Wireless signal strength

Is there any way, either through software or a hardware addition that I can boost the range of my wireless router.

Normally I use my laptop in the same room as the router so it doesnt matter, but we had great weather this weekend so I moved it out into a sunny spot in the garden. As I moved it, I watched the connection drop and reconnect, disconnecting more until I reached the sunshine, where it seemed to be about 2 feet out of reach.

Maybe my computer just doesnt like sunbathing, but a colleague has a similar problem because he lives in a house with walls six feet thick and can barely get a signal in the next room.

Thanks

 

Couple of possibles Here.

And I'm assuming you have kept the wireless router & adapter away from microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc. and also placed the equipment as high as practical.