Tech bleg update: WiFi problem solved

A month ago I wrote about my WiFi problem. The laptops connected fine, but the desktop in the back bedroom would no longer get a usable signal. That desktop is in a cubby under the desk, with its antenna about eight inches off the floor.

I took the advise of several people and bought an Eforcity external antenna for the WiFi PCI card. I unscrewed the original stub antenna, screwed in the Eforcity’s cable, and placed the Eforcity antenna on top of the desk.

Problem solved. Best $6.45 I ever spent. I still don’t know why the desktop’s WiFi suddenly stopped getting a good signal after working fine for six months, but it works now.

Thanks for the advice, all.

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2 Responses to Tech bleg update: WiFi problem solved

  1. Laughingdog says:

    Eforcity actually delivered what you ordered? Congratulations!

    I placed an order with them a while back, received roughly half of my order while being charged for all of it, and they basically ignored every attempt I made to get it resolved.

  2. Perpster says:

    Glad you got it working. I was surprised to learn that the cable modem and WiFi router should be as far apart as possible. The closer they are the more there is interference that significantly degrades the WiFi signal, even though the modem is not wirelss.

    When I had them stacked on each other there were lots of signal problems, though intermittent. When I moved them about five feet apart the WiFi signal was tremendously improved, all the time.