WiFi, its great if you can get it!

Most free WiFi signals are meant as a service to customers or visitors to a particular business or public area. When you are in the immediate vicinity of the WiFi access point, getting the signal to your laptop is usually not a problem. Its when you step out of the target coverage area that you can use some help to extend the range of the WiFi signal. A large majority of built in wireless modems have built in antennas.

With those your only hope of increasing range is to aim your laptop toward the wireless access point, eliminate obstructions between you and the AP (stop short of asking people to change seats) or gaining some altitude (although standing on the roof of your car might draw unnecessary attention).

Most add-on WiFi/wireless Modems today have an external antenna input with a short plastic antenna connected. The difference between the built in antenna and the external one can be a large leap in signal strength and extend Internet access tremendously. The next step up in coverage will be to unscrew the removable antenna and replace it with one that has a wired cable (most are approximately 6ft. long) that will plug into the antenna connector.

It will allow you to place this movable antenna in the clear to obtain a better signal. External movable antennas of this type can make the difference between NO CONNECTION and a strong Internet connection. You'll be the envy of those antenna-less folks around you.