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    Wi-fi Range

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by chronicfuture12, Oct 17, 2006.

  1. chronicfuture12

    chronicfuture12 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,
    I am getting a new laptop soon, but I am not sure if my wifi would be able to reach my router. My router is located downstairs, and my laptop will be upstairs a lot of the time in my house. I use my PSP's wifi and it is only sometimes able to connect to the internet from my bedroom, while it works fine when I am closer. So, I am wondering if my laptop's wifi would work fine from my bedroom with this:
    Dell Wireless 1390b/g (54Mbps)
    or would this be better:
    Hi-Speed: Dell Draft N Wireless
    My router is a Linksys WRT54G/GS.

    Any help is greatly appreciated!
     
    chronicfuture12, Oct 17, 2006
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  2. Reezin14

    Reezin14 Crimson Mantle Commander

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    I've the same configuration and I recieve my signal just fine with the 1390.If you're still getting weaker signals upstairs there is always signal booster for under a $100 bucks.
     
    Reezin14, Oct 17, 2006
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  3. matt.modica

    matt.modica Notebook Consultant

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    That will work fine. My Wireless-B router can cover our whole house.

    I don't know about the dell wireless, but I know on my wireless card I can configgure it to extend the range or increase the bandwidth. Try going to Network Settings > Right click on the wireless > Select Properties > Click COnfiggure. Look around in there and check the various tabs for settings.
     
    matt.modica, Oct 17, 2006
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  4. chronicfuture12

    chronicfuture12 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, then why does my PSP have such a hard time connecting, but the notebook would be fine?

    Also, so there is no point in getting the Dell Draft N Wireless then with my router?

    Thanks!
     
    chronicfuture12, Oct 17, 2006
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  5. 31337

    31337 Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    I got linksys router,it covers the whole house but there is another in the house it can reach even if i put it next to the room... it just can't go threw that wall .. I guess it was built as nuk shelter or something!!
     
    31337, Oct 18, 2006
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  6. chronicfuture12

    chronicfuture12 Notebook Consultant

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    I know, but I am still curious as to why my PSP would have trouble at that range, while the new notebook would not.
     
    chronicfuture12, Oct 18, 2006
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  7. Reezin14

    Reezin14 Crimson Mantle Commander

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    I don't know about the PSP,but I would wait til the IEEE gets Draft N in order before I got anything.
     
    Reezin14, Oct 18, 2006
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  8. the_realness

    the_realness Notebook Consultant

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    Perhaps the PSP is not capable of establishing as strong as a signal? My Netgear G router is in my basement and I get a strong signal from my room (2nd floor).
     
    the_realness, Oct 19, 2006
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  9. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    You could get the Linksys WRT54GL router and put whichever open source OS on it that allows you to change the broadcast strength.
    Or you could switch it to just use B instead of G. B has a longer broadcast range than G does. Or maybe that was A, I can't quite remember off the top of my head.
     
    hollownail, Oct 19, 2006
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  10. Nicolas41390

    Nicolas41390 Notebook Consultant

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    The range of 802.11g is about 200' indoor, and about 2000' outdoor. The 802.11n is about 2000' indoor, and about 20000' outdoor, but you need to get a 802.11n router to get those kind of ranges with the N connection. I would stick with the stock Dell stuff, but if you want to get an N card, and want to spend the money to get an N router for the speed (600mbps for 802.11n vs 54mbps for 802.11g), then go for it. The PSP has a smaller antena then your notebook does, so it is not surprising that it is have trouble at long range.
     
    Nicolas41390, Oct 21, 2006
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  11. chronicfuture12

    chronicfuture12 Notebook Consultant

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    So do you think the notebook would be fine if the PSP can barely connect to the internet? It really is not that far away from my room...
     
    chronicfuture12, Oct 21, 2006
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  12. dlstorm

    dlstorm Notebook Consultant

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    I live on 6.5 acres and I can pick up my Linksys router all over in the house and all over the front half of the property including in the barn about 100 ft from house. Keep it secure.
     
    dlstorm, Oct 21, 2006
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  13. Chutsman

    Chutsman Notebook Evangelist

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    The sensitivity of wireless adapters vary greatly. The PSP probably has a low sensitivity one.
     
    Chutsman, Oct 23, 2006
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