[walleyeshark]

Hi all, I did a search on this and there was a few threads that discussed this issue but not quite in the sense that I could understand (lol) so here's my issue...I have a trailer up North in a campground that I would like to spend some more time at this Fall but I need to be able to get on the internet. The "office" does offer wifi so when I was up there last week, I took my laptop with me and parked my truck right in front of the office. Now I had no problem connecting to their wifi signal but even though I was "connected", I couldn't get on the internet. I had a good to somewhat weak signal which I thought would be good enough to get on the internet...not! So I'm guessing that I need to strengthen that signal somehow? My laptop has the wifi card built in or however that goes. Is there a "card" that I could purchase that would pick up the signal better than what my laptop already has? I hope my issue here is clear enough to understand as obviously I'm not too "versed" with this wifi stuff. Thank you for any and all help!!!

Shark

[LiveBrianD]

Maybe their internet connection was down at the moment.

[Dellinsp531]

Is the wifi protected? What protection are they using? If so, you need to have the key to connect.

Do you know where in the office the Wifi is located? If so, get closer to it to see if the signal strenthen increases. Plus make sure not to be close to things that can cause interference like big trucks, power lines, etc.

Also they might be using MAC address filter to keep unknow laptops off their network.

[walleyeshark]

I was there for an hour or so trying everything I could to get on the internet. The campground offers the wifi to all of it's campers but he has a very weak signal, that's why I parked in front of the office as opposed to trying to connect from my trailer, which is a 100yds away. Like I say, I was connected but just couldn't get on the web!! The only option's I have is to find a "card" that is stronger and picks up weaker type signals. Or I have to pay to get the unlimited/anywhere broadband thingy. Any other suggestions? Did I answer your question's? Thanx all!! You guys/gals have helped me out bigtime in the past and hopefully you can point me in the right direction on this....

[walleyeshark]

Hey all...anyone else have some suggestion's on what I could do here? I guess I could stop in at the nearest "electronics" store and discuss this issue with them. I was hoping to be more informed before I go down that road....

[FascistNation]

Yes, a trailer part typically has a type of wifi transmitter you would have. Not great for big areas and remember all people logging in at any one time are sharing bandwidth. So you need to optimize signal, reduce interference and boost transmission/reception with a directional antenna preferably placed in direct line of sight with the wifi transmitter with little or no obstructions in between. This unfortunately requires an external antenna connector on the router which many no longer have.

Full antenna line

If the park has a more professional wifi service on two or three channels or even 5GHz channels too (and N protocol) you can choose the best reception for your area of the park.

[walleyeshark]

Well, Thanx to everyone for trying to help but it looks like I'll just have to purchase a wireless modem/package. I looked up a few plans and it's not quite as pricey as I first thought. Thanx again everyone!!!!

[Dellinsp531]

Most wifi signals get a range of 120feets to 300feets. If the trail is 100 yards = 300 feets, than you are out of the range or close to out of range. If they are not using boosters than the signal is weak at that range.

Mostly the person that set up the wifi did not do a good job. You would have to check with them and see what they have a set up.

Since they would know if
Is the wifi protected?
What protection are they using?
Do you know where in the Wifi is located?
If they are using MAC address filter to keep unknow laptops off their network.