Trying to figure out how to extend my wifi range

[Gump]

So, I would like to get an antenna that can increase the range I can receive wireless signal and the range I can broadcast back. There's a catch though. The device that I will be using internet on cannot connect to an external network adaptor. So I need to have a repeater of some kind that receives signal, rebroadcasts it so my computers built in wireless adaptor can pick it up, then rebroadcasts my computers replies at longer range. I used to work with airplane based communication repeaters all the time on search and rescue ops. I'm sure a similar theory could apply. The question is, does anyone know more about this than me? I'm not even sure where to start looking as far as what equipment I need.

 

[blars]

If you only want to hook up one device that has a usb port, it's cheaper to get a high-power usb wifi device.&nbsp; Wifi repeaters are made, frequently from reprogrammed multi-antenna wifi routers.&nbsp; Many of them run linux, so it isn't too hard for someone with the proper knolege to do.<br><br><br>

 

[dborla01]

check at ccrane.com for antennas, etc. Darrell. <br>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp; http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-WIFI-Antenna-Reception-Booster/ &nbsp; <br>&nbsp; <br>

 

[Ricekila]

<P><A href="http://www.google.com/search?source...amp;gs_upl=0l0l0l11047lllllllllll0&amp;aqi=g5" target=_blank>http://www.google.com/search?source...amp;gs_upl=0l0l0l11047lllllllllll0&amp;aqi=g5</A></P>

 

[Wild_E]

I have a WIFI stick with a long cord and base.<div>take a coke can, cut one side open like barn doors and run the USB up into the opening where you drink,</div><div>set it down on base and put in the WIFI stick.</div><div>turn it towards the source, leave on dash</div><div>works good for me</div>

 

[sl1966]

This has worked pretty well for friends of mine ...&nbsp;<div><br></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WokFi" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WokFi</a> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[Seraphim]

Colander *grin*

 

[Seraphim]

Colander *grin*

 

[sl1966]

I read an article about a guy in New Zealand testing one out using the wifi signal of someone residing on a nearby island that was about 3 miles away. He was using a large strainer, about 12".<div><br><div><br></div></div>

 

[gadgetMe]

It seems to me that at one time I read of some guys using discarded dishtv or directv dishes <br><br>may be worth time for some research<br><br>Putz<br>

 

[Willy]

This:&nbsp; http://www.exe64.com/mirror/wokfi/&nbsp; ..Willy.<br>

 

[magentawave]

VanGirl started a pretty good thread about this same subject last week here:&nbsp;<a href="/post/Boost-your-WiFi-5921146">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Boost-your-WiFi-5921146</a>

 

[VanTrekker]

Here's another suggestion....&nbsp; Someone mentioned C.Crane.&nbsp; I just installed one of their antennas in a nearly invisible fashion.&nbsp; The performance is excellent...&nbsp; I have pictures and details on my blog (and on a separate thread here)...<br /><br /><a href="http://vantrekker.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-hidden-wifi-antenna-for-stealthy.html">http://vantrekker.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-hidden-wifi-antenna-for-stealthy.html</a><br /><br />V.T.

 

[Guest]

HELP!....my head aches....I need someone to just point me to the best plugin wifi booster for the money and be done...I don't want a wok in my window, I don't want to have to hide an antenna, I don't want to spend $200 for it...surely there is a consumer report to read for this bonehead to look at and decide on the best smallish, usb plug in booster...gotta be one that is better than the rest...<br /><br />Everytime I search I find a million sites saying their model is....the best....of course!<br />Bri

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

For the money, the alfa works very good for me.&nbsp; At my work i used it to get a 5 bar signal from a source that no other device can even connect to.&nbsp; At best they may be able to see the networks, but only the alfa has been able to connect.<br /><br /><span id="actualPriceValue"><strong class="priceLarge">$27.99</strong></span> (it was like 60+ back when i got it <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> )<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUS036H-Upgraded-Wireless-Long-Rang/dp/B000QYGNKQ<br /><br />Be sure to use the short antenna, the long one they try to market is a gimmick that doesnt work.<br /><br />Make backups of the driver for it though, their support site is buggy.

 

[Guest]

Thanks DG....much appreciated....for that price is well worth trying out....I just need a bit more oomph for when I am in a campground in Mexico and they have wifi but not a very strong signal. I have found that a lot of places that install a wifi source know almost nothing about it so half the time they need rebooting, or they buy the cheapest router they can, or whatever. I usually will use my own hotspot cell phone when I can but it won't do any good in Mexico....<br /><br />Thanks, I'm buying one...<br />Bri

 

[Guest]

Just bought it...LOL<br />Bri

 

[SoulRaven]

hell Brian if i knew this was a problem for you i would have given you mine... since i got my mifi device i dont use it anymore.... <br /><br />

Just bought it...LOL<br />Bri

 

[SoulRaven]

hell Brian if i knew this was a problem for you i would have given you mine... since i got my mifi device i don't use it anymore... i hope all is well with you and yours my friend... i need your sage words and politics to light the fire under my ass knowing i love good banter with you... Love ya bro and cant wait till we are reunited again... Be at the RTR no excuses...&nbsp; <br /><br />

Just bought it...LOL<br />Bri