How to Get Wireless Internet From Miles Away

If you're trying to catch signal from a hotspot located far away, or you are trying to network with your neighbors, there are a couple of things you can try to boost your signal. The signal is usually controlled by the placement of the router and its direction, but assuming that you're getting no signals, you should concentrate on ways to increase the signal receiving strength of your computer.

Things You'll Need

• USB network adapter
• Wireless repeater
• Signal booster

Instructions

1. Replace the wireless network adapter of the PC. You have to ensure that the wireless network signal is sent to and from the computer. Sometimes, the Internet router is able to broadcast strong signals, but the computer is unable to send them back to the router. In that case, you can replace the PC card wireless network adapter with a USB network adapter, which uses an external antenna.

2. Add a wireless repeater, which will extend the wireless network range and you will not have to add any wiring. All you have to do is place a wireless repeater halfway between your computer and the wireless access point. You will notice an instant boost in wireless signal strength. ViewSonic, D-Link, Linksys, and Buffalo Technology offer wireless repeaters at many retail outlets.

3. Purchase a signal booster. This increases your computer's ability to capture strong signals from distant wireless networks and improves the overall wireless coverage. These signal boosters can be bought from companies that sell Internet routers and other hardware.

References

• Microsoft: Wireless tips
• Broadband Choices: Boosting WiFi