Extending WiFi Range

[Anonymous]

I'm sorta a cheapie and don't feel like buying a WiFi access point for my broadband, and here is my question: Is there a way to extend the range of a internal WiFi antenna on a Pocket PC? There's a connection near me, but it has to be perfect spot to get it to work, and I mean perfect (as in if i move my hand I lose it)

[bkbroil]

Wait a minute....I'm lost...
You say:

don't feel like buying a WiFi access point for my broadband

but then you say:

There's a connection near me

Where are you getting that connection from if you don't have a WiFi access point?

[Brad Isaac]

I am guessing you are using a neighbors WiFi connection?
If they have authorized you to use it, they can boost their signal using a Cantenna -- which should beam it right into your location.
If you don't have autorization, shame on you :P :P but you might have luck with a different WiFi card.

[acollet]

Look.. for about 60 bucks you can buy an AP, check w/ your neighbor and see if yous will agree on SSID / WEP codes and you can double your ragne. Its just not worth the agrovation your going through to have reliable wi-fi.

[Tyler]

Yeah I was looking at the cantennas but I have an internal antenna and I'm wondering if the waves will travel through the pocket pc's case... I mean the antenna is not sticking out of the ppc in any way, it's completely internal
Authorization? you must be kidding
@ acollet - I'm not into networking, know nothing about wireless security except wep is like a passcode... so what's an ap?

[Brad Isaac]

The cantenna would attach to the neighbors Router or Access Point (AP). You could offer to pay for a portion of their cable bill in exchange for them broadcasting to you. You could offer them $10 or so a month to piggy back on their connection and offer to buy the cantenna (which would increase their range too).
Just a suggestion. 8-)

[Tyler]

That's a fair idea! Thanks I'll try it!