The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    how to connect ext wifi antenna?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Chuckles, Nov 30, 2007.

  1. Chuckles

    Chuckles Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    40
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I live half a mile from work and it's possible in principle that with a directional antenna I could pick up the wifi signal.

    Any way to connect an antenna to the m1330? I don't think that removing the antenna connector and connecting loose wires to the internal card is a good option...not only would I permanently modify the antenna but I'd lose signal as a result of taking the cable apart. But that's the only way I can think of.

    (Of course, if it works I'll get a repeater and do it right, but I need to see if it works first.)
     
    Chuckles, Nov 30, 2007
    #1
  2. wannabeapilot

    wannabeapilot Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    16
    Messages:
    281
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    im interested in extending my wireless range as well ,hopefully someone can help us
     
    wannabeapilot, Nov 30, 2007
    #2
  3. BlackRussian

    BlackRussian Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    239
    Messages:
    1,206
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    BlackRussian, Nov 30, 2007
    #3
  4. actronx

    actronx Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    12
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    u better buy external usb or pc-card wifi , then do the modifications required to receive the weak signal...
     
    actronx, Nov 30, 2007
    #4
  5. Chuckles

    Chuckles Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    40
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I am not sure what this has to do with the original post...
     
    Chuckles, Nov 30, 2007
    #5
  6. netwerkz101

    netwerkz101 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I would go external to the laptop.

    Either a usb adapter like this:
    http://www.air802.com/product.php?productid=17306&cat=411&page=1

    Add a Yagi antenna to the above and you might have what you seek.

    OR

    Get a 802.11* wireless router with detachable antennas and connect the Yagi to it.

    I think there may be some FCC rules you may want to look into before doing this though ....whiule technically possible....may be illegal ..... you figure that part out - i'm too chicken to boost signal (at least transmit).
     
    netwerkz101, Nov 30, 2007
    #6
  7. Chuckles

    Chuckles Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    40
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I have such a router, but I am not seeking to widen the range of my current wireless network, which connects to my current ISP. I am seeking to pick up a weak signal from a different wireless network. How does one do that with a router?

    Maybe you meant a repeater? I don't have a repeater and didn't want to spend the money without first verifying that signal was available.

    But the usb wifi adapter you suggested would work, with the addition of a better antenna. Thanks!
    Internet access is two-way; no point in boosting the receive signal if you can't send data back (the same antenna does both).
     
    Chuckles, Nov 30, 2007
    #7
  8. netwerkz101

    netwerkz101 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15

    This I know and understand well :)
    But there are limits to transmitting (legal limits via FCC) which is
    why I honed on the transmit part.
     
    netwerkz101, Dec 14, 2007
    #8