Hi, everyone, I know this isn't a directly Linux-related question, but I am a Linux user and have found Linux communities and forums very helpful in resolving problems. I recently purchased a Linksys Wireless-G Cable Gateway and a Linksys Wireless Network Card (not sure which, I don't think it matters too much for this question). I am not asking how to get it to give me internet under Linux (yet... cable has not yet been activated) but rather how to get a stronger signal.

I am only recieving a 50-60% signal! Would you say this is low? And more importantly, would this slow my download speeds (bittorrent, ftp, http, etc)? I can get my friend's internet to fly at the speed of light at 550kbps (in comparison to AOL, which is what I'm using now on my non-linux computer, it IS the speed of light). Would it be possible to get these kinds of speeds at this signal rate? How can I increase my signal? I'll probably get laughed at for this, but does wrapping tin foil around the antenna really help? Or do I need a better wireless card (recommendations)? Or do I need to do anything at all (55% is good enough)?

Thanks in advance for your help in advance... I really appreciate all the help Linux communities have given me in the past and this will be no exception.

PS: Please explain things well, I have never dabbled in networks before. Also, I'm not a very experienced Linux user (only been using SuSE for 6 months).

Whether the signal is low depends on the distance from the access point, wether the signal has to pass through walls/ceilings and interference from other neighbouring access points or other devices (cordless phones, or whatever). If the computer with the card is situated right next to the AP, then I would say 55% is rather low. Otherwise, to improve the signal strength, you could try different channels (frequencies) and see which gives you the strongest signal. Nonetheless, I would venture to guess that 550kbs should be no problem even with a 20~30% signal. I don know about the tinfoil, but unless the manufacturer included a sheet of tinfoil with the card, then I wouldn't try it ;-)
You could buy a bigger antenna to increase the signal strength, if you think it is necessary.

Alright, thanks for the help - I did try monkeying with the frequencies but they only took the signal down (I guess 6 is the best). I tried tinfoil, too, but it actually took me down to about 40%.. ouch!

After playing with things in my room, though, I found something - the position of my TRASH CAN affects the wireless card.. greatly. It sits right next to my computer, and it's metal. If I take away the trash can, my reception goes down to 2 bars. If I put it at the right spot, I can get a solid 4/5 bars (70%!) If this isn't good enough, I'll buy a bigger antenna as you suggested, though.

Thankya,
James "The Jimbo" Ostrander