Problem picking up network with usb adapter
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Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 9:44 PM
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They are located in one part of a complex of farm buildings and are able to use the local wifi network if they can ever pick it up. I have been able to pick up the network with a dell laptop - it wasn't super strong (just two bars), but I get nothing with the two usb adapters. I first tried this one from maplin
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44633 ; with no luck, so tried this 'hi gain' adpater,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-EW-7318USG-Wireless-Adapter-802-11b-g/dp/B000NNSY7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF...
but still absolutely nothing. Has anyone any suggestions on what the problem is, or how best to proceed?
I am afraid I do not have a lot of info on the pc, but I do recall that it had an AMD 1Ghz processor, 384 Mb Ram and is running windows xp. It was given to them for free and as I said before only has usb1.1.
Many thanks
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 10:22 PM
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What happens if you try to plug the USB wi-fi adapter into the laptop and then disable the built in one? (if it works it would suggest the device has no 1.1 fall back support)
As the devices in question have a 54 Mbps max transfer rate and USB 1.1 (Full Speed) has a max transfer of 12 Mb/s it could be highly likely it won't (USB 2.0 has a max transfer speed of 480 Mb/s)
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 10:41 PM
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Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 10:44 PM
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Have you tried moving the laptop near to the window nearest to the wifi router ?.
If it works there - would the 3m usb extension lead illustrated on you link enable the antenna to be near that window ?.
More complex is doing what a Sean - member here has done - to link a friend to his internet connection - but it would probably be cheaper to buy a new :)laptop !
http://www.seanbranagh.ie/computing/networking.html
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 10:45 PM
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Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 10:54 PM
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Quote from: mal0z Where is the wifi router in relation to the room where you want to use the laptop. The laptop isn't the problem[color=blue], it is the desktop pc that they want connecting to the internet
[/color]
Have you tried moving the laptop near to the window nearest to the wifi router ?.
If it works there - would the 3m usb extension lead illustrated on you link enable the antenna to be near that window ?.
More complex is doing what a Sean - member here has done - to link a friend to his internet connection - but it would probably be cheaper to buy a new :)laptop ! - I am really looking for a low budget option! but may have to consider something like this
http://www.seanbranagh.ie/computing/networking.html
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 11:02 PM
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http://www.wifi-antennas.co.uk/index.php?target=categories&category_id=209
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
01-03-2009 11:13 PM
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There is definitely a signal outside, because the laptop can already pick it up inside (just about). It is just frustrating that the desktop pc cannot
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
02-03-2009 10:24 AM
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I am aware it was thbe desktop, I was just thinking it would determine whether the device can works in the location or not, if it does, its likely to be the fact the desktop is USB 1.1 only.
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
02-03-2009 3:57 PM
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It was me I think that didn't pick up on the desktop.
about 10 to 15 m of feeder cable to the antenna should be ok - obviously good quality cable and connectors help.
Note that if the cable loss at 2GHz is say 5dB - connectors add another 1 dB - so total feeder loss is 6dB but the antenna has a gain of 9dB - the net gain is still 9dB - 6dB = 3dB so you are still on the plus side, and you get a better signal than from inside the room.
Obviously you need a router / USB ADSL unit that has facilities for an external antenna.
I found a good guide here on the wifi antennas site.
Some may be too techie for you ( apologises ! ) - but read the section on 3 onwards and come back for help if needed.
http://www.allendale-hosting.co.uk/antenna/download/FAQ-What_Antenna_Guide.pdf
Normal exclaimer - I don't work for and / or have any financial interest in this company !. But it looks a good site
Re: Problem picking up network with usb adapter
02-03-2009 8:54 PM
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Thanks again for all your help. I will post back with progress success or failure...
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