WiFi connection to test equipment

[clark.danny]

My question is not generic, I may be in need of more general education rather than a technical solution.
I have a piece of test equipment used for high voltage protection applications. It is wifi enabled. I have a Dell Latitude E6430 ATG runnings Windows 7 professional and proprietary software for the test equipment mentioned earlier. I'm looking for a means of amplifying and directing the wifi transmitter/receiver of my laptop to increase the range and stability of the connection to the test equipment. Ancillary question, is there a USB Wifi adapter which would answer my previous need and be a second network adapter on the laptop?

 

[kanewolf]

What distance are you trying to cover? Is there a line of sight or are you going through walls, equipment, etc?

 

[clark.danny]

What distance are you trying to cover? Is there a line of sight or are you going through walls, equipment, etc?

 

[clark.danny]

Line of sight, or same room with metal structures scattered about. I'd like to get 200-250 feet.
It works at about 100ft now, but it's not stable.

 

[kanewolf]

Line of sight, or same room with metal structures scattered about. I'd like to get 200-250 feet.
It works at about 100ft now, but it's not stable.

In an industrial setting you are going to have noise. The best option (IMO) is to connect a directional WIFI bridge via ethernet to your laptop. You can put it on a tripod and elevate it if necessary. Since it is directional you would point it to the area your equipment is located (this is assuming you have one direction you want to connect). Something like this -- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168115 About the size of a paperback book. Connects via ethernet and can be powered by a 12V battery or standard AC.