Getting better signal....

[linzkaye13]

Does anyone know how the Linksys SRX notebook adapters work? I can pick up a signal on my wireless network from a distance with a Dell Wireless 1350 WLAN Mini-PCI Card in my laptop, but cannot get the signal with a regular 2.4 Ghz Linksys Wireless-G Notebook adapter (signal is coming from a WRT54G Linksys router). And I was also wondering if a Linksys Wireless G Notebook Adapter with SRX would be able to pick up that signal (would it make the pick up better, or just from a SRX router??)
Thanks
P.s. the distance is maybe 80 ft. away outside a house...I had someone mention antenna boosters...but what kind of those would I get???

[reader]

First, 80 ft. isn't much. The WRT54G should be able to handle that unless you're behind some metal ducts or other obstacles.

I would try re-locating the router a bit first. Yes, they make larger antennae for the Linksys Routers and there are directional ones you can buy as well...but that may be unnecessary.

Try turning the router so that the two antennae create a straight line in the direction you're trying to get a signal. Like...

0----0 ------>> direction of your laptop outside

It doesn't matter which end you point, the dipole creates a "lazy 8" pattern where the strongest radiation emanates from the two poles.

[linzkaye13]

yes, 80 ft isn't that much but I do have an aluminum sided house, I have moved my router as close to the door (of the room-closer to the laptop outside) as possible, i might try to lift it as much as possible, but would a better wireless card help??
Thanks

[YeOldeStonecat]

The SRX NICs won't help if you don't have an SRX router.

Your issue seems to be getting that signal drilled through a metal sided building. That doesn't make things fun. Are there any windows along the side of this building which face the side you want to get an 80 foot range on? Perhaps try placing the router in that window so you have a line of sight from your intended area?

Perhaps see if you can try "testing" a Pre-N/MIMO router. The scatter signal technology they are based on might be able to punch through some structure on your metal sided building.

Or if it's necessary for you to get that signal outside and having one located inside the building can never work, see if you can get an access point to mount outside of your building.