wireless handycapped needs help

[Briab Guy]

I know zip about wireless so be gentle )
Situation: A desktop PC with I think a Lynksys router, running XP home has a wireless setup. Thats building 1. In bld.2 about 100yards away (at most), it appears that a laptop can sometimes pick up the single from bld 1. But it doesn't stay, its weak.
Can I boost the output from bld 1?
Can I make the laptop better equipted to pick up the connection? By software or hardware?
How do I check to see if that is the single that the laptop is picking up?
What info can I bring back here to make this an easier project for me and anyone helping?

"really" appreaciate any help here.

[Briab Guy]

Just realized something. I am not trying to steal a service. This is at work, and all OK.
Its for my boss who knows even less then I do about wireless.
Thanks

[glc]

If it's a Linksys router with twin removable antennas, you can remove one of the antennas and replace it with a high gain antenna. If it's a model that's compatible with DD-WRT firmware, you can use that and turn up the transmit power.

[Briab Guy]

thanks glc.

[Briab Guy]

I was looking into the answer you gave me .
Both pertaint to making the lynksys send a better single.
Is there anything I can do to make the Laptop recieve better?

And how do I know that I am picking up the signal from the lynksys in other office and not somewhere else? How do I check?

Believe me when I say I am lost with this end of PC's.

Thanks again
B

[glc]

The only thing you can do to the laptop is use an addon wireless adapter that has a high gain antenna, and even that generally won't help much.

All wireless networks have a SSID (network name). By default, a Linksys router uses "linksys". Log into your router and see what yours is. If it's still at default, I recommend you change it. This will require that all wireless users reconfigure and reconnect. The client will list all networks in range by SSID when you view available wireless networks.

[Briab Guy]

thanks again glc. this is a slow moving project but i will let you know how it works out.
I just found out yesterday that there is not even a router hooked up in the office. I work for a guy who has a problem admitting he doesnt know something, he thought it was wireless

Thanks again.