Cheap way to boost signal?

Wiles · 12-04-2007, 10:58 AM

I've seen DIY wifi signal boosters made from woks and usb wireless adapters.

Is there any setup that might boost my laptop's built in wireless card? I don't care if it's ugly, and I don't need a huge boost.

My laptop is usually downstairs, and the router is upstairs. My reception is good sometimes. I would like more reliable signal strength.

Also is there any software to measure the signal? I'm using intel pro-set and it is horribly inaccurate.

Schecters · 12-04-2007, 12:19 PM

wifi extender
tweaks and apps

I haven't actually tried any of these, because, well I don't have wireless. But I came across them the other day, and they sounded interesting.

Wiles · 12-04-2007, 02:44 PM

I made the parabolic reflector from

Ez-12

So far I can't tell if it made a difference. I downloaded a 4 programs to measure signal strength...

They give me two very different results

Anyone know a way to accurately measure signal strength with software?

CalcProgrammer1 · 12-04-2007, 09:59 PM

If your router is a Linksys WRT something-or-other (sorry, I forget the model, as I have a stupid Netgear), you can install a firmware mod that gives you the ability to amp up the WiFi chip's output by like 3x normal power without problems (default was like 25, you could safely go to 75, max is 250 but people said it burned up). Not sure how much range this actually equals (and since I have a stupid Netgear, I can't test >.<) but if you have a supported router, it's worth a try.

12-04-2007, 10:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Wiles Newb Techie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 17	Cheap way to boost signal? I've seen DIY wifi signal boosters made from woks and usb wireless adapters. Is there any setup that might boost my laptop's built in wireless card? I don't care if it's ugly, and I don't need a huge boost. My laptop is usually downstairs, and the router is upstairs. My reception is good sometimes. I would like more reliable signal strength. Also is there any software to measure the signal? I'm using intel pro-set and it is horribly inaccurate.

12-04-2007, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Schecters True Techie Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 245	Re: Cheap way to boost signal? wifi extender tweaks and apps I haven't actually tried any of these, because, well I don't have wireless. But I came across them the other day, and they sounded interesting. __________________ DESKTOP \| XP AMD 4200+ \| 2gigs Corsair XMS 3200 \| EVGA nf41 sli \| EVGA & XFX 7800 GT's Tagan ITZ 700w \| Audigy 2 ZS \| 250 gig WD \| 80 gig WD LAPPY \| Vista Business x86 Dell Vostro 1500 \| 2 gigs dell junk\| 160 gig \| 8600M GT

12-04-2007, 02:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Wiles Newb Techie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 17	Re: Cheap way to boost signal? I made the parabolic reflector from Ez-12 So far I can't tell if it made a difference. I downloaded a 4 programs to measure signal strength... They give me two very different results Anyone know a way to accurately measure signal strength with software?

12-04-2007, 09:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
CalcProgrammer1 Monster Techie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 1,485	Re: Cheap way to boost signal? If your router is a Linksys WRT something-or-other (sorry, I forget the model, as I have a stupid Netgear), you can install a firmware mod that gives you the ability to amp up the WiFi chip's output by like 3x normal power without problems (default was like 25, you could safely go to 75, max is 250 but people said it burned up). Not sure how much range this actually equals (and since I have a stupid Netgear, I can't test >.<) but if you have a supported router, it's worth a try. __________________

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