Testing Wifi singal and Wifi booster

Hulk

Supreme [H]ardness
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I just got a new laptop and am thinking of getting a wifi booster. What software do I need to test the stock wifi signal and the aftermarket wifi booster so see if there is any difference at all?

Also, what is a good wifi booster with antenna?

I like these two, one comes with a 2db antenna and the other with a 5db antenna.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018TX8IDA/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I19WX25W2EMY4A&colid=1LFDSOA4H7RZL&psc=0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075R7BFV2/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I33RIYQPWJ4FU4&colid=1LFDSOA4H7RZL&psc=1

Which one should I get?
 
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While I'm not 100% sure what you are asking, I would start with some simple speedtest.net runs and verify you are getting your proper internet speed. Other than that, are you saying that you are having connection issues and need more signal strength? What wireless router/access point are you using that you need more signal?
 
None of what you've linked are simple antennas. They're separate WiFi NICs which happen to have external antennas. And it's highly unlikely that you'll see any better performance with them as opposed to the laptop's built-in WiFi. You're laptop has antennas (yes, probably more than one) that are just as large and as good as those you've linked, they're just hidden inside the lid.
 
I see, from what I've read my laptop has two antennas in it, there have been some people modding their laptops to install a third antenna but I don't feel comfortable doing that.
 
are you having wifi issues or just want to add an antenna? if you are having issues would be better to look at maybe a better router or add some access points like suggested above
 
Just adding more antenna may create issues. Test your stuff, post the numbers, and we can go from there. If you just want to pimp out your ride, put a spoiler on it instead...
 
I should have mentioned the reason why I want to get a antenna is for better reception not only at home but for work, library, while on vacation, etc.
 
Test your stuff, post the numbers....

Umm... I'm pretty sure in the first post they asked what software to test with... No one has actually said how to test this yet.


For the OP: You can use Inssider if it's a Windows laptop. You basically want to grab one of the older versions like Version 3 or Version 2, since they want you to pay for the software now.

https://www.techspot.com/downloads/5936-inssider.html

If you have a Linux USB stick, you can also boot to that and install LinSSID. It will perform a similar function.



But back to the original point. Trying to go bigger isn't always better. Slapping a bigger antenna onto a cheap wifi card will yield worse performance than having smaller antennas on a good wifi card. A el cheapo wifi card that might have been bundled with your laptop might only be sensitive to like -89dB. A Good wifi card might go down to like -96dB, meaning that you'll pick up 7 dB of gain by swapping the cards out. If the area you're in has a lot of noise you can't always just throw a bigger antenna on it and get a better signal either. As soon as you turn up your power, the other devices will turn up their power to try to talk over each other again. So everything just spirals out of control.

Basically just try and see with one of those apps what your signals look like first. Going to a bigger antenna might make zero difference depending upon what the circumstances are. It can actually have a negative effect if you start picking up additional APs that the smaller antennas couldn't see before, requiring your laptop to wait for them to transmit before it can send data.
 
Umm... I'm pretty sure in the first post they asked what software to test with... No one has actually said how to test this yet.

All I said in the very first response was to run a speed test, since it hasn't been established that the OP is having any type of connection issues at all. Speedtest.net or something. Essentially the only thing posted is that the OP wants a bigger antenna on his new laptop but for what reason, I have no idea. The assumption that he is having connection issues or crowded WiFi channels is yours. Has the OP tried to get connected to the WiFi yet, and if so, has there been problems, like low signal strength, low throughput, etc? And if it is an issue of the OP not knowing how to test if he is connected, then I will fall back to the "add a spoiler" advice.
 
Yea sorry I didn't notice it was you who posted the 2nd post and that post. I just read the part about testing your stuff and thought you meant signal strength.
 
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