newbie-help need for weak connection please

Hi,
We have free internet from the bar 4 floors down, but it gets really
weak and sometimes goes away for various lengths of time. I am using a
linksys network adaptor in the window and my question is this...my
computer will pop up a notice and tell me that my device would work
much better if I had a 2.0 usb. If I get a 2.0 usb external will that
make my connection any stronger by providing more power to the antenna?
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I am new to wireless and I have
been researching this for a few days without success.
thanks,
Paulalee

"paulalee" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) ups.com...
> Hi,
> We have free internet from the bar 4 floors down, but it gets really
> weak and sometimes goes away for various lengths of time. I am using a
> linksys network adaptor in the window and my question is this...my
> computer will pop up a notice and tell me that my device would work
> much better if I had a 2.0 usb. If I get a 2.0 usb external will that
> make my connection any stronger by providing more power to the antenna?

No. Changing to USB 2.0 won't effect the signal strength.

Try moving the network adaptor to another position in your room. Use USB
extension cable if necessary.

If the antenna is removable you could also try replacing it with a better
one than the one supplied. You should be able to find a free design on the
web.

"paulalee" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>We have free internet from the bar 4 floors down, but it gets really
>weak and sometimes goes away for various lengths of time.

Does the bar allow you to use it, even when you aren't a patron?

There's not a _lot_ you can do, but I'd start with a Linksys WAP54G in
client mode, different positionings, and possibly an external antenna,
though I'd give it only about a 50% chance of success.

Of course, now you're into the cost of several months of your own
broadband service that isn't subject to the security issues of using
an open public hotspot...

"paulalee" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) ups.com...
> Hi,
> We have free internet from the bar 4 floors down, but it gets really
> weak and sometimes goes away for various lengths of time. I am using a
> linksys network adaptor in the window and my question is this...my
> computer will pop up a notice and tell me that my device would work
> much better if I had a 2.0 usb. If I get a 2.0 usb external will that
> make my connection any stronger by providing more power to the antenna?
> Sorry if this is a stupid question but I am new to wireless and I have
> been researching this for a few days without success.
> thanks,
> Paulalee
>
Ignore the message if your system is working. This only applies to data
transfer rates and it is unlikely you have an internet connection that is
much faster than your wireless connection speed! I'm amazed they don't tell
you to buy one of their own products.
You could try improving the signal by buying a bigger aerial for the router
or making a reflector for it. Have a Google - I made a semi circular
reflector that clips on to the router aerial and it's quite good.