NOOB, Laptop Networking

**Stevenalbanez** · 07-09-2008

Don't need to setup anything. The signal exists and the laptop has WIFI.

However at my workplace, I'm up too high in the building to recieve a solid signal from the source...

Anyone know anything I can plug in to the laptop to up the amount of signal I can connect with?

I talked to the guys at the tech store... He says it's called a repeater? Is he right?

Thanks again

**unlimitedtech** · 08-09-2008

Yeah, you can use a repeater if the source of the signal is far away from your laptop. However could you provide us more detail about your source (router, modem, etc...) and your wifi card, I mean which brand and model are you using so that I can help you in a better way?

**Stevenalbanez** · 09-09-2008

My laptop is a Toshiba A300 Satellite. I've looked into it and the internal wifi card that has come with the computer is Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG card. As far as what modem that my workplace is using I'm not entirely sure.

Is there anyone to get a broad boost of their signal? The signal is available only a few floors down from me. But sadly doesn't quite reach where I am

Thanks again

**unlimitedtech** · 09-09-2008

In that case you may need one or more repeater (depends on how far you are from the modem or router) and place it in such a way that you receive the signals properly. You can also use large antennas for your repeater's to get better strength.

Can you tell me how far are you from your modem or router (at which floor are you and at which floor your device is)?

**jajjii** · 10-09-2008

If there is access to a physical connection to your LAN, you can just plug in a wireless router there. Just put an enthernet cable between the wall and insert it into port 1 in the wireless router (not the internet port).

**Stevenalbanez** · 11-09-2008

I'm on the 7th floor. I'm assuming the server for the building is on the 1st, (seeing as how I can get crystal clear service down there).

There is an active internet (wired) connection running to my floor. If that is the case what is the cheapest and easiest way to "hijack" that signal?

**unlimitedtech** · 11-09-2008

I'm on the 7th floor. I'm assuming the server for the building is on the 1st,

If you are on 7th floor and your server is on 1st floor then I assume you would need 2 repeaters, one to be placed on 1st or 2nd floor (because you mentioned in your previous post that the signal is available only a few floors down) then the second repeater to be placed on your floor (i.e 7th). I am saying so because I am assuming you may be working in a very large area. So this setup will be helpful to you.

Also you said that you have an active internet (wired) connection in your floor, if you have the access to that you can either go for a single repeater if you want wireless connection or you can use wired connection (if possible) by using a switch or a hub.

**jajjii** · 12-09-2008

Repeaters and hubs are not commonly used nowadays. With TCP/IP networking, switches and routers are used.

If you have a LAN connection, and if you connect your laptop via a wired cable, you will get a dynamically assigned IP address from the server running DHCP. DHCP is located on commonly one main server in a small business and is in charge of giving out local ip addresses to computers.

If you want to have a connection to your LAN via a wireless router, just go and buy one and plug a cable between the wall and in to one of the numbered ports on the back. There is one port for the ethernet cable (internet/LAN cable) going in, but this one should be left alone.

After you plugged in the cable, you have to go in to the routers settings and turn off DHCP on the router.

By doing this, you will now have a router that will act as a hub/switch. This will allow the server to send whatever IP your computer will automatically aquired from the server, all the way up to the 7th floor via the wired cable, out to your router and out on the wireless to your laptop.

Just remeber that this assumes that your company server has the DHCP turned on and is assigning IP addresses (check by connecting a computer via wire to the outlet and see if you have internet connection), plus that you only plug the cable in to the numbered ports on the back of the router ex. cable from the wall to port number 2 on the back of the router, and last that you have gone in to the router settings and turned off DHCP.

**unlimitedtech** · 12-09-2008

Repeaters and hubs are not commonly used nowadays.

Agreed to your point but because Stevenalbanez asked for the cheapest and easiest way, so I thought it would be better for him. However if he want then he can also use access point which may be easier to configure and safer.

**Stevenalbanez** · 12-09-2008

Thanks very much for all the responses

I think I might just go for the wirleless option. I understand it's not the cheapest, but maybe my company will pay for it.

So to clarify, all I need is a wireless router, plug that into the LAN line from my company, and configure it DHCP off. Then my laptops wireless settings should recognize the signal that is coming straight off the line?

Thanks again for the help everyone