wifi cards

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:06 pm

Where to go to read up on which one I need. Tried to google some on it but nothing seemed to fit my needs. Can pick up myy sisters wifi in parts of my house. If I buy a good card will things improve? For me to run a cable to her house is over 200 feet. Can move my computer to another room but still worry about making sure a wifi card will always work.

Post by **GORDON** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:08 pm

And what's wrong with a cable run of 200 feet?

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:13 pm

Have to run threw the conduit to the garage then threw the woods. Just seems like alot of work. (Lazy)

Post by **GORDON** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:19 pm

Drape it over tree branches.

Post by **TPRJones** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:30 pm

unkbill wrote:If I buy a good card will things improve?

Not exactly. You do still want to get a good card. But what what will make the difference is to get an external antenna, sort of like this (make sure the connector is appropriate for the card you get):

Alternately, and for bonus geek points, you can use any decent card and build your own extender antenna (plus, being directional they'll get better results):

Dish for a USB-based wifi dongle:

The ever-popular "cantenna":

I've not had to do any of these myself, but I hear good things about 'em.

Edited By TPRJones on 1253061080

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:08 pm

A cantenna just might be right up my alley.

Post by **TPRJones** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:12 pm

That one I linked to there was having no problems at over 1000 feet, and could probably go much further based on the signal strength they were getting. 200 feet would be no problem at all.

If you do make one, take pics.

Post by **GORDON** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:48 pm

TPRJones wrote:That one I linked to there was having no problems at over 1000 feet, and could probably go much further based on the signal strength they were getting. 200 feet would be no problem at all.

If you do make one, take pics.

Over open air, or through walls? There are a few walls to content with... no concrete, though. Balloon frame.

Post by **TPRJones** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:10 pm

It doesn't really specify, but the cantennas are shown outside and there's no mention of the router being moved or anything, so I'd guess it was probably mostly open space, with the router being inside the target house.

But if one cantenna doesn't do the trick, as long as the router has an antenna port unk could use two cantennas, one on each end, pointed at each other. Then it would work for sure.

Edited By TPRJones on 1253070689

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:17 pm

Bought a wifi card with a 6 foot extention. Seems to be working just fine so far. Wifi from my sisters house at I would guess 110 feet. But Gordo did do the install.

Post by **TPRJones** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:27 pm

No homemade cantenna?

I'm disappointed.

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:53 pm

For 35$ just couldn't take the time. Computer store guy tried to sell me an out side cantenna said the first one was made from a priggles can. Maybe I can make them in my spare time for other people. But you still need a wifi card with an adapter? This kicks ass right now. End dialup today at $15.95. Wohoo. And this thing is so much faster.

Post by **GORDON** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:21 pm

Yeah I rock.

Post by **TPRJones** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:36 pm

Since when is necessity a factor when it comes to the creative use of duct tape and power tools?

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 5:04 pm