Does anyone here have any experience with Wireless Network Boosters?

I have a low signal on my laptop, but it works fine and is quite quick. I get a very low signal on my desktop (sometimes registers as 'no signal') and this prevents it from connecting to the network, I suspect. I contunually get "limited or no connectivity" when trying to connect to the network with the desktop, but my laptop works fine (sitting right beside it basically). I know having the router two floors down and on the other side of the house is not optimal for a network, but it's the only option. House is fully finished with drywall and insulation, and running an ethernet cable through the ducting is a no-no. I'm stuck with having the router in the basement because that is where my cable internet line comes through.

Can anyone think of another reason I might not be getting a proper connection? Will a booster help? If anyone knows of any little things I can try please post, I'd like to try new settings with the router first, before spending hard-earned money, but I don't know what any of the settings mean.

MAG

Hi Maggot, is the cable in the basement for the internets or does it supply your telle too?

What experience have you got with playing with the settings on your router? Has it got parallel network protection? What make is it? You know give some info.

Have you tried the radio plates to direct the signal yet?

The cable was brought in for the internet; I don't know what the difference is between it and the cable for the TV, though. I have limited experience playing with settings; I've added network encryption and that's about it :P

The router is a D-Link, forget the specific model. I'll have a looksie, though. Radio plates? No idea what you are talking about. Same goes for parallel network protection.

I mean is your TV cable provider the same as your internet provider ie. its broadband and TV stations coming in on the cable?

The plates, I cant find a link , they are small plates placed on the wall behind the router that bounce the sig in the desired direction rather then have it sapping into the wall. Maplin sells them over here for €10, they could help.

Anyway if it was me I would try bring the cable as near to a central point in the house. If the walls are finished a sneakey job with some 16*16 stickyback trunking would hardley be noticed.

Imo I don't see the point in boosting the wireless router, I would rather try the above, all the gear easy to buy at local shops.

Well, I don't want to run a cord through the house (doubt the folks would like the idea either )

Yep, my TV and ISP is the same company; but they had to install another cable and route it in through the basement where the old computer is. I have no idea what the difference is, though.

I think I know what your talking about with radio plates; in principle anyways. Don't have any, and haven't seen any in stores, though.