Wireless Network adapter (USB) - Any suggestions?

Phonix56 · 06-05-2008, 01:27 PM

Hey,

I'm currently looking to buy a Wireless USB adapter for my laptop. It is currently running with a built-in 54mbps connection, of which I am finding very very weak in terms of signal strength.

To explain further, I currently disconnect quite frequently, I'm on 1 bar of signal strength maximum, and want to increase this.

So, I've come here today to ask:

- If anyone can suggest a USB adapter that will increase both my signal strength and the range at which my wireless can detect networks (I'm on 100m right now, looking to get around 200-300m)
- If anyone can suggest a good brand for a HP laptop.
- If anyone can tell me exactly what I would need to have on my USB adapter to increase my signal strength (such as, network range, Mbps, etc.)

Thanks to anyone who can help with my query. :)

**johnwill** · 06-08-2008, 06:21 PM

Personally, I'd recommend increasing the signal strength of the router first, as well as changing channels to see if someone is stepping on your signal.

Hawking Tech has a number of products that will help you increase your wireless range. The root page is Hawking Hi-Gain™ WiFi Range Extending Products.

Some of the more interesting products are this Hawking [HSB2] Hi-Gain WiFi Signal Booster, which can be used on either end of a wireless connection to boost the signal power.

Another way to increase your signal strength is by the use of hi-gain antennas. You can choose from omni-directional or directional models, here are a some examples.

Hawking [HAI7SIP] Hi-Gain 7dBi Omni-Directional Antenna

Hawking [HAI15SC] Hi-Gain 15dBi Corner Antenna

[HAO14SD] Outdoor Hi-Gain 14dBi Directional Antenna Kit

This is just a sample of available products, many people have hi-gain antennas with similar specifications, but I haven't seen any other suppliers of signal boosters.

Phonix56 · 06-11-2008, 12:47 PM

Hey again,

Thanks for the response, I was wondering, is the following product reccomended? http://www.netgear.com/Products/Adap...rs/WPN111.aspx
- If I wanted to increase the range and signal I recieve from a router?

I'm just curious, because 10x signal and speed compared to the basic 'G' wireless adapters seems quite immense for a USB adaptor. Also, I was told if I were to use a 270mbps wireless adaptor on my laptop while near my router, I'd recieve a far greater connection than the router provides my desktop, is this true?

Thanks for any further help. :)

06-05-2008, 01:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Phonix56 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 89 OS: Windows XP SP2	Wireless Network adapter (USB) - Any suggestions? Hey, I'm currently looking to buy a Wireless USB adapter for my laptop. It is currently running with a built-in 54mbps connection, of which I am finding very very weak in terms of signal strength. To explain further, I currently disconnect quite frequently, I'm on 1 bar of signal strength maximum, and want to increase this. So, I've come here today to ask: - If anyone can suggest a USB adapter that will increase both my signal strength and the range at which my wireless can detect networks (I'm on 100m right now, looking to get around 200-300m) - If anyone can suggest a good brand for a HP laptop. - If anyone can tell me exactly what I would need to have on my USB adapter to increase my signal strength (such as, network range, Mbps, etc.) Thanks to anyone who can help with my query. :)

06-08-2008, 06:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Wireless Network adapter (USB) - Any suggestions? Personally, I'd recommend increasing the signal strength of the router first, as well as changing channels to see if someone is stepping on your signal. Hawking Tech has a number of products that will help you increase your wireless range. The root page is Hawking Hi-Gain™ WiFi Range Extending Products. Some of the more interesting products are this Hawking [HSB2] Hi-Gain WiFi Signal Booster, which can be used on either end of a wireless connection to boost the signal power. Another way to increase your signal strength is by the use of hi-gain antennas. You can choose from omni-directional or directional models, here are a some examples. Hawking [HAI7SIP] Hi-Gain 7dBi Omni-Directional Antenna Hawking [HAI15SC] Hi-Gain 15dBi Corner Antenna [HAO14SD] Outdoor Hi-Gain 14dBi Directional Antenna Kit This is just a sample of available products, many people have hi-gain antennas with similar specifications, but I haven't seen any other suppliers of signal boosters. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

06-11-2008, 12:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
Phonix56 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 89 OS: Windows XP SP2	Re: Wireless Network adapter (USB) - Any suggestions? Hey again, Thanks for the response, I was wondering, is the following product reccomended? http://www.netgear.com/Products/Adap...rs/WPN111.aspx - If I wanted to increase the range and signal I recieve from a router? I'm just curious, because 10x signal and speed compared to the basic 'G' wireless adapters seems quite immense for a USB adaptor. Also, I was told if I were to use a 270mbps wireless adaptor on my laptop while near my router, I'd recieve a far greater connection than the router provides my desktop, is this true? Thanks for any further help. :)