Sectorgame

My laptop has some *insert random dell supplied* Wireless card... I use it on my network, and it works ok. Though it seems to be very erratic when streaming video through the network, and unless it's within the vicinity it starts to break up half way through with changing network speeds. The rate is about 54mbps, however if I move the Laptop elsewhere, it drops to 48, then 24, then about 11. And that's still within the same house. There are no big obstructions, except one or two walls.. So is there anyway to boost this card, so it can perform better? It'd also be great to steal neighbours internet (hey, they left it wide open with no restrictions) when mine is down - But half the time I can barely get a signal response from their networks, let alone connect to it. And the houses here are all very close together, and some of them seem close. If I took this laptop out, and used it in London, I bet unless I was in an Internet cafe I'd never be able to connect to a service, since the card is so weak.

Can it be boosted, or shall it be replaced - if so - any recommendations?

Have you checked the power output and swr to make sure the tx and antenna are functioning properly, and matched?

Assuming you have a typical 'Rubber Dickie' antenna, they have a coil of fine wire inside, this is done to match the antenna electrical characteristics to the output of the transmitter... If damaged, the wire could break or the coil deform. This would cause an excessivly high swr, in layman's terms the power is bounced back into the card, when transmitting, or back into the ant when rx'ing.

A replacement antenna is availible at a reasonable cost... it might be worth a try. Get the 9 db gain for 15 bucks (more efficent... every 3 db is two x power)... but I would be wary of any other passive device... you don't get something for nothing. If your card is not b/g, follow the links for a.
On the other hand, this one really is 'for nothing', might be worth a try
Amplifier for more power. Amplifies transmit power only. Reguires hook up to 12vdc power supply. There are more powerful models but what good is that if you can't recieve?

Directional antenna. Antenna gain works on both tx and rx.

Knowledgable chap ain't you?

It ain't got an antenna.

Well, can other wireless devices recieve your router just fine? If so, get a new card. Otherwise, you might consider a new router, that would be more stable with a stronger signal.

Routers are too costly to replace. Plus it's excellent. Not replacing it!

If it's wireless, it has an antenna... If you can't see an antenna, it's internal. which means it tiny and very comprimised. If there is no external connector for an antenna, you can't upgrade the antenna or connect a booster, without some technical surgery. You can't even measure pwr or swr.

Options: New card, internal. New card, USB.

Matt does bring up a good point though. Have you tried with other devices to determine that there is a good signal? You say there are one or two walls, what are they made out of, how thick etc? Steel and masonary can be hard on a signal, wood and gypsum relativly transparent. Interference can also be a big factor. Do you have a freind with a laptop you can compare?

New card it is. And yes, it's the same with all routers. The walls are mostly plasterbrick.

I had a good point?! On technology?!?! Wow!