Networking & wireless forum: Wi-Fi reception

My research is saying basically two options:
1. High gain antenna.
2. USB adapter.
Why should I need a adapter as my netbook already has a built in wifi system in place? My only objective is to increase the signal strength.

He nailed it.

Why you need the adapter is because most folk will not be able to modify their laptop to use item 1.
Bob

Why I will not be able to modify my laptop?
I have fairly good working knowledge, and will be able to tinker the laptop, although not a expert.

But if you have to ask if you are able to modify your laptop, then you won't be modifying the laptop to use item #1.

You either do this or you don't. And no one will write exactly how because there are far too many laptops for anyone to write how to do this on your specific laptop. You would research how others did this and then make up your own plan and go make the changes.

Again, this is not meant to upset you but you did ask.
Bob

In many cases you would be better off with a laptop that came with a external USB WiFi instead of hiding it deep inside.. Too many manufacture trade off appearance for functionality. They say customers say its ugly with antenna sticking out so I will just bury the radio in the middle so it looks pretty.

The main reason you use USB is because it is gives you more options to place it in the best reception point for wifi and still let you use the PC the way you want. With a 15ft USB cable you get lots of options.

I have seen pad computers that had the strongest signal being sent directly out the back, which means you if you put it on a desk or your lap you blocked most the signal... I guess they wanted you to lay on the floor and use it over your head.

Still what you are asking for is beyond the common design. Pretty much all manufactures will tell you the limit is 100ft indoors. Some mean it will barely even work at 100ft. Again this is a trade off.
They very well can make equipment that will work say to 200ft but people don't want to pay extra or complain that the router is ugly with high gain antenna on it. The majority of the manufactures are selling to are people who have the router within 25ft of the PC and the router having pretty lights is a key purchase feature.

802.11g/n USB WiFi Wireless Lan Adapter w/5dBi Antenna

http://www.amazon.com/802-11g-WiFi-Wireless-Adapter-Antenna/dp/B002VX0GJY/ref=pd_rhf_cr_shvl3

That is a valid option, I know nothing about this particular unit but it does give you the option to use a external antenna. You will more than likely get some increase but there is no way to predict how much. At the distance you are running some of the low signal level is because the air is absorbing the energy. The only way around this is to increase the transmit power (which is illegal) or concentrate the power using directional antenna. In most cases you will need directional antenna on both ends. The antenna on the card you linked is uni-directional and radiates the power in all directions.

Now for less than $10 this is a good thing to try as a first step. I would also buy a USB extension cable which will allow you to place the unit in other places rather than right next to the PC.