[SGVLUG] Cheapest way to extend laptop wifi range?

[Christopher Smith]

Not really practical, but could be an amazing solution to the problem:

http://www.wesolveforx.com/#t=t&n=f35b89ba

On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 3:14 PM, Dan Kegel <dank at kegel.com> wrote:
> On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 3:08 PM, matti <mathew_2000 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>> So, the issue with newer laptops is that their antenna is now in the LCD frame,
>> and there is no good way to easily connect a better antenna to it.
>> ( lol, tho I did like the idea of reflecting signals to it using a foil pie plate ;)
>>
>> Thus I think you should be looking for another wifi "card" - usb dongle
>
> Right.
>
>> and using it in a home make antenna like you see here"
>> http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/
>
> I really want something durable, small, and professional-looking,
> and I don't want to have to aim it; omnidirectional whips are probably
> just good enough.
>
>> also, you can try different frequencies/channels in case you are experiencing
>> interference.
>
> Hmm, can I?  I thought the access point controlled that.
>
>> Let us know what works Dan.
>
> The $9 usb adaptor I mentioned earlier, plus a 5dbi whip, did let
> me connect to TWCWifi from the corner of Washington and La Brea,
> which was not possible with the laptop's built-in antenna.  (The hotspot
> is just over the hill south on La Brea.)   The majority of major intersections
> I've tried in my area are now ok, so I'm probably happy.
>
> Thanks,
> Dan



-- 
Chris