Lapton - No Network

[smurfchops]

Further to my previous thread, I cannot get any network coverage in my kitchen, where I needed to use my laptop. I have Windows 7 on the laptop, Windows XP on my desktop and a speedtouch modem attached to the desktop which is upstairs in another room. I can only get coverage on the laptop when it is next to the desktop, which isn't any use to me. Can I buy some type of booster to put in the kitchen which will make the internet work on my laptop downstairs ? Thanks guys.

[another-view]

How far away is the kitchen from the router? It should work up to about 100 metres.
Don't suppose you have lead lined walls or something similar?

[ChuckFickens]

yes

http://www.amazon.co....qid=1260190969&sr=8-7

[smurfchops]

Kitchen is a long way from the router, other side of house etc.

[Mobius1]

Before buying a wireless repeater and potentially spending money that you don't need to, download inSSIDer for your laptop:

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

This will show you all wireless networks in range, and which channels they are operating on. Get in range of your wireless network, and compare channels. If there are multiple networks on the same channel, then log into your wireless router and change the channel it works on. Best settings are channels 1,6 and 13. This can help reduce interference and improve your router's wireless signal strength.

Also try repositioning the router. Electromagnetic interference will cause the signal strength to degrade just like a radio. Try to position it away from other strong electrical sources such as the monitor, speakers and base unit of your desktop, and away from things like cordless phone bases and the like.

[Mobius1]

Also, since a wireless repeater uses the signal it gets from your actual network, then putting it in the kitchen where (we assume) there is no wireless signal, won't actually do you any good. A wireless repeater will rely on actually receiving the signal and therefore assumes that your wireless network propagates to the location it's placed. So, in effect, it's a mid-point but will only work if the signal reaches that mid-point. If the signal does not extend out of the room from which it's generated, it'll be as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Do the wireless devices you want to use on your network support Wireless N? If they did, you could simply buy a new wirelessN router. Wireless N can use dual-ban frequencies and uses MIMO technology to extend the range of the signal. You can also buy normal wirelessG routers that untilise several antennas and MIMO technology which purportedly increases the strength of the signal. Since the cost of the wireless extender is equal to that of one of these routers, it might be worth considering a better router rather than an extender that's worth more than the router that's broadcasting the signal. Just a thought.

[smurfchops]

Thanks all, Mobius, that went a bit over my head .. bit I will try to trawl through it ! Thanks all.