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Wireless card?

17 years ago

I need some help please. I'll explain the best that I can which may or may not be helpful since I don't really know what I'm talking about.

I have an older laptop that picks up our wireless internet but the signal isn't ever really strong on this lap top. It keeps disconnecting so I'm interested in getting a wireless card to boost the signal I get.

We have Verizon wireless internet, we have a hub in the basement and my laptop's signal isn't great basically anywhere in the house. I was told that I should look for a Belkin because it's the best brand. But am I supposed to get a lan card? A wifi card? What exactly am I supposed to be looking for?

I don't want to spend too much $ on it either. Is Ebay a good place to buy whatever it is I'm looking for or do you know of a better place?

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Comments (3)

zep516
17 years ago
Your looking for a signal booster (wifi) for the router in the basement so it sends a stronger single throughout the house there are a few different things you can get, one is an antenna that connects to the router in the basement, then there is a thing called a repeater. I think others will have more information as I do not use the items. I like to deal with (New Egg) you can Google that, when buying items like this.

Some people hang the router on a wall and say that helps, that would be the router in your basement, the thing with the antennas on it.

So to start your search - Google "Wireless Single Booster" to get an idea of what is out there, and wait for others to reply
ms_minnamouse
Original Author
17 years ago
I just want the thing that plugs into my laptop, not to the router. Everybody else has newer laptops and Macs so they don't have the same problem as me.
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To answer your specific question, I'd shop mainly by price. I don't see investing too much in a network adapter for an older computer. You'll want a USB adapter. I don't know how you feel about this or what you might have done, but it might be worth the effort to poke around a bit. I'd check with HP for the latest, greatest driver and install that. If that doesn't help, I'd delete the network card in Device Manager, reboot, let Windows reinstall it, and see what that does. The computer does use a mini card so you don't have to replace the motherboard. I can't see it being cost effective unless you can find a used one somewhere and have the ability to replace it yourself.
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Don't be afraid because of another thread, use it to move forward in a more aware and enlightened fashion. A 4 port router can be had for$40 and up and a wireless network (NIC) card can be had for the same amount. Installing the NIC card takes 5 minutes. Connect the router to your incoming Cat5 cable. Follow the instructions that come with either piece of equipment. It is not difficult, just a little quiet concentration and you will be set to go. Your existing computer can remain hard wired. Check the link below Here is a link that might be useful: 4 steps to a wireless network
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PKponder TX Z7B
17 years ago
If I understand what you are asking, you are just looking to replace the on-board or current wireless adapter for your laptop. I would suggest you find one that is compatible with the wireless router and the laptop. An example would be that the router is Linksys, so you could shop for a Linksys card (or the router could be Belkin..use a Belkin card). You will also have the options of pc card, pcmcia card or USB depending on the laptop. Finally, you will probably need to disable the wireless card you use currently to allow the new card to be the primary connection.

Pam

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