Improving WiFi signal strength

[bello]

Hi, hope someone can help.

I have a Compaq nc6400 laptop. I also have a wireless network in my house. I use my laptop in my study which is about 15m-20m from my wireless router. When my laptop is not in the docking station I get very good signal strength (60% - 80%). When I hook my laptop to the docking station, the signal strength drops to about 10% - 20%, and intermittently actually drops the connection which causes me huge frustration . I have contacted HP and they say that's the problem with the docking station and there is nothing I can do about it .

Has anyone else had similar problems and solved them - if so, please can you advise me. Someone mentioned to me an external/usb wireless antenna - not sure where to get such a thing.

Thanks in advance for your help .

 

[bello]

Seems like this is not the correct thread for this post, so have reposted in WiFi General.

Cheers.

 

[sleeper]

Google for something called Windsurfer. It will explain how to make a little dish for your router - looks dumb, but I tired it and it actually improves the signal a lot ! makes the coverage way more directional, but it might work for you.