Having troubles w/ network

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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I'm having MAJOR troubles with my home network for the last few days (and has been a problem that comes and goes since I got my new PC) , and I'd like to know if any of you know why. I have a Linksys wireless router that's worked FINE w/ my Xbox 360, I have a wireless adapter in my room for the Xbox 360, and I have a PCI Wireless adapter in my PC. I'm CONSTANTLY turning on the PC, finding the network not connected, trying to connect........ it doesnt work. I do something else for a few minutes....... then it's finding Network address, then works for a while, but is extremely slow (and isnt 54.0mbs either). After 1-2 minutes of slowness, it disconnects. Then waits a minute (sometimes longer) and reconnects. Repeat 1000 times. Does anyone have a clue what this could be? Could it be some kind of interference? This is KILLING me and I might want to just pay to run a cable line up here........
 

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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Originally posted by: spidey07
sounds like interferrence. change to channels 1, 6, 11.

You mean interferences w/ the Xbox wireless adapter? I disconnected the adapter and the PC still didnt work........ how do you change the channels?

Also, I do think I MAY know why it doesnt work: a part of the antenna broke off when I was installing it (at the end), but I Cant see how that would be the problem since its worked fine for weeks.......
 

kylef

Golden Member
Jan 25, 2000
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The wireless channel is changed in your Linksys router's settings. I don't own a Linksys, so I don't know exactly where it would be. Look for "Wireless settings".

802.11g has 3 so-called "non-overlapping" channels (dubbed "1", "6", and "11"), which aren't strictly non-overlapping but for the most part can be considered to be. So if your neighbor has a 802.11b/g network on channel 6, then you will likely experience much more interference if your router is on channel 6 than if you were on channels 1 or 11.

However, since you state that your wireless network was fine before your new PC was added to the picture, unless your new PC is in a different location than your XBox, the "interference from neighbor" issue may not be the culprit. Interference may be coming from the PC itself, a crappy antenna, or a 2.4 Ghz cordless phone nearby.

For example, my neighbor has an older Panasonic 2.4 Ghz cordless phone that wreaks havoc with my network no matter what channel I'm on. I offered to buy him a new phone if he would switch, but he has refused. :( So I'm about to invest in a rare 802.11a system to get out of the crowded 2.4 Ghz spectrum.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
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kylef,

802.11a systems are actually the preferred spectrum for wireless networks, mainly because the 2.4 spectrum is overcrowded. Do be aware that it doesn't have quite the range of G, but it's close
 

kylef

Golden Member
Jan 25, 2000
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Originally posted by: spidey07
kylef,

802.11a systems are actually the preferred spectrum for wireless networks, mainly because the 2.4 spectrum is overcrowded. Do be aware that it doesn't have quite the range of G, but it's close

The biggest problem I have is that my laptop has 802.11g builtin, so I'd have to get an add-in PC Card, which I don't particularly care for... But right now I don't have much of a choice other than covering my walls in tinfoil. :p
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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Originally posted by: kylef
I offered to buy him a new phone if he would switch, but he has refused. :(
Time to get that book on phone jamming techniques. ;) You'll make him an offer he can't refuse.
 

nweaver

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2001
6,813
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Originally posted by: kylef
Originally posted by: spidey07
kylef,

802.11a systems are actually the preferred spectrum for wireless networks, mainly because the 2.4 spectrum is overcrowded. Do be aware that it doesn't have quite the range of G, but it's close

The biggest problem I have is that my laptop has 802.11g builtin, so I'd have to get an add-in PC Card, which I don't particularly care for... But right now I don't have much of a choice other than covering my walls in tinfoil. :p

actually, double layer of nonconnected copper mesh is best ;)

We call our cage the "brain microwave"
 

Dravic

Senior member
May 18, 2000
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if all the wireless cards/adapters aren't the same manufacturer you may want to make sure you not using some kind of turbo mode on the router. All three devices could be arguing over which mode (speedboost, HSM125, turbo? etc) to use. Set the router to no/non turbo (plain frame bursting) and make sure all the devices are also using the lowest 11g speed setting.

And as already stated..

Other 2.4ghz devices (switch to 5.8 phones myself)
Less crowed channel (1,6,11)
 

boss6021

Junior Member
Mar 1, 2006
22
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The other thing that could be going on is an address conflict. I have seen this numerous times in home and office networks. Make sure none of the devices have the same static address.

Mike
 

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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71
Well, I'm currently using my Xbox Live wireless adapter (the one Microsoft made for XB) on my PC and it works fine, extremely fast and never disconnects. It could just be that the other one's antenna broke....... I think I'm just going to buy a new one.