WiFi Booster why for?

I currently have computer access through Comcast cable, and have hooked up a belkin
wifi for the lap top. However, the wifi seems to have a fairly limited range and I’m told that I can get a wifi booster.

My question is do these boosters work or would I be better off getting a more powerful wifi hook up at the source in the first place?

Any suggestions and/or experience that you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Boosters (Range Extenders) work, but there are several options that might solve your problem. You might look into networks over power line. I’ll see if I can find a good link – there are many models.

Here’s a quote from a column that I subscribe to, Brian Livingston, describing an installation where the primary purpose was a fast video interconnection to a large house:

Here are the links, which did not transfer when I copied & pasted:

Here is the complete article.

They do work. But (a) you need a suitable place for it, and (b) speed will not be as good as for a simple wifi network.

It’s worth trying a few simple fixes first. Adjust the antennas on the router if they are external. Move the router - even a few feet might make a difference, particularly if it is close to something metal or electrical. Use the router setup program/page to change the wireless channel.

That might not help, but it’s worth a shot before buying something that might not solve your problem either.

If you don’t like my previous suggestions, along the lines of what tellyworth says, there are high-gain antennas that can be used as replacement for standard antennas, directional antennas if that suits your situation, and RF amplifiers, all pretty cheap fixes.

It is not clear whether these are things to go on the router or on the computer. So I will raise the question that really interests me. Assuming the router is fixed and not subject to my control, is there anything I can put on my computer that will strengthen a very weak and often indetectible one?

Unlikely, since your laptop probably doesn’t have an external antenna connector.

A range booster might work - you’d put it part way between your laptop and the router, and it will re-broadcast the signal.

Alternatively you might find a wireless card compatible with your laptop that supports an external hihg-gain antenna.

Thanks to all, especially Musicat.

Of course, it’s not like I have time to rush out and get anything right now, but in the article I found this part especially helpful:

I’ll let you know how it works out. But first… it appears I need a new oven. It just never ends, does it?

This sounds similar to this caller’s problem on Leo Laporte’s Tech Guy show. (Link goes to Youtube video.)

**Uncle Goat ** could get something like the Wi-Fire from http://www.hfield.com

It’s a USB WiFi card with a built in high gain antenna. Very simple and portable and works great without the need to buy any extra antennas.