improving wifi reception

**pnonso** · 09-01-2007, 04:14 AM

I bought a wireless PCI adapter for my computer, seen here.

I need to improve its reception drastically. It comes with a little antenna which extends ~5 feet from the computer. I tried hooking it up to a big antenna on my roof, but that actually made reception worse.

Question: Would running a 5-strand copper wire into my attic maybe 20 feet total length improve signal strength? Thanks for any help.

Sorry this is a little off topic of forum.

**DarquePervert** · 09-01-2007, 08:05 AM

You need to get an antenna that's specifically tuned for wifi reception.
A radio antenna and a longer wire isn't going to help you at all.

Check out http://www.wlanparts.com for one source. It's where I got my external antenna.

**pnonso** · 09-01-2007, 05:52 PM

Would this improve my situation?

How long of a cord/wire from antenna to PC can there be without needing an amplifier, would ~20 ft be OK?

Also: Do directional antennas/parabolic receive stronger or just xmit stronger?

Thanks for the help.

**BarryWoods** · 09-01-2007, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

You need to get an antenna that's specifically tuned for wifi reception.
A radio antenna and a longer wire isn't going to help you at all.

Check out http://www.wlanparts.com for one source. It's where I got my external antenna.

^^^^^ What he said. Using wire could also fry your wifi radio.

Also check out www.fab-corp.com, that's where I get pretty much all my wifi equipment.