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    Question about Laptop built in Wireless Adapter and Reception

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by jet757f, Jun 16, 2010.

  1. jet757f

    jet757f Notebook Evangelist

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    I just got this Dell XPS 1730 which had the Intel Pro Wireless 3945ABG Adapter. In my office here at LAX I get a weak wireless signal which sometimes even drops off.

    Im just wondering if I buy an external USB or card type wireless adapter if I would have better luck with reception? Also which one would be the best to use in this situation?
     
    jet757f, Jun 16, 2010
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  2. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    Is this your wireless, LAX's or someone else's?

    If it's yours, need to know about your router/distance from it.
    If LAX's, move closer?
    If someone else's, can't help you.
     
    woofer00, Jun 17, 2010
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  3. jet757f

    jet757f Notebook Evangelist

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    I dont know the location of the signal. We are in old metal hangars with our offices inside off the runway.

    My real question anyway which is more efficient the USB type wireless adapter or the wireless card. I tried a D-Link USB adapter today and it helped alittle bit. Sometimes throughout the day the signal gets real weak.
     
    jet757f, Jun 17, 2010
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  4. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    That's your biggest problem. Perpendicular sheets of metal aren't good at all for carrying wifi. If you can run a wire between a repeater outside the building and one inside, that could help. There's not much you could do to boost the signal inside except maybe bring an extra long antenna up to a window.

    This is all assuming it's free public WiFi from LAX. The problem with free public wifi is that they attract laptops and smartphones like moths to a flame and get very bogged down.
     
    woofer00, Jun 17, 2010
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  5. jet757f

    jet757f Notebook Evangelist

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    No its encrypted password required with a private company.
     
    jet757f, Jun 18, 2010
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  6. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    You could try pairing a "cantenna" with a USB Wi-Fi adapter that has an external antenna port.
     
    knightingmagic, Jun 18, 2010
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  7. TheCodeBreaker

    TheCodeBreaker 7H3 1337

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    I dont think the USB wi-fi adapter will do much more. You can use a wireless extender to help boost the signal. It takes the signal from the router and you can point it to whichever direction you want it to go to. You can find a few for about 90 dollars
     
    TheCodeBreaker, Jun 18, 2010
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