How can I increase my Laptops Wi Fi Range?

This is the type of laptop I have:

1.6GHz 3000 Intel® Celeron™ M Wireless Notebook (C200)

1.66GHz Intel® Celeron™ M 420 Processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 40GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive, Modem, Wireless 802.11b/g, 15" LCD Display - XGA (1024 x 768), Windows® XP Home (Manufacturer Recertified)


I don't know how old this is in comparison to the newer models, but how (if possible) can I extend the Wi Fi range so that I can pick up the internet lets say.. from the park!

 

You can get one of those WWAN cards that you pay monthly for. You can use those practically anywhere! Your normal wifi card, however, doesn't have the range capabilities. Newer "N" cards might have trouble getting signals from the park to your house.

 

Longer distances usually are not possible, at least distances like that. However, there are two things you might be able to try.

One is to increase the power throughput of your WiFi card.

The other is to use a directional antenna from your router, pointed to wherever you want to see your network.

Like I said, it mostly depends on the range you need. However, a cellular network internet connection might be your only shot depending on range.

 

if you have an express slot, you can get one of the N express cards and it might give you a little more range....

but as said above, you can always get one of the WWAN cards........

 

Heh... speaking of directional antennas. I read somewhere that there are places which classify a cantenna as being illegal because it has the potential to enable hackers to use wifi from a larger distance. That being said a cantenna (in my opinion) works quite well sometimes in order to get better range. You can build one with a can of Pringles

An external high gain antenna would probably be the best choice in order to really extend your range.

 

when i need to reach out without getting too crazy i use my Orinoco (proxim) 8470 and an external antenna. The cantenna works great if you feel like building one but you can buy a nice external mount laptop antenna something like this The orinoco card has a lot of features and works great with an external adapter.

 

If you really don't want to build a cantenna. Why not buy one? www.cantenna.com

 

And for those who have an Atheros Card (ThinkPad Card), I believe the option is Power Save Mode in the advanced tab. It's set on Maximum by default to save battery life. If you would rather have longer wireless range than approx. 10 extra minutes of battery life, then turn it off.

 

I have a Cantenna for sale in my thread if you're interested. We'll talk there.

 

I've decidede to go on and fork over the cash for the Verizon wireless USB720 Modem. I'll have to pay $60/mo, but I should be able to go online wherever there's good Cellphone Reception.

Thanks for the imput guys