desktop wifi help

[PJ]

Hey guys. Total tech noob here.

So I'm trying to help out my mom with her internet situation.

After some light renovations and shuffling of their house setup, their router and desktop PC are now in opposite corners of the house.

I bought a d-link wireless card for her desktop, but it doesn't seem to be catching the wifi signal. My laptop catches it fine from where her PC is located.

I tried turning on my android's hotspot, and her the wireless card picks that up. But no luck with the home router. (The PC and router are only about 15 paces apart)

Are the d-link network cards just really weak? I bought the highest one that was available at the time (d-link network card N+). There's a dual band N+ too, but they were sold out.

Any suggestions or better alternatives for desktop wifi?

Thanks in advance!

[lilaznviper]

try using powerline ethernet. better than wireless

[!MiKrofT]

+1 for powerline networking. It's like a physical connection and works great.

[PJ]

Wow, I've never heard of these things. Looks pretty cool and promising!

Thanks!

[PJ]

A question regarding these - does the modem's outlet and the computer's outlet have to be connected in series?

Or does it basically work from any outlet in the house?

[Jayboogz]

what viper said. its alot better

[!MiKrofT]

Yeah. Internal pci wireless adapters are never that good due to their location on the back of the case. A usb one is usually a bit better cause you can move it up and away. Laptops usually use the screen frame as part of their antenna so it's much larger and easier to get wifi reception.

[roastpuff]

If you want to try a USB one I have a Linksys AE2500 you can have for $10. It's one of the better ones.

[lilaznviper]

Originally Posted by PJ

A question regarding these - does the modem's outlet and the computer's outlet have to be connected in series?

Or does it basically work from any outlet in the house?

pretty much have it plugged into any outlet of the house and it will work. newer houses should not give you problems. if this is an older house then there maybe some problems with this technology as the house electrical may not be wired properly to use this technology

[!MiKrofT]

Go buy one at a big box store so you can simply return it if it doesn't work in your house.

[PJ]

Thanks, RS.

I knew I could count on you guys

Will try the powerline and report back.

[bcedhk]

I use the USB one for my parents computer. Router and PC is about 3 rooms apart and the signal is quite strong. Maybe 1 drop connection every few months? The USB was like a 15 dollar one on ebay.