I need to increase wifi range!!!!!!!!?

Question

i share my wifi with my neighbors, (i pay them so i can use it) and so they have the router. i want a way to boost my wifi connection for free or at very low cost. i asked them to put in winsurfer but they said it was fine already so what i wanna do is increase my connection to the router from my computer. if there is anything homemade with the materials that i obviously have and costs less than $5, please tell me! (i have copper wire)

oh ya my adapter is a belkin wireless g, i dont wanna buy another!

its 802.11 g, part number f5d7011

note:the adapter doesnt come with an antenna and if theres any way i can make one for my adapter, please tell me!

-i can accept anything magyver style to increase range

please dont tell me to use anything with ethernet, i cant use it on my laptop; theres only two slots for the copper

remember that i cant do anything to the router, not even put a tin foil around it cause they dont wanna!

Answer 1

Simple get a WiFi repeater. Wish I had a neighbor like you. We could all save. Link below to get you started. There are also solar powered ones

Answer 2

Turn your USB adapter into a CANTENNA!  It is a real McGyver rig but it does work. You will need a USB cable so your "antenna" can be moved around a little but once the USB stick is placed correctly in a "can" at the right distance from the back of the can you get a highly directional high gain receiver!

Here are the directions. And yes it does increase range by several hundred feet!

http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/canten...

http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/Docu...

and a picture of one made in a coffee can

http://www.rahul.net/dold/clarence/usb-c...

They really do work... you do have to get the usb adapter the correct distance from the back of a coffee can but once located correctly it will add a tremendous amount of range!

These are not my solution I would use a better radio card with an external antenna like Radio Labs Sells

http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wirele...

because the radio is ten times the power you now have and the antenna is four to five times the power.. add all that up.. you get a good signal.

Answer 3

Give the Apple AirPort Express a try. Place it as close to their house as possible (inside though). Configure it with the software to connect to your neighbor's house. Then connect to the AirPort Express.

Hope this helps!

(Note, it is Windows and Mac compatible)