Connecting to a weak signal

Hi there: Long time lurker, first time poster…

I am wanting to connect to a WiFi signal that is just a little bit too weak to get a hold on. The signal is for a 802.11b pay service called Ozone Paris ( www.ozoneparis.net) that should (In theory) service my apartment. Unfortunately, there are a few buildings around and although I can see the signal in windows (very low signal strength), I can't connect to it from anywhere in the apartment. My computer is a Toshiba M50 with an Atheros AR5005G built in wireless card.

Does anyone have any bright ideas on how I might be able to get a stronger signal? Would a different (usb perhaps?) receiver help?

Thanks in advance

 

bump

no ideas at all?

 

You could try a directional antenna or perhaps a repeater.

 

There are a few "high power" pcmcia wireless adapters on the market plus some usb types might give you better reception.

Google for Engenius 200mW wireless adapter, Parker Vision Signal Max.

Hawking had a usb one on sale this week - Hawking HWU8DD Hi-Gain USB Wireless-G Dish Adapter - was tempted to buy it except that I already have the above two pcmcia types.

There is also a 300mW one but I can't recall the name.

 

Thanks a lot for your help: that is exactly the kind of information I was after.

 

Hi.
I have 2 new ideas for your trouble(same of mine).
1-Could use a Wlan Router in bridge/repeater mode like http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=136493
2-Adapt an external antenna (done by yourself) to your internal MiniPci Wireless Card (Í am researching in the HowTo of this).

 

I've actually had times where I'm able to pick up a signal in Windows fine (sometimes), but when I load up Net Stumbler, i can pick up a better signal and connect quicker...is it just coincedance or can that actually happen?