Wi-Fi Connection Booster?

[johna]

Win 7 OS

HP 431 PC

I have a very poor Wi-Fi connection, to obtain a decent signal I must move into the hallway outside my room.

The router is located on the floor above me and I cannot make any changes to the router.

So is there any device that I can attach to my laptop or put in my hallway that will boost the signal.

I will be in BKK this weekend, so if there is anything that would help, where in BKK could I buy it.

Thanks in advance

[thaimite]

There are lotsb of Wi-Fi boosters available. I am not sure which models you will find in BKK but look at this page for some ideas

Edited August 30, 2011 by thaimite

[oakweb]

You could use a wireless bridge device like the one below:

http://www.amazon.com/Access-client-Bridge-repeater-router/dp/B005E968NU/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1314693521&sr=8-16

problem is sometimes they just don't work with other routers, and you know Thailand's return policy..

maybe get it from a store that will give you at least a store credit return if it does not work (bigger shops I would imagine)

[phazey]

You can probably make your own booster. I posted my results here a few years ago - 2007 maybe. Managed to get a little Linksys USB adapter on a link 3.5km's away. All you need is a printer, some card and some foil.

I think i got the info from http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/ - Yeah another search yielded http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/cardwifi.jpg - this is what i made.

Just plop this on the antenna of your AP and you will see an increase in signal strength.

P

Here's the template. http://www.aegisarts.com/wifi/ez12.pdf

Edited August 30, 2011 by phazey

[Ponbkk]

What encryption is set? WPA, WEP, etc. ...

[Satcommlee]

I solved a similar situation for a friend the other day.

I bought him a TP-LINK TL-WA701ND available most techy places for around 1300 Baht, this is an ACCESS POINT and not a ROUTER.

I purchased a TP-Link TL-ANT2408C 8 dB high gain antenna for about 500 Baht

Then an extra long ethernet cable

The new antenna can be mounted directly on the Access Point, there is no need to use the stand provided.

The power for the Access Point is supplied down the ethernet cable (Power Over Ethernet) with a little adapter supplied, so you can power at the PC side, there is no need to get electric to the access point.

And you just place where you get the best signal (you may not even need the external high gain antenna)

You will need to set up the access point in Client mode however, but instructions are quite straight forward.

You then simply connect the other end of ethernet cable into your PC.

Edited August 30, 2011 by Satcommlee

[chinook]

buy a wi-fi dongle that plugs into ya usb, a meter or so of usb cable and a wire vegetable strainer/ colender. Use the veggie strainer as a satellite dish to focus the waves onto your wi-fi dongle........google cantennae, you'll see what i mean.

[muratremix]

If router is above you, Antenna of your new wifi router / repeater should be horizontal (parallel to ground) not vertical. Just fyi.

[Satcommlee]

Maybe the OP has more than a 20 Baht budget.

Some of the home made contraptions I am reading about here can do more harm than good.

Signal Impedance, VSWR, frequency response, phase noise, parabolic focal point (for the colander) cannot be measured or speculated for a biscuit tin or a colander

Edited August 30, 2011 by Satcommlee

[johna]

Thanks everybody, that's all good info and much appreciated.

[Gary A]

I too have WiFi weak signal problems. I researched it to some extent and an antenna that plugs into the USB port called Wi Fire got excellent reviews. I have not been able to find one in Thailand but do have a Singapore link;

http://www.asiaflux.com/Products/wi-fire_folder/Wi-Fire.html

[schondie]

Just an idea;

http://lifehacker.com/5728827/build-a-cheap-wi+fi-extender-out-of-a-tin-can

There was a similar article (that I couldn't find) about putting an old aluminium can around the wifi aerial to boost the signal. If you can get to the aerial it'll cost you nothing, apart from an old Coke can and two minutes of your time with a pair of scissors.

[Gary A]

Neither my net book nor the laptop have external WiFi antennas. When traveling, I don't want to drag along a lot of extra equipment so a simple device that plugs into a USB port would work best for me. If anyone finds the Wi Fire or similar booster in Thailand, please let me know.

In the mean time, I'll email Singapore to see if they will ship one here and how much it costs. I'll post the results.

[oakweb]

That thing is huge! http://www.asiaflux.com/Products/wi-fire_folder/Wi-Fire.html

[fantuzi]

I used to play that hobby - wi-fi DXing,You have received very competent advice already,may be a bit techie for novice

. The most important point is - you need to find the place where the signal is the best and place antena there.

very good device is from company EnGenius,model: EUB9603H(about 1200B?) - long time favourite of wi-fiDXing,

same model is made by Senao.It has detachable antena.You need also long USB cable(It can be 4meters/max).

Connect adapter(it is called:wireless USB adapter) to USB cable and cable to USB socket in your comp,very simple.

Then you can move adapter with antena to sweet spot.adapter comes with 5dBgain antena,if it is not enough -

buy seperate high gain antena(long one) - 9dB.you can also try directional quad antena for best results.

This device is very usefull when you are on the move - in hotels,or GH,very often the best signal is just outside your window,or on the balcony.

You can use cheaper adapter with detachable antena - EUB9603EXT (600B?) from the same company,which is smaller

see it here: www.engeniustech.com.sg

TP-Link produce similar adapters,even cheaper,same about D-Link.

Very important part of such set-up is USB cable,long enough and good quality,you have to play also with orientation of antena rod(up,down ,left,right etc)

It is all very simple and not expensive.

[Fgis]

Hello,

I have never seen any Wifi extender sold in Thailand, do you know any ?

The most famous one abroad is:

http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-Universal-WN3000RP-Wi-Fi-Extender/dp/B004YAYM06

Please tell me if you have seen any brand sold at PANTIP or FORTUNE, last time I was there they didn't even know it exist...

[whimsy]

While trying out these different options it would be handy to be able to see more accurately how much received signal strength is improving as you move the receiver or antenna around. Inssider a free program for Windows and Mac is great for this. http://www.metageek....ducts/inssider/

Another alternative would be to forget the wifi in the apartment and get a cheap android phone and 3G plan and use that as your wifi provider.

[Turkleton]

Hello,

I have never seen any Wifi extender sold in Thailand, do you know any ?

The most famous one abroad is:

http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/B004YAYM06

Please tell me if you have seen any brand sold at PANTIP or FORTUNE, last time I was there they didn't even know it exist...

I saw a range extender/access point/repeater recently at Tukcom Pattaya. It was a D-Link, sold by JIB Computers for ~1250 Baht.

Next time ask for an "wifi access point" not "range extender". Than anybody should know, what you want..

Edited August 7, 2012 by Turkleton