Internet signal reception improvement?

[NeverRodeBefore]

I know there's a few computer types in here but I'm something of a luddite so forgive me, but, when I work in my mill workshop, everything is fine with my laptop accessing the internet for emails, checking in here and streaming the odd bit light entertainment, but when I'm working at the main factory twice a week, the laptops inbuilt antenna struggles with the accessing the internet in a timely manner. It's probably the amount of metal inbetween it and wherever the firms router is because if I move it off the metal bench away from the stack of metal test pieces and sit with it on my knee, it gets a bit better.

Would something like this..

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9397525?clickSR=slp:term:usb%20wifi:1:9:1

..simply add to the laptops reception ability or would it need it's own connection, or does it replace it and it's inbuilt software? I don't want to use it in my workshop as I've already used both USB ports, but I have one spare when in the factory?

Although it is my laptop and software, the boss signed me into the factory network and set up my company email so I don't know the passwords and the like.

 

[Redboots]

An extender is what you want. Plug it in somewhere you get a reasonable wifi signal between where you want to be and the router.
Extenders

 

[Berin]

As far as I can see, that’s for adding WiFi capability to a lap top that doesn’t have WiFi, so if your laptop does have WiFi as standard I don’t think it will help.

 

[wessie]

If the boss wants you to use your personal device for work purposes then he needs to extend his network to reach your normal work station(s).

It should be a relatively simple thing for him to fit a wifi extender to the workplace network. If the environment does not suit wifi signals then there are ways to extend the network using things like Powerline adapters that use the mains wiring and then you would plug in your laptop using an ethernet cable.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

Thank you for your thoughts people, the boss is happy for me to use emails, which do work, it's me who really just wants to check on the traffic before I set off for home so I can pick the least busy route and watch the news during lunchtime.

The boss did offer to buy me a new laptop but I decided to get my own, so I can have my own software (I really didn't like the antivirus and monitoring software at the sister company which was closed down hence why I was transferred to the main factory), and should we part ways, all the information on it comes with me

 

[Berin]

Thank you for your thoughts people, the boss is happy for me to use emails, which do work, it's me who really just wants to check on the traffic before I set off for home so I can pick the least busy route and watch the news during lunchtime.

The boss did offer to buy me a new laptop but I decided to get my own, so I can have my own software (I really didn't like the antivirus and monitoring software at the sister company which was closed down hence why I was transferred to the main factory), and should we part ways, all the information on it comes with me

Can’t you check traffic on your phone? Or tether your laptop to your phone?

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

Can’t you check traffic on your phone? Or tether your laptop to your phone?

If I had a smarter phone then perhaps, the only time I've used the internet on the phone, I genuinely don't like the screen size, but I normally just use it for calls and texts. I've been resisting joining everyone else in the modern age

 

[sparkplug]

Metal will certainly be playing a part in negatively affecting your signal.

Assuming you don't have access to the router and the boss isn't going to indulge you in putting in extenders or powerlines (which would be worth asking him about) then your other option is to have your own network that you connect to in the form of a MiFi hotspot type thing.

That does, however, assume that there's decent mobile phone reception where you work (maybe ask colleagues with smartphones to do a speed test and let us know what sort of figures they're getting)

It does also mean you'd need to pay for a SIM subscription for the device - but if it's just checking traffic and some light browsing then some of the cheap Lebara type deals at £3-7 month should be OK.

Which hotspot? Well, there are lots to choose from, but if you want something reliable that's simple to set up and use then I'd probably look for a second hand Netgear Nighthawk M1

Mine was great (bought second hand from here and sold on again on here) and you could even plug in external antennas if you needed them.

I almost kept mine as a spare (and it would have come in handy a couple of times!) but I didn't think I'd use it enough. I do sometimes regret selling it but...

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

So.. Yesterday I was back in the factory and during lunch I wanted to check the traffic.. Mottram moor was looking terrible and my alternative Holmfirth route was supposed to be having resurfacing with traffic through the middle down to one lane, but it looked much better than expected.

I found that simply pulling the laptop forwards a bit off the metal bench made the signal much better?

It didn't feel like it was about to topple off the desk and I was sat right there whilst I did it, and using the wireless mouse means I didn't need to touch the trackpad reducing the risk of a sudden balance change.

Once again, thank you for the suggestions people.

 

[wessie]

I found that simply pulling the laptop forwards a bit off the metal bench made the signal much better?

can you raise the laptop from the bench as it is definitely the metal blocking the wifi? Just sitting the laptop on a suitable non metal box or stack of porn mags might be enough.

Or something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muybienz-Ergonomic-Adjustable-Muti-Angle-Compatible-Silver/dp/B0D78WLPKK

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

can you raise the laptop from the bench as it is definitely the metal blocking the wifi? Just sitting the laptop on a suitable non metal box or stack of porn mags might be enough.

Or something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muybienz-Ergonomic-Adjustable-Muti-Angle-Compatible-Silver/dp/B0D78WLPKK

That might work.. the stand, not the stack of porn mags... are porn mags still a thing in the day's of the internet

 

[wessie]

That might work.. the stand, not the stack of porn mags... are porn mags still a thing in the day's of the internet

streaming porn on your employer's network might lead to sub optimal career progression.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

Just ordered an origami like folding stand for £15 to collect tomorrow in time for my second weekly factory visit.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

The origami stand worked a treat, although, it struggled a bit on a game advert, but checking the AA traffic was a breeze.