help with wireless network

[Paul C]

Hey there all

I hate to sound like a complete idiot here, but I was wondering if there is anything I need to do to make sure my wireless connection works properly. I have a sms barricade g wireless modem and one of those telkom marconi usb dongle things. My computer has the modem and my partner's computer (ten metres away, through two walls) has the wireless. I know walls can cause interference but I bought a smc home antenna booster, and the connection is still listed as poor or very poor. The link quality is 100 percent, but the actual connection fluctuates between 25 and 35 % Is this normal, or is there something else I need to do in windows? (Win xp sp2)

cheers
Paul

 

[kiepie]

And if you switch off your "home antenna booster"?

What is the signal then? Maybe do that to find out if the booster even works.

 

[Paul C]

Without the booster it is down to 30, but the connection drops frequently. With the booster plugged in but moved to the very edge of my desk (closer to the other office,) it goes up to 40. But I can't leave it there as the wires are in the way. I thought about getting an ethernet cable and moving the modem to the opposite wall so it's closer to the other office, but then surely I may as well just connect our two computers via the ethernet cable? Is ethernet recommended?