wrote in message
...
On Wed, 4 Mar 2009 21:03:05 -0000, "Gareth Magennis"
wrote:

Ok, I know the answer to this already, but just in case I don't:


My girlfriend has a mobile broadband USB dongle thing. Its on the "3"
network in the UK which we now know is the worst network to have chosen.
Never mind, its only an 18 month contract. Problem is the signal is very
weak.

Is there any way at all to boost reception? I know there are clip on
devices on Ebay that purport to increase mobile phone reception but
suspect
its all snake oil baloney, and Googling backs this up. However, I have
Googled and found people that swear they get a couple of extra bars using
these (pretty cheap though) devices.
I also saw some TV program that built some kind of foil lined tub thing
that, with the phone placed within it, also apparently gave a couple of
extra bars of reception strength. Hardly a valid scientific experiment I
know. I guess these dongles are basically a mobile phone.

This dongle is only ever used in her home. The "3" network mobile phone
that came with the (very cheap) package also exhibits reception on the
verge
of useless throughout the house.

I have investigated the possibility of a USB/CAT5 extension cable to
locate
the dongle higher up in the house, but reception doesn't appear to work
anywhere in the house particularly well.

Any ideas, myth dispelling etc?



Cheer,


Gareth.


It is possible to improve signal leves IF you use a directional
antenna. The simplest thing for a USB dongle is toadd a short USB
extension and place dongle in the focal point of a parabolic reflector
(some woks are just the right size - diameter and curve).

There are a number of articles on using the parabolic reflector to
increase wi-fi range. Do a Google search for
wokfi

One of the best illustrated examples is he
http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/

John



Wow, that almost looks like fun! Might give that a go.


Cheers,


Gareth.