Member Avatar for Dark_Omen

My firends wireless connection is always low. I am trying to make it stronger, but I can't. He has a Netgear wg311 pci wireless card on his computer. Any suggestions?

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reported a persistently weak wireless link on a friend’s PC. suggested replacing hardware and pointed out that client-side swaps usually change throughput more than radio reach; asked the crucial diagnostic question about signal strength very close to the wireless base. Below are practical, mostly no-cost diagnostics and fixes that can be performed without buying new equipment.

  • Do a simple range check: note signal bars or take screenshots/photos at several spots — immediately beside the base unit, at the usual workstation, and at intermediate points.
  • Reboot the modem/base unit and the PC. Power cycling clears transient radio problems.
  • Temporarily remove likely interference: cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, Bluetooth headsets and nearby wireless cameras. Run the range check again when those are off.
  • Relocate the base unit to a higher, more central, and uncovered spot (not inside a cabinet or behind large metal objects). Small moves often yield big gains.
  • Adjust antenna orientation and seating: ensure external antennas are tight and try different angles (some environments benefit from mixed orientations). Reseat internal cards carefully if accessible.
  • Check adapter and base unit settings: disable adapter power-saving, update the wireless adapter driver and the base unit firmware, and set transmit power to maximum if available.
  • Scan local wireless channels with a free analyzer and switch to a less crowded channel (commonly non-overlapping choices).
  • Run a simple speed/latency test while beside the base unit to confirm whether the issue is radio strength or ISP throughput.

Replacing the client adapter can improve goodput but won’t always fix a weak radio link — improving placement, reducing interference, or adding a relay (repeater/mesh/powerline) are more effective for coverage. Avoid aftermarket RF amplifiers or illegal power increases; stay within local regulations.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

on way would be to buy a faster wirless card !

Member Avatar for DMR

on way would be to buy a faster wirless card !

That won't increase the length of the pipe, just the diameter of the pipe. ;)

Because both 802.11b and 802.11g devices operate in the same (2.4GHz) frequency range, their distance ranges are essentially the same; wireless G devices just have more bandwidth within that distance.


Dark_Omen,

Signal boosting is usually done on the router/access point side. What make and model of router/WAP is your friend using?

Member Avatar for alc6379

Also, another question:

Is the signal low when you're right next to the router, or does it vary with distance?

Member Avatar for Dark_Omen

I don't, I don't have access to my friends computer, so I can't test any of these things. I thin he should just by range enhancee, but he doesn't want to spend the money. That's about it.

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