Weak Wireless

[buffheman]

So I just moved into a new place that comes with internet. They have the whole complex set up with a few wireless networks. Problem is, the only place I get a strong signal is in my living room.

I have a Linksys Wireless-G Adapter. Can anyone recommend a wireless adapter or network card that they think would outperform that guy?

Second question, is there any way to set up like a rally point near my front door to pick up the signal and strengthen it through the rest of my house? I really don't want to have to be forced to pay them for internet, and then have to pay the cable company too just to get a decent connection.

[buffheman]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16833124347

Maybe this? I know hardly anything about networking... like the difference between 802.11g and 802.11n. I'm not entirely sure what model number my current adapater is. I got it like 2 years ago. I'll have to check when I get home.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833998052

Will something like this help regardless of the type of network I'm on? I just moved in, and have no idea no idea who maintains the network or have any idea what kind of network it is.

[FlacoMike]

You could try the Linksys Wireless-G Range Extender. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124037

I had one for awhile and it worked fairly well for expanding my signal strength. I had a similar situation to you, the signal was strong in one part of the room, but on the otherside where my PC was it was weak. Eventually, I got tired of the unreliable nature of wireless and bought some powerline ethernet adapters so I'm not on wireless anymore.

Other than that, I'm sure some of the newer dual-antenna wifi cards might provide better signal strength. That Rosewill antenna appears to be platform-independant, so it should work with any network.

Meanwhile I'd recommend scanning through the Wikipedia article on Wi-Fi so you gain a better understanding of how wireless networking works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi

Also, since you are not sure who owns/maintains the network you are using, you should be aware that there are major security risks when using an unsecured wireless network. Basically, anyone connected to the same access point could potentially view your unencrypted web traffic and/or access your machine if it is not properly secured. I'd look into that as well. Google is your friend.

[buffheman]

I just read the wikipedia article. It was informative as always, also read through the different wireless standards. The network I'm on is secured, I got the password from a neighbor, but I don't know anything about it's security settings. They're also in the middle of an upgrade apparently, I don't know if it's just more access points or maybe an overhaul to 802.11n. I'll have to find that out.

Is there anything I need to do on my machine to ensure my privacy from the other members on the secured network?

[Neuromancer]

n band is roughly 50-100% faster than G in RW application. Most reviews I have seen put it at 50% faster (about 70MBps) I have been seeing hte higher end 100-110MBps in my setup but I am NOT 3' from the router.

I picked up a rosewill G usb with dlink exteneded antenna combo on newegg a few months back for $35. Thing ROCKS way more stable and better range than any adapter I used previously. (even with home built reflectors).