generally blinking indicates that data is being transmitted, but check the docs for specifics.

as for range, yes, some products do better than others.  some adapters have almost triple the output power as the standard, cheapest products.  they're also expensive and often name brands like cisco.  read specs before you buy.

you can also consider things like an external antenna for your router.

finally, 802.11n is not in draft form yet, but several products "pre-N" and "mimo(?)" are based on it.  the range is nice but it's very expensive and will likely be obsolete when the real standard comes out. 

HI:

Thanks.  Unfortunately, my Dell doesn't allow for changing/adding to the antenna. I'm thinking about getting a Netgear router, since I have a netgear wireless adapter and the Dell, that both seem to be compatible. 

Thanks for the other info and I'll keep my eye out .

Hi:

I am using IP addresses supplied by the server.  I have not manually identified IP addresses, the server finds them.

How do I know what IP address my laptop is?

Thanks.

annie

that's weird that you would get an IP conflict when your router is supplying the addresses...

to find your ip address, click start, click run, type CMD and press enter.  then type ipconfig and press enter.

Thanks. Will do and let you know what I find out.  I'm at work now and don't have access to my laptop and need to get to a meeting, but wanted to get back to you.

Will check it out later tonight or this weekend.