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Thread ID: 79769 2007-05-31 23:22:00 USB Network Adapter Question alsoslick (10137) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
554789 2007-05-31 23:22:00 If I got a USB network adapter, such as this - catalog.belkin.com
I know it would work in my home from a router I am associated with. But would it work when I am on vacation and am looking to pick up a wireless signal? Basically, would it work to pick up wireless signal if I wasn't associated with the router?
alsoslick (10137)
554790 2007-05-31 23:32:00 Depends if whatever you're going to connect to, uses an AP or not.

And whether whatever will let u connect to it.

And how far you'll be, from whatever to pick up any signal at all.

If you're miles from anyone, or some form of WI-FI, I doubt it'll pick anything up at all.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
554791 2007-06-01 00:10:00 I would connect to a Dell Inspiron B130 laptop. It has Wifi built in but I was wanting to know if this would help me pick up a greater signal even if I didn't know the router. So would it, or would I have to know the router? alsoslick (10137)
554792 2007-06-01 00:13:00 I dont think so, (if u want to go anywhere and want it to pick up whatever).

Unless you use Wireless internet access, which isnt the same as WIFI.

Since u cant dial up / or connect to the net with these adapters.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
554793 2007-06-01 00:19:00 It's called Wireless Network Connection and under it it says Dell Wireless 1370 WLAN Mini-PCI Card. I have no idea what this means I assumed it was wifi. So with this, could it pick up signal from anywhere? alsoslick (10137)
554794 2007-06-01 00:35:00 It's called Wireless Network Connection and under it it says Dell Wireless 1370 WLAN Mini-PCI Card. I have no idea what this means I assumed it was wifi. So with this, could it pick up signal from anywhere?

It is Wifi, but as I said, (its NOT like Wireless Internet), since its doesnt connect you directly to the net, unless you go thru a router, or connect to the net, from the laptop itself).

Its like Ethernet, but will only work with something, if its within range.

You will pick something / a signal up, if its within range, however, if you're going on vacation, and there's nothing in range (wherever you're going), it wont pick anything up, wont get you on the internet (if this is what you want to do).

Unless u sign up with some Wireless Internet Provider (ie: Woosh, which isnt free, you'll have to pay).

So, no you cant use Wifi anywhere (unless its somewhere like a cafe that has a hotspot), besides using it at home.

Or unless you sign up with someone like Woosh. (Which would have more coverage than Wifi).
Speedy Gonzales (78)
554795 2007-06-01 00:40:00 O.K. but does it boost the signal strength? alsoslick (10137)
554796 2007-06-01 00:47:00 O.K. but does it boost the signal strength?

Well no, if u mean, will the built in WIFI let u access something from 2-3 k's away I doubt it.

Not unless you use some kind of adapter, with a big aerial or something.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
554797 2007-06-01 01:22:00 Can you suggest a product that can boost the Wi-Fi signal strength? alsoslick (10137)
554798 2007-06-01 01:33:00 Well I would say if it was a PCI card you could hook up an aerial and put it on the roof of your house.

I doubt many,or any USB adapters on laptops would get around NZ.

Look on DSE (http://www.dse.co.nz)

Most of the boosters, most probably need power supplies or something, and unless its got a cigarette lighter adapter or something, its not going to work.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
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