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Boost MacBook's Wireless
- Thread starter jadedknight
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my wifi reception is also poor
I have a MBP
the signal goes from 4 bars to 2 bars to 1 bar to no bar, then to 1 bar and then 4 bar and 2 bar, then 1 bar
4 bars then 2 bars then 1 then 0, 1 4 2 1 0
imagine that.
I have a MBP
the signal goes from 4 bars to 2 bars to 1 bar to no bar, then to 1 bar and then 4 bar and 2 bar, then 1 bar
4 bars then 2 bars then 1 then 0, 1 4 2 1 0
imagine that.
I've used a WiFire antenna to try and get better signal with my MB. I swear it helped somewhat, but I didn't use it much, mostly I use wired itnernet. There were a few times it made a huge difference and af ew times it didn't help much at all, seemed to depend on how many walls were in the way 
(but, it just so happens I am now selling that antenna and software for $50 in the Marketplace.... )
(but, it just so happens I am now selling that antenna and software for $50 in the Marketplace....
)a random classmate of mine in the same class has a macbook
her wireless connectivity was 5 bars
mine?
0
I couldn't connect at all...is it REALLY true that aluminum chassis is bad for wireless?
her wireless connectivity was 5 bars
mine?
0
I couldn't connect at all...is it REALLY true that aluminum chassis is bad for wireless?
I haven't had any issues with my computers wireless connectivity, at home I use a Linksys WRT300N router which is on the 2nd level and I'm usually located on the 1st level and it connects without an issue. During the day when I'm in class I'm usually connected to the wireless access point in the other portion of the school which is across the road and I know there are no WiFi AP repeaters or anything like that involved.
Also bear in mind that some access points, whilst not having encryption (meaning that you can connect to them without entering a WEP or WPA key) *will* implement MAC-address filtering.
Therefore, if your MAC address isn't on the 'allow' list, although you may be apparently able to connect to the access point, you will *not* be able to pass any traffic. This could be the symptom that the OP sees?
As an aside, I've had no problems with the WiFi performance of my (late 2007) MBP; I get 'full' strength on my Airport monitor connected to a DrayTek Wireless Router, and I only 'lose' one bar when at the top of the garden (150 feet from the AP).
do bear in mind too, especially when you're in an area with a large concentration of wireless devices, that there are only a limited number of channels available, and if you have too many wireless devices in too small an area, running on the same (or very close in frequency) channels, you can get crosstalk and interference, which will reduce performance to any Wireless client?
Therefore, if your MAC address isn't on the 'allow' list, although you may be apparently able to connect to the access point, you will *not* be able to pass any traffic. This could be the symptom that the OP sees?
As an aside, I've had no problems with the WiFi performance of my (late 2007) MBP; I get 'full' strength on my Airport monitor connected to a DrayTek Wireless Router, and I only 'lose' one bar when at the top of the garden (150 feet from the AP).
do bear in mind too, especially when you're in an area with a large concentration of wireless devices, that there are only a limited number of channels available, and if you have too many wireless devices in too small an area, running on the same (or very close in frequency) channels, you can get crosstalk and interference, which will reduce performance to any Wireless client?
You know your stuff! I learnt some stuff there, so thanks!!And sorry to hear of the death of your MBP! You must be saddened!
Poor connectivity on mbp
Yes, I live on a boat and my partner's HORRIBLE Acer (it's not that horrible, really) can always pick up lots of wifi abroad where we have been travelling - Spain and Portugal where there are a number of town wifi systems, and my mbp just sulks and finds nothing. I adore my mbp, but this was a massive disappointment - that and the fact that you cannot charge it from a 12v system without spending yet more money - it's a shame.
Yes, I live on a boat and my partner's HORRIBLE Acer (it's not that horrible, really) can always pick up lots of wifi abroad where we have been travelling - Spain and Portugal where there are a number of town wifi systems, and my mbp just sulks and finds nothing. I adore my mbp, but this was a massive disappointment - that and the fact that you cannot charge it from a 12v system without spending yet more money - it's a shame.
I use MAC address filtering and run an unsecured (not encrypted) wireless network, because it seems to be the only way I can play Civ 3 inside of Parallels against Win XP people across the net. If I encrypt, Civ 3 fails (and yup, I have port forwarding set correctly.
The bottom line about connecting to someone else's network without explicity permission is....don't. If they are on metered bandwidth you could be costing them money.
Tom
The bottom line about connecting to someone else's network without explicity permission is....don't. If they are on metered bandwidth you could be costing them money.
Tom
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and am not responsible for any legal decisions you make based on my postings.
Connecting to someone's Wi-Fi network and using their connection is not illegal. This may not make sense logically, but in legal terms, they chose to broadcast their network without security, and that means that it's for public use. The only illegal thing you could do is guess their password or obtain it by other means that the network administrator would not approve of, and share that password as well. Secure networks are a no-go, but open networks are just like the issue with public/private conversations. If two people chose to speak at volume levels that permit others around them to listen into, then their conversation is in no way private and others around them may record their conversation without explicit permission.
Connecting to someone's Wi-Fi network and using their connection is not illegal. This may not make sense logically, but in legal terms, they chose to broadcast their network without security, and that means that it's for public use. The only illegal thing you could do is guess their password or obtain it by other means that the network administrator would not approve of, and share that password as well. Secure networks are a no-go, but open networks are just like the issue with public/private conversations. If two people chose to speak at volume levels that permit others around them to listen into, then their conversation is in no way private and others around them may record their conversation without explicit permission.
Actually, it depends on your state. BUT, in most states it is ILLEGAL to access a wifi signal without the prior authorization of the owner.
Below is a link to a news article about a Michigan man who was arrested for using the free wifi of a coffee shop from his car. under a law in michigan, the "Fraudulent access to computers, computer systems, and computer networks" law, he is not given authorization until he becomes a customer in the shop.
this law also extends to private wireless networks in houses, even if it is unencrypted, Unless you are given authorization from the network owner/administrator you can be arrested and be charged with a FELONY.
before you go around grabbing wifi signals that are not ment for you, find out the law in your state.
just because it seems logical that connecting to a open wifi is not hurting anyone therefore not illegal, it is not the case as this man in michigan would be sure to tell you.
Oh, and he is not the only one. A man in the northern subs here in chicago was arrested about 2 years ago outside of a house in a sub-division because he was grabbing a wifi signal without permission.
BE CAREFUL!!!!!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276720,00.html
The single major flaw that has crippled macbook pros for years, really crappy wireless reception. This isnt even debateable. It flat out doesnt reach out like plastic computers. I could care about the aluminum housing, give me a polycarb 15".
A lot of wireless networks I tend to see on college campuses are actually ad hoc networks with no internet connection, because its being generated by someone's computer.
I went to the University of Minnesota and there are ALWAYS ad hoc networks with the ssid "UofM Wireless" and I don't know why. None of them will get you on the internet and you have to wonder why theyre even out there, probably to exploit people.... They seem to have similar names to real networks you would actually try to get on...
The wireless signal on my MBP is great by any standard, and some expensive gadget claiming to get you better signal is probably a huge waste of time and money.
I went to the University of Minnesota and there are ALWAYS ad hoc networks with the ssid "UofM Wireless" and I don't know why. None of them will get you on the internet and you have to wonder why theyre even out there, probably to exploit people.... They seem to have similar names to real networks you would actually try to get on...
The wireless signal on my MBP is great by any standard, and some expensive gadget claiming to get you better signal is probably a huge waste of time and money.
New MBP
I used a MacBook (white plastic) for over 2 years at work and never could connect to the free WiFi connection offered at our visitor center. Unfortunately due to using a 3rd party AC adapter that laptop is now dead. I purchased a new MBP (13" Aluminum) yesterday 2/16. I can now at least connect to the hot spot, however it does drop frequently and is slow. For me at least I've noticed an improvement in WiFi reception not only here at work but at my house. Perhaps the newer ones have resolved the poor reception experienced by the previous generation ?
As for WiFi sharing, at home I use an AirPort router and I leave the guest network completely open and I labeled the SSID 'FREE WIFI". I have a 30Mbps down pipe so i figured why not share with my neighbors? My up speeds are capped at 768k by my ISP, but yet I've never really had a problem with that. I fully support sharing internet connections. I wish it could be free for everyone, but that's just not realistic so I do my part to help make sure those around me can stay connected. The internet should be about bringing people together, not just greed and profit.
I used a MacBook (white plastic) for over 2 years at work and never could connect to the free WiFi connection offered at our visitor center. Unfortunately due to using a 3rd party AC adapter that laptop is now dead. I purchased a new MBP (13" Aluminum) yesterday 2/16. I can now at least connect to the hot spot, however it does drop frequently and is slow. For me at least I've noticed an improvement in WiFi reception not only here at work but at my house. Perhaps the newer ones have resolved the poor reception experienced by the previous generation ?
As for WiFi sharing, at home I use an AirPort router and I leave the guest network completely open and I labeled the SSID 'FREE WIFI". I have a 30Mbps down pipe so i figured why not share with my neighbors? My up speeds are capped at 768k by my ISP, but yet I've never really had a problem with that. I fully support sharing internet connections. I wish it could be free for everyone, but that's just not realistic so I do my part to help make sure those around me can stay connected. The internet should be about bringing people together, not just greed and profit.
Wi-Fi Booster
I stay many times at hotels which provide free Wi-Fi for their customers. However, sometimes, I get a room, or a floor, which as poor or no reception at all. Is that illegal to get a booster, if they do exist, so I can get better reception and not have to go sit in the lobby? And what kind of booster should I get if they do exist and are legal?
Thanks
I stay many times at hotels which provide free Wi-Fi for their customers. However, sometimes, I get a room, or a floor, which as poor or no reception at all. Is that illegal to get a booster, if they do exist, so I can get better reception and not have to go sit in the lobby? And what kind of booster should I get if they do exist and are legal?
Thanks
This is a MacBook Pro Forum.
Check Your sections before you post.
Anyway i get excellent wireless from my MBP 2010 and Macbook 2006
Check Your sections before you post.
Anyway i get excellent wireless from my MBP 2010 and Macbook 2006
You can get a booster i don't believe there illegal, alternatively you could get an external antenna.
Also at home make sure you've got a phone that is Wi Fi friendly, some broadcast wireless on the same frequency as you Wireless internet. Wi Fi i on 2.4GHz.
