How can I connect to weak-signal wireless networks?

My FSC Amilo Xi 2428 laptop, running WinXP Pro SP3, can connect to wireless networks by using either Inter PROset/Wireless or Windows Wireless Network connection. However, in neither of these two am I offered networks that are within range (but with a weak signal) according to NetStumbler 0.4.0 (Build 554) and Cain 4.9.19 (with WinPcap 4.0.2). Is there any solution for this? An external antenna, maybe (altough I can't figure out how that could be connected)? Or should I go for a Wireless Access Point? Needless to say, I'm talking about legitimate connection to such networks.

 

You have to get a high power usb , that allows an external conection for an antenna, or use a indoor client bridge , I use a ENGENIUS ECB-3220 400MW HIGH POWER 802.11B/G WIRELESS INDOOR MULTI-CLIENT BRIDGE and for the high power usb I use a EnGenius EUB-362 EXT WIRELESS USB 2.0 ADAPTER.

Alex

 

If you use windows to scan for other wireless networks do they show up? And I'm not sure if netstumbler can tell if it's a 11n. Make sure your not using both wireless managers at the same time. I prefer the MS one. The Intel requires alot of overhead.

A bridge requires a bridge on each end. It's better to get a Beam antenna to boost the signal and shield from noise. More power also means more noise, not always a good thing. Try rotating your nb sometimes it improve the signal the way the antennas are setup.

 

When either Windows or PROset/Wireless performs the scan, these networks do not show up at all. However, both NetStumbler and Cain detect them. And, regarding your 11n question, neither NS nor Cain reports that information — only Intel PROset/Wireless does.) And, no, these two wireless managers will not allow you to use them both simultaneously — you need to make up your mind.

Regarding the bridge suggestion, I believe most such peripherals (i.e. Wireless Bridges) support their working as Access Points (which, correct me if I'm wrong, would do the trick — with an advantage over the USB Adapter w/ Antenna that it would then allow more wireless clients/PCs to connect to that network).

 

Have you checked to see whether or not the weak signals in question are broadcasting their SSIDs? If a network is not broadcasting its SSID, then the default Win wireless connection app will not see the network (I don't know about the Intel app though), and consequently will not give you the option to connect to that network. On the other hand, I know for a fact that Netstumbler will display all networks it finds, including those that do not broadcast their SSID. So, if the networks aren't broadcasting their SSIDs, that may be the solution to your question.

 

are you trying to connect to a friend's network or something like that??? just curious

 

I'm talking here only about networks that are broadcasting their SSIDs.

Mainly it's about available hotspots in an area (without having to visit the specific venue). Plus I'm stumped why two pieces of software are able, by using the exact same hardware, detect wireless networks that other two pieces of software cannot.

 

The ENGENIUS ECB-3220 400MW HIGH POWER 802.11B/G WIRELESS INDOOR MULTI-CLIENT BRIDGE that I am using has a feature called Repeater.
I will explain.

the AP connects to a hotspot and rebroadcasts the wireless signal locally

This is how I have mine set up.

But to be sure move your laptop around outside and try to find a location where you can connect.
If you can get close enough to the signals you see now and connect, the repeater will probably work.
I have installed a higher gain antenna on my system for longer range aswell.

As blue68f100 says the beam antenna will work as well.

I have a 13.5 db yagi antenna that I have used with the usb external nework card.
That type of setup will give you a very strong signal with very little interference, but for you to use your laptop without moving equiptment around the house if you change rooms, the bridge/repeater setup is the best.


You just have to be sure that you can connect and access the internet first.
You will only find this out by getting closer to those signals that you see and to make sure you can log on.

Alex

 

I'm not sure the repeater is part of the 11n spec. There are quite a few AP's that supports bridging and repeater modes. But to set up a bridge it is required on each end. So lets keep the terminology correct not to confuse him more.

The yagi antennas are real good. I think I read that during a contest they used some real hi-gain yagi (on both ends) to go over 20 mi with adding amps.

 

I’m sorry I did not realize this was a wireless n setup.

My recommendations for hardware are wrong then, and will not work at the expected throughput of the n spec.

My equipment is setup in repeater mode so it does not require your own personal access point, you can configure it to connect to any wifi signal that it see’s. It has other features as well it can be a access point, or with 2 units a bridge.

Although my wireless g, will downgrade to wireless b speeds as signal strength decreases and is backwards compatable with b standards.I have not yet tried to connect to a n access point, it might not connect to a n.

The recommendations that I give on hardware are for semi/pro equipment and these company’s are definitely slower in implementing the latest standards.
It will probably be a while before they come out with higher n standard.

They are also not available at you local computer or department store.

Alex

 

Tomcat
I think you are getting confused.
The OP never said anything on n specs
That was Blue
I think your recomendations make sense as you only get high speed if you get a strong signal.

 

Use Hawking technologies devices.

 

I hate to be a post resurrect...but it's close to Halloween, and what better time, right?

I am having the same sort of difficulties, and was curious about something. The Hawking (HWU8DD) I found is a Hi-Gain USB antennae.

For reference I have a Dell 1700 Vostro with the upraded wireless card (Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN), which has been fantastic thanks to you guys for recommending that. But because of my current location, and because of where I will end up from now on, I thought it might be prudent to invest in an antennae. I am an adjuster for an insurance company, and while I rely on my aircard most days, sometimes I just don't have the speed I need, will run out of data limits, or just plain rather be connected through my local hotspot.

I am curious...since my wireless card is internal, does this antennae merely extend the range, or do I need to disable my current wireless card and install a USB Hawking...or is there some sort of hybridization involved?

You would never know I used to do this for a living, but the whole built-into a laptop thing throws me off.

Anyway, thanks again.

 

Don't feel bad for bumping this thread, I have a similar problem as in the OP and I myself can try to ask for some pointers.

I live in a house with a standard G wireless setup while I live on the floor above. Signal has always been weak and easily affected by whatever intererence.

Since buying a laptop (Asus M51Sn), the problem is still there, but it is somehow easier to get a connection. It helps that a laptop can be taken anywhere in the house, but I am still baffled by how to fix the problem with my desktop PC. I'm lucky if I can get conected half the time. I would really like to fix the problem.

 

One alternative would be to use a wireless powerline setup, which uses the wiring of your house to distribute the ethernet signal, and then uses wall-outlet wireless devices to broadcast a wireless signal, such as the Netgear WGX102.

Alternatively, you could set up a wireless bridge, such as the D-Link DAP-1522, which, if I read the literature correctly, can be used to extend the range of your wireless network by bridging that network out to systems that are too far away to receive the original wireless signal directly.

 

The second option seems more viable since I can not do anything about the router or how the wireless signal is originally broadcasted. I am curious to know how this wireless bridge works. Is it independent from the PC? Can it really retransmit encrypted signals with no fuss?

 

That's what the product specs say. I would, however, try to see if the company that made the router you're using also makes either a wireless bridge or a wireless repeater, as your less likely to have incompatibility problems that way than if you mix and match equipment from different manufacturers.

 

Doesn't the bridge connection require two networks? If that's so, how does it apply to household with only one wireless network?

 

I might be wrong about this... But i think those are two different bridges.

The one you're referring to is a bridge where you combine two different networks, and they act as one.
ie. AP 1 + AP 2 = AP3 or AP + ethernet connection = connection 3

The bridge there talking about is like a device that take a signal thats being brodcast at one location and rebroadcasts it at another.

So theres a signal at point A but it doesn't reach point B and your at point B, You would place one device of the bridge thing at Point A and another at point B. Then the signal from point A is rebroadcasted at point B and vice versa. Though i don't understand the specifics, but i remember seeing one in a flyer the other day so i kinda remember about it. o.o

 

Ok, I am new at this bridge concept, that's why I was asking. So say my landlord broadcasts his wireless but is weak in my room, not only do I need a bridge device at point B but at point A as well?

My landlord thought he was doing me a favor by broadcasting his wireless, don't think he wants to spend $$ on a bridge device yet.

 

You only need a repeater/extender located in between you and the AP. But repeater are as expensive as routers.

Talk the lanlord in to running a cat5e cable to your room. Then you will have good speed.

Bridge comes in a couple of forms. Bridge to bridge to tie 2 networks together. and bridge to multiple bridge locations.

Run the cable.