Rural Area

[#1]

I have weak signal because of the distance from the exchange. Can someone explain what combination of speed, contention ratio would improve my connection? Would a different IP give a stronger signal or is the signal strength on dependent on BT.
Sometimes although the laptop indicator shows a strong signal, I still cant get a connection. Why is this?
Thanks 

[#2]

Am I correct in assuming that the laptop is connected to the router via wireless.
If so the fact that you have a strong wireless signal is irrelevant in relation to broadband speed.
Can you post your router stats - attenuation, noise margin and speeds, this site explains how to get them http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/frogstats.php