How to overcome wifi interference

[Leros]

The building I am living in right now has wireless placed throughout the building by some ISP. Apparently that ISP doesn't want people using the competition because they have their WAPs broadcasting very strong on channels 1, 6, and 11 all at the same time.

This is really annoying because I cannot get a good connection to my wireless router. My laptop is about 3 feet away from my router and I get kicked off my network every 5 minutes or so. Its really ridiculous.

My laptop works fine at any other access points, just not my wireless in my building. I've gone through a D-Link router and a Linksys router with no success.

Is there anything else I can do?

 

[nightowl]

You can try selecting a channel that is in the least congested frequency. Your other alternative would be to switch over to 802.11a instead.

 

[EvanAdams]

Call the FCC

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: EvanAdams
Call the FCC

LOL! That's not going to do anything.

This is not some evil corporation. It's an ISP who has done their best to provide the best service possible. Using channels 1,6,11 is common place.

The only way to really overcome this is to use 802.11a or possibly directional antennas between the AP and client.

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: spidey07
The only way to really overcome this is to use 802.11a or possibly directional antennas between the AP and client.

I agree, the first thing I would do is go 802.11a; if that's not an option than a directional patch antenna facing inward on the wall nearest the source of interference.

 

[acaeti]

Not to be a**, but a 25' patch cord, while less elegant than wifi, is probably cheaper than 802.11a or some sort of directional 802.11b/g setup. Lower latency, less jitter, fewer drops, better multi-user service and higher bandwidth to boot!

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: acaeti
Not to be a**, but a 25' patch cord, while less elegant than wifi, is probably cheaper than 802.11a or some sort of directional 802.11b/g setup. Lower latency, less jitter, fewer drops, better multi-user service and higher bandwidth to boot!

Actually as per the OP a 3' patch cord would do it while the laptop sits on the desk. However the assumption is that they need to be able to pick it up and move around with it, it is a laptop after all