How to Pick Up WiFi From Farther Away

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Public places can offer Wi-Fi networks you can sign into for free.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

A Wi-Fi network is a wireless network that you can pick up from your laptop computer. Some wireless networks, such as those that belong to individuals, are commonly private and require a password to use. However, public Wi-Fi networks do not require a password but do require you to be in the right place. If you're a little too far from the network to get a good signal, there still are things you can do to pick up the Wi-Fi.

Advertisement

Step 1

Move away from things that can block the Wi-Fi signal from your laptop computer.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Move away from things that can block the Wi-Fi signal from your laptop computer. These include devices such as cordless phones and microwaves, which many businesses that offer free Wi-Fi have. Baby monitors, garage door openers and other wireless electronics can also interfere with signal reception.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

The USB adapter must have an external antenna to pick up the Wi-Fi signal when you’re further away from it.
Image Credit: Jeffrey Hamilton/Photodisc/Getty Images

Get a new wireless PC card-based network adapter for your laptop computer. The replacement you use should be a USB wireless network adapter. The USB adapter must have an external antenna to pick up the Wi-Fi signal when you're further away from it.

Advertisement

Step 3

Put an external antenna onto your laptop computer in addition to the USB wireless network adapter.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

Put an external antenna onto your laptop computer in addition to the USB wireless network adapter. A high-gain external antenna will be most effective at picking up the Wi-Fi signal.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 4

Place a wireless repeater halfway between where you are and where you believe the Wi-Fi signal is strongest. This is not likely possible in a public place but can be used within a home.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references