Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
I am looking for a Mac-compatable dongle to improve my internet connection. I use a public wifi service (requiring a login name and password). The mast is 20m away. The wifi signal fluctuates wildly. The service provider tells me that the connection is good, but I may be getting interference from other networks.
Would AirPort Express improve my reception?
I'm using a MacBook Air 11-inch mid 2013. Running Yosemite 10.10.3. No CD player for installations.
Your provider is not really giving you very accurate information when they say that the connection is "good"......but you may be picking up interference from other sources. If the connection really is "good", that would mean that you are not picking up interference from other sources.
You might want to try an adapter that has a decent size antenna that might pick up the WiFi signal better than the internal antenna on your Mac. Something like this.....if the store will allow you to return it if it does not work well for you:
To answer your specific question, a single AirPort Express would not help your situation at all, since the Express cannot "repeat" or "boost" the signal from the public WiFi unless the public WiFi is using Apple routers.....which would be extremely unlikely.
Your provider is not really giving you very accurate information when they say that the connection is "good"......but you may be picking up interference from other sources. If the connection really is "good", that would mean that you are not picking up interference from other sources.
You might want to try an adapter that has a decent size antenna that might pick up the WiFi signal better than the internal antenna on your Mac. Something like this.....if the store will allow you to return it if it does not work well for you:
To answer your specific question, a single AirPort Express would not help your situation at all, since the Express cannot "repeat" or "boost" the signal from the public WiFi unless the public WiFi is using Apple routers.....which would be extremely unlikely.
Thanks Bob,
I checked out the product, and, although it's Mac-compatable, it seems there's still the need for CD installation. Is there some kind of work around to install without the CD?
It was the larger antenna that caught my eye in the link above. Most manufacturers now offer downloadable software, so you might want to check on that.
There are dozens of WiFi adapters available for the Mac, probably some at your local electronics / superstore. Give them a visit and ask what they would recommend that might not require a CD installation.
Ask about the store's return policy before you buy, as this will be one of those times where you will not know how well......or even if.....a device will work until you can actually try it out where you need it.
Thanks once again.
It looks like a trip into the big city as the two electronics/computer shops in my town are pretty limited. I'd try an online store if, as you suggest, it wasn't for the hassle of returns.
Mac-compatable dongle?
