On Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:25:04 +1100, "Noddy" <dg4163@(nospam)dodo.com.au>
wrote in <45cfc1f0$0$52924$c30e37c6@lon-reader.news.telstra.net>:

>I've just discovered this group and thought it might be a good place to ask
>a basic question that a newb like me needs to ask. I've tried searching for
>a thread with a similar complaint and can't really find one, so I'll ask
>away anyway.

Check out the wikis in my sig block below, which have the answers to
many of the more frequent questions.

>My problem is that I'm a total clueless newbie when it comes to wireless
>networks, and my question is how can I increase the range of my connection?

Better antenna (or reflector) is usually the best bet.

>My particular situation is that I have two desktop PC's wired together
>through a 4 port wireless router (A Billion 7300G if it makes any difference
>and using the built in wired ethernet sockets on each PC), and an Acer
>Aspire 5100 laptop that connects to the network using the wireless function
>of the router. Everything works fine, I have no connection or security
>issues and the performance is great, but the laptop will only see the
>wireless connection within a couple of feet of the router.

Most likely problem is wireless interference. See wikis below.

>I don't want to be able to have the laptop connect within a few miles, but
>basically would like to at least be able to use the laptop in another room.

Walls can be a big problem, depending on what's in them.

>Hell, even on a desk on the other side of *this* room would be good for now
>:)

OK.

>I bought the laptop new just before Christmas, and the documentation that
>comes with the thing is next to useless (although the machine itself is very
>good). As I have no idea about wireless equipment (this is my first venture
>into such territory), I don't know if I need any additional equipment for
>the laptop or router (or both) in order to improve the situation.

Try the laptop is a public Wi-Fi hotspot to see how well it works there.
Try a different channel (1, 6, 11) on your wireless router.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>