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    New laptop, little/no WIFI

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Met, Jun 21, 2008.

  1. Met

    Met Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Guys,
    I recently received my Dell XPS which comes installed with the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card. My router (a 2 or 3 year old DLink 802.11g 2.4 gH) is set up to my downstairs computer. It is just a plug in and use router so there aren't any settings I can change in regards to the router...But my problem is this: The internet works quite well when I am within a few feet of the router, but when I try leaving the room, or especially going upstairs to my room (the room where I would like to have my laptop more permanantly set up), it completely drops the signal. It picks up other networks (neighbours) when I'm in my room, but as I'm obviously not about to jump onto other people's signals, I'm left with no internet.

    In between the downstairs router and my room, there is the ceiling (obviously), a 10 foot(ish) hallway, my door, and then another ten feet or so to my laptop. I'm not sure if I need to upgrade my router, or if there is something I can do to get the one I currently have to work?

    I am a COMPLETE novice, so if you have any suggestions, please make them as dumb-downed as possible :eek:

    Thanks in advance!!
     
    Met, Jun 21, 2008
    #1
  2. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Check in the laptop wireless adapter if your transmit power is set to maximum, also if your wireless mode is setup properly.
     
    Wirelessman, Jun 21, 2008
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  3. Met

    Met Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, this is going to be a really, really dumb question, but....how do I do either of those things? This is also the first time I have ever used Vista, and I'm still very unsure as to where everything is...Thanks.
     
    Met, Jun 21, 2008
    #3
  4. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    In the right corner of your screen, at the bottom you have an icon with 2 monitors and a blue circle (internet), right click there and select Network and sharing center, then select view status, and then properties, continue, then configure, and advanced settings, then look at the transmit power and wireless mode.
     
    Wirelessman, Jun 21, 2008
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  5. Met

    Met Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, when I do that the Transmit Power is set to Highest, and the wireless mode is set to 802.11a/b/g

    I really appreciate your help
     
    Met, Jun 21, 2008
    #5
  6. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Then that's good.

    Your laptop is 29' from the router, it could be well the limit of your router. Try to move the router around a little to see if the reception improves, or bring the router one floor up, if you can of course, otherwise I'm afraid you might need either to upgrade your router with extended range or purchase some coverage extender products, like those sold by hawking technologies.
     
    Wirelessman, Jun 21, 2008
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  7. Met

    Met Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, thank you so much for the info...One last question, since it seems like I am going to have to upgrade my router, are any of these acceptable:

    Linksy #1

    Linksy #2

    Linksy #3
     
    Met, Jun 21, 2008
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  8. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    #3 is the best, but man, your prices stinks, long life the Queen :D

    But make sure that it can go farther than 30', otherwise you better keep and move the existing router to one floor up and save the money
     
    Wirelessman, Jun 21, 2008
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  9. Met

    Met Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, even with our dollar the way it is, we are still getting super ripped off in Canada...Yikes...

    Thank you so much for your time and information...It was greatly appreciated.
     
    Met, Jun 21, 2008
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  10. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    You welcome. I hope the Canadian women soccer team delivers a fiery battle to the US :D
     
    Wirelessman, Jun 21, 2008
    #10