Extend Your WiFi Signal Range

I have a wireless DSL modem in the house. I have been unhappy with my very weak WiFi signal in my bedroom upstairs. I had heard that there’s an easy way to increase WiFi signal range, and I found this entertaining video about how to make a homemade “parabolic reflector” with stuff around the house. This looks cool!

The template these guys are referring to is this one. I’m going to try this and see if this fixes my problem. I’ll be sure to give a review when I do it! Now if only making Adirondack patio furniture was so easy!

Cordless Phone Hunting

Well, we’ve added another computer to the household collection! My daughter got a laptop as an early graduation gift from her grandparents. It’s an older model, but it’s a business-style HP, so it’s a powerhouse. And huge!

I only installed 4 ethernet jacks in the living room (and besides, my DSL modem only has 4 jacks). So with all these laptops floating around the house now, we use our wireless a lot. Problem is, every time we get a phone call, all of us on the wireless are booted off. It is an absolute PAIN. Why oh why did they make wireless to interfere with telephone signals?! Hey, for a fun lesson on how cordless phones work, check out How Stuff Works. Great site!

Well, our little 2.4 Ghz cordless phone is on its way out. I have heard of a new phone that works on 5.8 Ghz. Has anyone ever tried these, and do they really not interfere with wireless stations? The prices for these phones are still up there ($150 AT&T, yow! I can afford that like I can afford real estate Branson style, rrright. eBay has some for about $50, but that is still too pricey). Before I even think about investing my cash in a better phone, I want to know how it performs. If you have any experience, drop a comment, will you?

A Little DSL Modem Tip

I’ve had trouble for the past two or three weeks with my DSL router/modem. It’s a combination router and modem, and allows us to connect via ethernet and wireless. However, for some inexplicable reason, the wireless wouldn’t work. We couldn’t connect the laptops to the network or to the Internet. I did all sorts of troubleshooting, and finally came to the conclusion that it was the modem and not anything else (like the PC cards or the telephone service).

Usually, I unplug the modem from the telephone jack and the power source. I do this with our cordless telephone, too. Sometimes these devices just need a refresh to get back to business. But not even these techniques worked.

I was surfing around, and found a person or two who had the same problem. One response was to update the software for the modem. Hm. I had never updated the software since I got DSL service, about two years ago!

I went to my ISP’s home page and looked around for software update notifications. Amazingly, I found something (my ISP is notorious for its poor service and unfriendly user pages). I updated the software, and it all worked! We’ve not had any problems since.

So, if you discover that your DSL wireless won’t work, and you’ve tried the unplugging and replugging of your modem and phone, try looking for a software update. It may just be what you need.

Free WiFi Hotspots

I have discovered the great benefit of WiFi (wireless fidelity) these days. My daughter is spending more time at the Hamilton College library, and we often go to our local library for research. I am able to bring my laptop and continue to work while they do their research. I love free WiFi!

Places where you can connect online for free via wireless are called “hotspots.” I’ve discovered that most libraries are “hotspots.” I’ve also learned that most McDonald’s restaurants offer free WiFi, too. I am no frequenter of McDonald’s, but I would be hesitant to connect there because I am overly cautious about the clientele. As always, you should take security measures when connecting to a WiFi hotspot (have a firewall running, etc).

I found a few websites that will find WiFi hotspots for you. I checked out my local area and a few others, and did not see any libraries listed. I would prefer to connect at my local library than, say, a hotel, but it is always nice to know one’s options. And I think a library is more secure and accountable than an Internet cafe.

The first link is a website that will search your area for local libraries–a great resource when traveling!

RoadLibrary
Mobile Broadband
Wi-Fi Hotspot List
WiFiFreeHotspots
EZGoal WiFi Hotspots