On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 4:43 PM, Tim <ignored_mailbox@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > On Wed, 2011-08-24 at 13:27 +0100, Paul Smith wrote: >> Is there some device that can boost a laptop wifi reception? In the >> library where I spend some time studying, I usually get a signal with >> a quality of about 20%. > > Well, is that really a problem? Some of the signal meters don't mean a > great deal. They can show a combination of strength and/or quality, > where the threshold of goodness could be anywhere. I agree. In my university for example, in one of the rooms, I barely get a signal - however, I am able to download at a decent speed. On the other had, I noticed that upload speeds are directly proportional to the signal strength. So unless you're doing heavy uploads, I don't see low signal strength as an issue for regular web-surfing. > The alternative is to replace the wireless interface with an external > one, one with either a better antenna, or a removable one where you can > fit a better one. You can get USB wireless interfaces, or ones that > plug into the card slot. > > A simpler thing to try, first, is sitting in a different spot in the > library. > > Better reception may not help if they have a poor network, anyway, with > too many clients simultaneously using a low bandwidth network. > +1 to all the above. Paul, if you do consider buying a USB wireless interface, might I suggest going for one which has a detachable external antenna? I can happily recommend any Alfa brand USB WiFi adapters - they have a long range, are compatible with most distros, and are very affordable. Personally I use the AWUS036NH which has a massive 2W output. Couple that with a 5dBi or higher antenna and you can catch a signal from miles away! - Shiv -- users mailing list users@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://admin.fedoraproject.org/mailman/listinfo/users Guidelines: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Mailing_list_guidelines
