On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 7:04 AM, Shiv Manas <shiv@xxxxxxxxx> 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! I thank all of you that have answered my question -- I have learned a lot from you. I still have a question: does the Alfa AWUS036NH adapter perform significantly better regarding wifi signal reception than the embedded system in an usual laptop? Paul -- 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