better signal transfer...

A repeater will do what you want. Some manufacturers call them repeaters, some range extenders and some range expanders

Linksys Range Expander

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hilley A repeater will do what you want. Some manufacturers call them repeaters, some range extenders and some range expanders Linksys Range Expander

One user comment on that unit is bothersome:

Quote:

I have yet to see how the device will work with a roving notebook PC. Since I had to specifically configure a desktop device to connect to it, I don't see how my notebook will just 'discover it'. If you need this capability, I cannot vouch that it works this way, yet.

AND, I'm unclear if that device works DIRECTLY with a wireless-equipped notebook, or if you are also required to have a wireless hub in the mix for proper linkup?

Along that line, this review from another user:

Quote:

I don't normally write reviews, but I felt compelled to do so after dealing with Linksys' incompetent customer service representatives. I purchased this wireless range extender to complement a Linksys WRT54G router. After following the auto configuration instructions as well as the manual setup instructions, the extender still would not work. On top of that, it disrupted the connection my wireless computers already had! I decided to contact customer service. The first representative, who barely spoke coherent English, made me perform for 20 minutes the same steps I already had done (as if I couldn't read the instructions), put me on hold, then hung up on me. The second rep. either had no idea what I was asking or had no clue what to do.

As with the above review, most others also mentioned use of a wireless router as part of the system - so are they an actual requirement, or just something commonly used along with the range expander?

[John Hilley]

With a WiFi repeater you don't need an additional router, hub or other device. You may have to configure it at each location depending on the particular model. If it has transparent bridge mode you should only have to configure it once. Look for specifications like this Zhone WiFi AP/Repeater