Duh! Is your patio more than 300' from the router? If not, don't worry about it.
BUT, you should be using Wireless N to Wireless N,
NOT, wireless N to wireless G.
Laptop PC's only come standard with Wireless G service built in.
I'm using an 'Intellinet Wireless N' router to supply my house, yard and a neighbor 300' away, with Wireless Internet Service.
At the neighbors house, on their desktop PC, I've installed an 'Intellinet Wireless N' LAN card. They are getting three out of five bars of signal strength.
(the Intellinet Wireless N, LAN cards, like the routers, have three antennas, not just one)
And it's solid as a rock.
If your portable computer does not have Wireless N built in, then you can use a Wireless N device in a USB port. I have one of those too.
I can plug that USB device into my Acer Aspire ONE, Netbook and walk three houses down the street and still have a solid connection.
( three out of five bars )
DON'T hide your router under your desk, as so many people do.
(whatever are they thinking?
)
Place it on the highest spot in the room that you can easily reach.
It's a RADIO transmitter, don't block your signal.
Enjoy!
The Doctor
General