wifi antenna?

[David]

Is there anything I can use to let my laptop  pick up wifi from further away? Is there any antennas or anything like that?

 

[wagoneer]

drive around and spot an open I have seen maksshift wifi detectors go for big box some times they forget to turn it off....

 

[David]

I know how to get WiFi, I'm just trying to find a way to let my laptop get the signal from further way. Example at some McDonalds, I have to park right next to the building or I can't get a strong enough signal to use.

 

[caseyc]

There is prior discussion regarding this topic. But here is one such example below, see the links further down. &nbsp;I prefer the C.Crane wifi antenna versus the Alfa antenna. &nbsp;These are probably the 2 most popular brands. &nbsp;Another third popular brand is called a BearExtender wifi antenna, see link below. &nbsp;<br><br>I have both the C.Crane and Alfa wifi antennas, and my opinion is that the C.Crane antenna is better, mainly due to its better design whereby the USB adapter is built into the antenna for the C.Crane antenna. &nbsp;But the USB adapter is a separate piece that is attached to the antenna part for the Alfa antenna, which makes it less stable and more prone to potential problem in my opinion..<br><br>To get a better signal, assuming that your Windows laptop has at least 2 USB ports, you should plug in 2 instead of 1 USB cables from the antenna to your laptop. That will provide a bit more power to your antenna for 2 USB ports versus 1 port. &nbsp;Also, you should install the antenna on top of the roof to get better reception, as opposed to inside the vehicle. &nbsp;Installing the antenna on your roof will get you at least 1 or 2 bars more signal strength, plus your antenna will see more wifi networks available.<br><br>These wifi antennas only work with a *real* computer such as a laptop, that's because these wifi antennas require Windows drivers to be installed. I don't know about Mac/Apple computers/laptops since I only use Windows computers and laptops. &nbsp;<span style="font-size: 13px;">No, these antennas cannot be connected to an Android or iPad tablet, again because these antennas require drivers to be installed and such drivers won't work with an Android or Apple tablet.<br><br>Obviously, if the wifi signal is encrypted, meaning a password is required for access, then a wifi antenna won't do you any good. &nbsp;But if you're within a few/several blocks of an un-encrypted signal, you will have a decent chance of pulling in the wifi signal. &nbsp;Notice I said "chance" since nothing is guaranteed. &nbsp;There are so many factors involved including tall buildings, hills, mountains, or whatever other interference might get in the way. &nbsp;The manufacturers claim up to 1 mile away for wifi reception, but I'm always skeptical of such claims.<br><br></span>The 3 links below will give you lots of information on this.<br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Super-USB-Wifi-Antenna/dp/B004UR72IM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Super-USB-Wifi-Antenna/dp/B004UR72IM<br><br></a><a href="http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna-3.aspx#.Ub6SzPmsiSo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna-3.aspx#.Ub6SzPmsiSo<br><br></a><a href="http://store.bearextender.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://store.bearextender.com/<br></a><a href="http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna-3.aspx#.Ub6SzPmsiSo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><br><br></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Super-USB-Wifi-Antenna/dp/B004UR72IM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><br><br><br></a>

 

[David]

TY... I'll have to check those out.

 

[Guest]

There is a device called Cantenna that you build yourself. Its called cantenna because its made from a can. If your handy and low buget you might try it.<br><br>There are many websites on how to build them but here is one.<br><br><a href="http://www.mikestechblog.com/joomla...ss-wifi-network-building-24-ghz-cantenna.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>

 

[bee]

While the alpha is more awkward because it isn't all built into one, it is more versatile because you can use whatever antenna you want. &nbsp;Alpha also offers a router that will turn your alpha into a hotspot, no computer needed. This would allow for wireless connection of multiple computers, it is on my to buy list.

 

[wagoneer]

Sorry David did not mean to bring up the obvious. I looked at the cantenna some years ago and have not as of yet tried building one Looking at Samsung Chromebook today.

 

[arizonatruck]

One thing that I saw was using a satellite dish looking thing.&nbsp; You insert the usb wifi device into a somewhat domed shaped object and then connect it to usb extension cord and then into your usb port.&nbsp; This is very directional, but you will be able to get a better signal.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

I have an existing antenna on my van. Can I use that as the antenna?<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[arizonatruck]

What type of antenna, is it the cars radio antenna?

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I had a cantenna, one of the nicer ones i bought off ebay.&nbsp; It is not a good option unless you know the exact location of the router you want to hook into.&nbsp; It provides a strong narrow focused beam, but if the beam is even slightly off from pointing at the source your signal is garbage.&nbsp; For this application, stick with a omidirectional like the alphas and similar.&nbsp; This is my personal, real world experience.

 

[bee]

Yes directional antennas are a pain to aim, BUT if you are trying to lets say use internet from lowes while in their parking lot and you are not handicap and aren't able to park right next to the building a omni directional just won't cut it most of the time. &nbsp;It can't cover the distance. &nbsp;In this case you know that the router you are hooking up to is somewhere in the building and you can use a program to help you pin point it if necessary. &nbsp;I think I used to use netstumber?&nbsp;<a href="http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/</a>&nbsp;If it is the program I am thinking of it will show signal strength and updates quickly every couple of seconds.<br><br>I remember one time when I was able to park in walmarts parking lot to sleep for the night and was able to pick up Starbucks internet from the next lot over. &nbsp;I was actually able to watch tv shows as long as I let them buffer for awhile. &nbsp;Just wouldn't have been possible with an omni-directional. &nbsp;Sometimes I wish I had both though, or actually a directional antenna that would auto aim. &nbsp;If I was a computer programmer it probably wouldn't be hard to write a program to control some servos to aim the antenna based on signal strength. &nbsp;If anyone knows if this exists let me know.

 

[Mywifi]

[font=arial, sans-serif]How does a wireless antenna work? I do not know about it so I asked you?[/font]

 

[Mywifi]

Hello,

 

[Mywifi]

Hello,

I again asked you about my question.i want to know how wireless antenna work.You did not reply me.i'm waiting.