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wireless router ?

Discussion in 'Technology' started by Juice It, Oct 13, 2009.

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  1. Juice It

    Juice It F1 Rookie

    Sep 22, 2002
    3,233
    Maryland (DC Suburb)
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    Jeff
    #1 Juice It, Oct 13, 2009
    I have a linksys wireless router (wrt300n) that is probably 4 years old and my laptop works great throughout the house but my wife's has zero signal strength as soon as she gets out of the room with the router. (both dell laptops) I went to bestbuy today and the computer guy sold me on a new linksys wrt160n ultra range router that he said should make a huge difference. After getting it all set up it makes no difference in signal strength for her laptop. Since mine seems to work fine I am assuming the problem is the laptop so is there a way to get better strength? Is there an internal antenna somewhere that may be damaged? Thanks.
     
  2. EnzymaticRacer

    EnzymaticRacer F1 Veteran

    Feb 27, 2005
    5,367
    #2 EnzymaticRacer, Oct 13, 2009
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2009
    <edit> should read your post more thoroughly... just realized you said your router was 4 years old... not your laptops... haha </edit>


    Anyways, from your description, it sounds more like it is a problem with your wife's laptop. If your laptop is fine throughout the house, then it isn't an issue with signal strength or interference, and a new router isn't going to fix a problem you don't have...

    Possibly a problem with the internal antenna of your wifes laptop. probably has the antenna put inside the case for the screen.

    If it is still under warranty, can probably get the wireless card and antenna replaced free of charge...
     
  3. thirteendog

    thirteendog Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2008
    1,587
    Nashville, TN
    #3 thirteendog, Oct 14, 2009
    I 2nd what enzymaticracer said,
     
  4. Juice It

    Juice It F1 Rookie

    Sep 22, 2002
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    Jeff
    #4 Juice It, Oct 14, 2009
    The laptop is out of warranty at this point so is there anything I can do to it myself?
     
  5. thirteendog

    thirteendog Formula 3

    Mar 6, 2008
    1,587
    Nashville, TN
    #5 thirteendog, Oct 14, 2009
    Just a thought but it's possible that the antenna came unattatched from the board. I've noticed most Nic's are located in the same spot as the RAM. Check to see if the wire is connected.
     
  6. EnzymaticRacer

    EnzymaticRacer F1 Veteran

    Feb 27, 2005
    5,367
    #6 EnzymaticRacer, Oct 14, 2009
    I agree with this as well...
     
  7. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2005
    3,497
    #7 the_stig, Oct 14, 2009
    Many of the wireless cards used in laptops have 2 wires with press-fit connectors. The wire ends in a split circular terminal which snaps over a circular male terminal. The wires pass through the same area as the hinge and it is possible that they have broken at that point.
     
  8. Juice It

    Juice It F1 Rookie

    Sep 22, 2002
    3,233
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    Jeff
    #8 Juice It, Oct 14, 2009

    Took the bottom off and found the wireless card and it has one of these circular connections in use with one push connection. It seemed like it was barely on and now it has a much better signal. Thanks guys!
     
  9. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 14, 2003
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    #9 darth550, Oct 15, 2009
    Go see the wookie. ;)
     
  10. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2005
    3,497
    #10 the_stig, Oct 15, 2009
    Pay it forward. Fchat rules!
     

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