How can I increase the wireless range on my laptop?

[coolmandingo]

My laptop has an Intel Centrino processor and also the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 BG Network internal mini-pci card. The problem Im having is that my latop goes out of range fairly quickly. I have a Linksys WRT54G Wireless G router. The router is set up in my basement, I cant really move it to any other room. When I go up to the top story in my house, (2 floors above the basement) my laptop will lose its signal completely. I have tested with my dad's laptop, which is a Sony Viao, pretty sure it has an intel wireless chip also. And the Sony will get a strong signal even 2 floors above the router.

Why cant my laptop receive the signal as strongly, is there any way I can configure my latop to receive the signal stronger? I cant move the router to a different floor, so I would prefer some kind of software settings that may help if possible, thanks for the help!

[craigmodius]

Wireless-G Range Expander

[TechZ]

3Com make a range of small antennae for Wireless setups, saw one in an ad, and I'm gonna get one for my HP laptop, so let me know how it goes!

[+Daemon+]

get a better antenna if its possible on the wireless card u have, if its a internal wireles card, then it will suck, the antenna is internal and the range isnt good u can get a pcmcia card with a external antenna, will help if u dont have one already