poor signal

[j0hnnyboy]

hello everyone,

the neighbor that lives across the street from me lets me use his wireless internet in exchange for on-demand computer help.

however, there's a problem. i can only get a signal at night, and even then, its shotty.

is there any practical way i can boost the signal? do any of the wireless range expanders work well?

thanks in advance,
Jon

[PrntRhd]

One idea is to buy or make a "cantenna". (looks like a Pringles container). This is a directional antenna that boosts the reception.
http://www.cantenna.com/

how to build one:
http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html
http://flakey.info/antenna/waveguide/
http://securitystartshere.net/page-training-oswa-cantenna-calculator.htm

Be aware some jurisdictions think cantenna's are not legal, you have to check on what laws apply in your region if any.

[j0hnnyboy]

is there a way i can boost the signal while still using my built-in wireless?

the cantenna looks good tho....ive thought about it in the recent past. do you know how well it works? ive heard generally positive things about it...

[mjc]

Personal experience...

Recently, I have been sharing an internet connection and had a problem with signal strength. Adding the cantenna cleared it up.

The signal strength meter associated with the card management program that came with my wireless card would read bout 40 percent before, and 85-90 after installing the cantenna. Likewise for the 'quality' meter...