How to Boost a Laptop's Wireless Receiver
- Small Business |
- Business Technology & Customer Support |
- Laptops
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Laptops communicate with wireless networks via a wireless local area network adapter installed to a Mini PCI Express slot on the motherboard. Business professionals who are experiencing signal problems and have difficulty connecting to -- or remaining connected to -- a network can upgrade the adapter to the latest wireless specification or, if operating on Wireless N network already, modify the adapter settings to boost the reception.
Upgrade the Wireless Card
1
Turn off the laptop and disconnect it from its power source. Close the computer.
2
Flip the laptop over so that the bottom is facing up. Slide the tab or tabs to release the battery.
3
Put on an anti-static wristband before proceeding to keep the hardware safe from static electricity.
4
Unscrew and remove each of the service panels from the bottom of the computer to find the WLAN card.
5
Pull the antenna cables off the card, making sure to take note of the arrangement of the cables.
6
Unscrew the card, or push back the tabs on either side of the adapter, and pull the device out of its socket. Insert the replacement 802.11g or 802.11n card into the Mini PCI or Mini PCIe slot.
7
Attach the antenna cables to the new card and reassemble the computer.
Change the Wireless Settings
1
Click the Windows "Start" button, enter "connections" into the Search field and click "View Network Connections."
2
Right-click "Wireless Network Connection," click "Properties" and click "Configure."
3
Click "Advanced." Select "Transmit Power," "TX Power Level" or similar option.
4
Choose "100%," "Highest" or similar option from the drop-down menu. Click "OK" to improve the wireless signal.
References
- PCWorld: Step-by-Step -- 5 Laptop Upgrades You Can Do Yourself
- Intel: Where Are the Wi-Fi Network Adapter Properties in Microsoft Windows XP?
Tips
- You most likely will need to install software with the WLAN adapter. Review the documentation included with the device to find out whether to install the software before or after adding the hardware to the PC.
- Check the documentation included with your laptop to find out whether it uses Mini PCI or Mini PCIe; they are not compatible with each other.
- You may need to pry off the keyboard cover and unscrew and remove the keyboard from the motherboard to access the WLAN adapter.
- To avoid problems with incompatibility, purchase the card from the laptop manufacturer.
Warnings
- Taking apart your laptop could void the warranty. Contact your laptop manufacturer before replacing the card.
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.
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