Channel keeps changing on remote

[49erinnc]

Using XP Pro on both host/remote (laptop) and Netgear MR814 (b) router with MA521 (b)card. In my router settings, I have it set to channel 9. However, I've noticed that the channel in my laptop settings constantly changes. Is this normal or should it always remain on the channel I set it to? And how does it affect performance if both the host and remote are operating on different channels?

 

[ScottMac]

The AP may be changing channels in response to interference (that would cause the clients to follow along).

Shoot for channels 1, 6, or 11 - they are non-overlapping freqs.

Good Luck

Scott