Cheap way to boost signal?

[Wiles]

I've seen DIY wifi signal boosters made from woks and usb wireless adapters.

Is there any setup that might boost my laptop's built in wireless card? I don't care if it's ugly, and I don't need a huge boost.

My laptop is usually downstairs, and the router is upstairs. My reception is good sometimes. I would like more reliable signal strength.

Also is there any software to measure the signal? I'm using intel pro-set and it is horribly inaccurate.

 

[Schecters]

wifi extender
tweaks and apps


I haven't actually tried any of these, because, well I don't have wireless. But I came across them the other day, and they sounded interesting.

 

[Wiles]

I made the parabolic reflector from

Ez-12

So far I can't tell if it made a difference. I downloaded a 4 programs to measure signal strength...

They give me two very different results

Anyone know a way to accurately measure signal strength with software?

 

[CalcProgrammer1]

If your router is a Linksys WRT something-or-other (sorry, I forget the model, as I have a stupid Netgear), you can install a firmware mod that gives you the ability to amp up the WiFi chip's output by like 3x normal power without problems (default was like 25, you could safely go to 75, max is 250 but people said it burned up). Not sure how much range this actually equals (and since I have a stupid Netgear, I can't test >.<) but if you have a supported router, it's worth a try.