Is there a way to put a router in my room? I can't get wireless access and I have to go downstairs to connect

Question

my laptop to my main computer downstairs but I want to have access to the Internet in my room without moving the main computer. So I can't put the main computer in my room cause it's my parents' and that's where they want it and I'm having all sorts of trouble with those wireless cards that you put in your laptop. It's a fairly old laptop and does not have the wireless built into it. Help please!

Answer 1

There are several things you can do.

1) put a high gain antenna on the wireless access point downstairs or get a high gain antenna for the wireless card in your PC

2) Get a wireless bridge and then use a wired connection from your PC to the bridge.  You will need to config the bridge to connect with your router downstairs.

3) run a cat 5 ethernet cable to the router doen stairs and plug your pc into it or connect a wireless access point to it and use the wireless card on your PC.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

do you own a A, B, G, or N wireless access point? which network card do you have in your laptop : a, b, g, or n?  Is it PCMCIA or USB wireless dongle?   Does the WAP unit have at least 2 antennae? how many feet between your bedroom and the access point? Are there SOLID obstructions  (like concrete walls or floor) between the WAP and your bedroom?

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Answer 3

Do you have a router downstairs? Or is the computer downstairs plugged directly into the Modem

I suspect that you do not have a router, which is why you connect to the other computer.

A wireless router costs about $60. Connect your system this way:

Internet >Modem >> Router WAN Port

Router LAN Port >> Downstairs computer

Router Wireless >>> USB Wireless Dongle to Laptop

Be sure to follow the instructions and implement wireless security when you install the router. That way your wireless connection will be your private connection

Answer 4

I suspect the laptop with a wireless card is not the issue and a new laptop with built in wireless capability would not be any better.

From your limited description, it appears like you have an ISP modem terminated Internet feed which goes into a wireless router.  The main computer is connected to the router, perhaps via a wired link.  The router is very close to the main computer.  

You did not state if the laptop gets decent signal and performance when it is very close to the wireless router.  I will presume it does.  If it does not get decent performance when close to the router, you have a configuration problem you need to resolve and this is best done by following the router manual directions.

Assuming you have decent performance near the wireless router, and no performance in your room, your upstairs room is either too far from the wireless access point to receive a good signal OR the signal is blocked by interference (masonry, stone, metal such as ducting or mirrors, etc).  Your choices are to move the router closer to your use point or run a wired connection.

Answer 5

the only solution is to move the router to a more direct line to your computer, thats it!