Looking for WiFi-type dongle

[MCleveland]

My wireless router is on the first floor and on the other side of the house from where my room is. Because of this, my laptop has a hard time keeping connection to it and my Nintendo DS can't even connect to it. I do have my desktop in my room which is on a wired connection. I'm looking for something I can connect my desktop to so I can get an internet connection to my laptop and Nintendo DS and other devices in general. Does anyone have an idea?

 

[dover1982]

5 port ethernet switch and wireless access point. use the current hardwired connection in ur room to a 5 port switch then plug a wireless access point into it for wifi in ur room.

 

[LiquidSnak]

What router do you have?

 

[MCleveland]

5 port ethernet switch and wireless access point. use the current hardwired connection in ur room to a 5 port switch then plug a wireless access point into it for wifi in ur room.

I actually already use a 5 port switch to connect my Xbox 360 and PS3 along with my desktop to so that helps. I'll look into Wireless Access Points now. Thanks!

What router do you have?

I have a D-Link DIR-655 with the latest firmware.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Have you thought of getting a high gain or directional antenna?

 

[dover1982]

Have you thought of getting a high gain or directional antenna?

Access Point would prob be cheaper than high gain antenna

 

[whs]

A range extender would do the trick. E.g like one of these (depending whether you need N or g): wifi repeater - BestBuy

 

[LiquidSnak]

Depends on where you are shopping, and what quality of access point you are looking for, but it's another option

 

[dover1982]

yeah true, last time i used a high gain antenna, they were pretty expensive, but thats Australia for ya!!! lol

 

[MCleveland]

Have you thought of getting a high gain or directional antenna?

Would that be something like this?: Newegg.com - BUFFALO WLI-UC-GNHP IEEE 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter WPA2, WPA-PSK (AES, TKIP), 128/64-bit WEP

A range extender would do the trick. E.g like one of these (depending whether you need N or g): wifi repeater - BestBuy

Would this essentially be a wireless access point where I plug an Ethernet cord into it for it to get access to my main router or does it connect wirelessly?

 

[LiquidSnak]

I think you can get them both ways, as in, repeater style that bounces your connection, and a wired version that boosts signal as well. A high gain antenna might work from your computer, but to boost it for your DS or whatnot you would need it for your adapter.

If you want to boost the hell out of your signal, something like this will ramp it up:
Newegg.com - LevelOne OAN-2151 15 dBi Omni-directional antenna 2.4GHz

However, if you have a decently large house, something like this will probably cover you:
Newegg.com - TRENDnet TEW-AI86DB Dual-Band 802.11a/g 8/6dBi Indoor Directional Antenna with Mounting Base

That would boost your b/g signal to something useable, which I am sure that a DS uses wireless G.

 

[whs]

Would this essentially be a wireless access point where I plug an Ethernet cord into it for it to get access to my main router or does it connect wirelessly?

No, not really. It is an independent device (no Ethernet cord required) that you install best halfway between your router and the laptop locations (needs an outlet). It amplifies the signal from the router for better reception by the laptop. The effect is as if you had the router at the location where you have the range extender (appr.)

 

[MCleveland]

I just had a thought. I have an extra D-Link DI-524 router. Would I be able to hook that into my Ethernet port switch and connect to it?

 

[MCleveland]

Anyone?

 

[whs]

I just had a thought. I have an extra D-Link DI-524 router. Would I be able to hook that into my Ethernet port switch and connect to it?

The router you have to connect to the modem.