wireless help

[JPC82]

i have a netgear router that i have in my house, i have it upstairs cos thats where i use my laptop most but the signal isnt strong enough to when im at the other end of the house downstairs, is there any sort of signal booster i can buy that can go downstairs or anything like that?

thanks xxxx

[Reg Smeeton]

 Move to a smaller house, that should sort it.

[axs]

Get a better router.

[4D]

Can't you take the router downstairs with your laptop?

[Batch]

You can bridge a wireless network so that you have effectively 2 access points on the same network

[4D]

So, buy another router and plug it in downstairs?

[Batch]

Something like the Linksys WRE54G would be simplest. I don't think there would be any issues working with the netgear. Would need setting up and placing somewhere in range of the existing netgears wireless range. Then you have to hope it extends the range far enough to where you need it
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/79363/show_product_reviews?pp=1
http://www.netgear.co.uk/home_wireless_access_points.php


Or use a sort of wireless homeplug, where one end plugs into a power socket near the wireless router, and (presumably) connects to the router via an ethernet cable. The other plus into a power socket where signal is an issue, this is the wireless end. You have to have a couple of power sockets free, they tend not to work too well on power strips (well some don't). But the advantage is they use the electricity cables to pas the ethernet traffic - and so can be placed out of range of the wireless router and still work.
http://www.netgear.co.uk/extra/wallplugged_range_extender_wgxb102.php

Anyway there are options out there.

[JPC82]

are the boosters  that plug into a standard socket any good?

[Batch]

Never used either method. Sorry.

Cheapest I can see the socket thingy is here

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=2823

[Arriba]

stick a saucepan on your head to improve reception

[flammableBen]

If you've got a usb stick wireless thingy then you can improve your signal by making a foil dish round the end and making sure it's pointing in the right direction.

[suttonred]

stick a saucepan on your head to improve reception

If you dont work in IT, you should. I'm going to pinch that  for the next time i get asked the same stupid fucking question for the umpteenth time.

[jonny72]

Wifi N (the newer, faster one) has a longer range than G. Though you'd probably have to upgrade your router and buy a new Wifi dongle for your other computer(s). Otherwise try moving the router about - I get a good signal all over my house.

[Barry Scott]

Do you own a Dect cordless phone?

If you do, make sure it's not between the router and the laptop, and i mean that as in say the hallway between a room with the laptop in and the room with the router. It's normally ok, if in the cradle, but you don't want to leave it off the hook somewhere. Or so I've heard. I also know my wireless tv thing played havok with mine.

[Simon Pieman]

If my microwave is in use it disrupts the signal