Wireless woes

[Seth]

Damn wireless. Stay tuned for my rant about this inconsistent technology.

In the mean time, this is the problem:

The router is upstairs. There two computers one level below that are to connect wirelessly. The first computer is a 2 year old HP lappy that connects with very good to excellent signal strength. The second computer is a desktop that I assembled for this customer. Despite the fact that the lappy and desktop are sitting right beside each other, the desktop won't connect as the signal strength is too weak.

I've tried 2 different PCI wireless cards, as well as a USB wireless. None of which helped. I added in a booster antenna that raised the signal strength from 16% to 39% (still not enough).

I've noticed that laptops with built in wireless can pick up wireless signals much better than a desktop with an add on wireless card. Why? I'm assuming it's the type of antenna.

I now have the desktop in my shop, and it connects with perfect signal strength to my network...although it's only a few feet away from the gateway.

So again, since these two computers are right beside each other, why does the laptop have great signal strength, but the desktop strength is so poor that I can't even acquire an IP? All I can think of doing now is updating the drivers for the wireless card and the mobo.

[dbarrow]

Same brand card and router?
Some work better with the correct matching mate (of their own brand).

Not all created equal?
I note some of our Toughbooks seem to be able to connect to gateways miles away while others get weak signal at known gateways within a hundred feet. Identical machines from a large lot bought at the same time.

[kelly]

I know these two are right next to each other, but try moving the desktop a bit. Or even the router. I had trouble connecting my laptop in the family room to my wireless because the fridg was a bit in the way. I moved the router 2 feet and I got a good connection.

[Seth]

Thanks for the replies.

I solved it by using a directional antenna. The standard crappy antenna gave 16%, the booster gave 39%, and the directional gave 81%:).

[dbarrow]

Yes, but why are some so much better than others?
Yes, but given the same card and same antenna, why do some cards grab signals from space and others have problems across the room?
"Cantenna" range is in MILES!

[kelly]

Tell us about the directional antenna.

[dbarrow]

Standard = omni-directional. All antennas have "lobes" which define their reception angles and which are preferable. You can find diagrams on the webs that will visualize this for you.
Directional = prime reception lobes are confined to a narrow angle. Interference from other devices can be eliminated as it is not receptive to those signals coming from those angles.

As the FCC has specific limits on signal strength, much to do about reception range has to do with the antenna receiving the signal. Confining the optimal reception angle to a limited angle makes it more efficient at receiving from a particular direction.
Some can be made extremely narrow... as like a telescope... where they are particularly good at picking out one particular signal among thousands.

See prior posts on "cantenna" for links to sites with instructions how to build your own for under $20.
These are equivalent to a high power telescope and can pull in and isolate a signal at very considerable distances.

[Seth]

Doug,

I've seen the cantenna before. One of these day's I might take the time to build one.

Tony,

This (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13843&vpn=ANT24-0600&manufacture=D-Link)is the directional antenna that I used. Depending on the position of the router and the other computers, these directional antennas will provide much higher signal strength as opposed to any type of omni directional booster antenna.