Wal-mart wifi boosters ??? Do they work for what I need??

[Waylons26]

Ok, I have been all over the internet trying to find an answer, so here is the question:

I work on an offshore platform, and the rig has a wireless router so that we may connect to the internet in our off time. I just got a new laptop with wireless, and can connect to the rigs router, but because I am all the way at the end of the hall I only get two bars out of five and it is really slow. I can move out in the hall and get a better signal and it seems to be faster. I was looking at wal-mart and seen they have wireless boosters for your laptop for better range. I just need to know if the wireless boosters like at Wal-Mart really works. I wouldn't think I need much of a boost (Keep in mind, my company WILL NOT DO ANYTHING WITH THE ROUTER) All they will do is tell you to sit your happy butt in the hall. I can use it in my room, but would like to have a little more strength. Any help on this would be great. I am going to be offshore for 4 more weeks and sitting in the hall every night sucks.

[PrntRhd]

Due to the type of construction materials used to make the platform and since you will not be able to do anything with the router, that room may be a WiFi dead zone. (Metal rooms attenuate WiFi radio signals)

Do you have a link to the WiFi booster WalMart is selling?

A different method of connecting in your situation would be a USB WiFi adapter with a cord that would allow you to place the antenna in the hallway and connect to the laptop inside but there is no guarantee that would work and the adapter could be stolen/removed since it is a public area.
Good luck

[Waylons26]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10299055

Here is kinda what I was looking at. You're right about materials on the platform. Lots of steel!!! Not so bad in the living quarters, but bad enough to make the wifi hard to pick up.

[PrntRhd]

This is one I know does work but not if there is no signal present:
http://www.cantenna.com/

[risk_reversal]

With lots of steel around, it maybe tricky even with the Hawkins aerial.

Would the company allow you to use homeplugs? You would need two of them, one to connect to the router and the other to your laptop. The homeplugs connect to a power socket and have a wire leading into the router/laptop.

Good Luck