Luminous

iTrader: (3)

I've got a computer in an old house that needs to connect to the main router in the lounge.

There are two thick walls between me and the router, and the distance is about 10-15 metres. My laptop will work in the position the desktop is in. However, the desktop PC really struggles for a signal, getting mostly 1 or 2 bars and LOTS of drop outs.

The Desktop is using a TP-Link PCIe Wireless card and a HIGH GAIN additional aerial that is about 20cm in length.

This is not enough.

1) I cannot use Homeplugs. a) the electrics won't take it, b) the plug sockets are too close to the ground to get homeplugs to plug into
2) I cannot run a cable
3) I'm not allowed to change the router

Basically I'm stuck with having to get a really good (better) aerial to go with my PCIe card, or a different card and aerial combo.

Galifrey

iTrader: (3)

1a) seems a bit dubious, if the electrics can cope with 240v why not an ethernet signal.
1b) use an extension lead in the plug for a homeplug.

You are never gonna improve the signal much with a new card/aerial

riiidaa

iTrader: (2)

perhaps the two rooms are on different rings

BlkKnight

run a range extender in the middle room?

Get a more powerful base router

eagle

how old is the tp-link card ?
how old is the router ? what technology does it use ?
thought about a usb adaptor ?

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

Really? My newer version Zyxel plugs are capable of plugging in as low to the ground as you can get. The ethernet port is on the top.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Now that is an option! The ones I have all go down towards the floor, and then have the cable coming out of the bottom as well!!

As for others, extension leads and homeplugs are not a good mix. Especially when they have to be used at both ends.

For others, the wireless card is a Wireless N about 6 months old. The router is a new Virgin Media base station with Wireless N.

Thanks for ideas so far :-))

If the laptop works in the same place as the desktop, there must be a better aerial solution for the PC. We have had 3 different laptops all work in that room, its just the desktop solution that we are struggling with!

Galifrey

iTrader: (3)

I have been using 200mbps homeplugs in extension leads (at both ends) since they were launched with no issues, they work perfectly and I can max out the connection transferring files to my HTPC.

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

These are the ones I use if you decide to go that route:
http://www.zyxel.com/uk/en/products_...1_v2.shtml?t=p

My original v1's (I have 4) have the port at the bottom, but they sent me a pair of these when one went faulty. I actually prefer the bottom port for my setup