Hardware C**P !

Tearing my hair out here now.

Was using Linksys WAG354G modem/router+wirelessG 1 meg downstream hardware
version 1.0 that I bought (i.e. not the adsl 2/+ version), when I was paying
for Orange Option 2 BB / 1meg downstream 6gb cap that they never enforced !
....(Recently discovered in web blogs and forums that in past, lots of
Linksys WAG* mains adapters were chucking out over 16 volts, (over 15 volts
under load), when they actually need only 12 volts 1000 milliamps (1.0 amp)
!!!! ...stuck my tester probes into mine and it is indeed one of the
16volt+ cuprits. So I've ordered a 12v 1000ma regulated mains adapter for
my Linksys WAG354G because I have to fall back on it because " there is a
known problem connecting to the Orange free web space using the Livebox..."
!!! In other words, when I want to ftp to my (was FreeServe ...then Wanadoo
....now> Orange free webspacee using my old Dreamweaver 4, I have to plug my
old Linksys back in !

When I "upgraded" to Orange "up to" 8 meg.unlimited and they supplied me
with an Orange Livebox combined adsl modem/router+wireless g with some sort
of free local telephone call service using some sort of VOIP / over, and/or
in conjunction with, the UK 0845 national lo-call BT 'phone system, I
thought it was all lovely. The "free" 'phone call part works okay.

LOTS of "slagging off" going on, on the web, about a wide range of problems
with the Orange Livebox.

My problem is that the Orange Livebox "wireless" won't reach into the house
(30 feet?) reliably, there's no connector on the Livebox for adding an
antenna !

Dad's PC, which has a Linksys WMP54G pci card in it, with the supplied hard
plastic antenna screwed into the back of the pci card (with a small
"reverse" SMA connector ?), which is up against an old stone wall that's
about two feet thick ...on two sides of that antenna actually, and it's
almost on the ground ! So perhaps there in lies the trans/ceiving problems
the pci card is having.

SO any reccomendations for hardware, ...antenna on a lead for Dads PC ?
Last time I bought a Buffalo antenna, it had the wrong plug on it and I had
to chop it off and fit a "reverse SMA" connector from Maplins ! That
antenna has been commandeered by a friend who I think wants to keep it. Is
it worth me buying another ? Would a wireless g "range extender" box be a
better idea ?
....any suggestions before I throw more good money after bad ?

TIA

regards, Richard

ps I'm beginning to think that it would be cheaper and more functional to
NAIL A DARNED LAN LEAD all the way round to the house, and drill a hole !