Inconsistent internet connection with wireless

[Alpina]

Hello, I got a problem where both my first laptop and my second laptop have problems loading Youtube videos and sometimes loading websites via wireless connection. Let's say once in 30 minutes Youtube videos stop loading for like 10 minutes or so, and during that time websites usually load well, but not always.

I got Linksys WRT54GL router. Now some facts:

- Wired connection from router to laptop works flawlessly.
- Wireless connection to both laptops is bad, works inconsistently.
- If I connect first laptop to router with Ethernet cable and create new ad hoc wireless connection, and connect 2nd laptop to this connection, then second laptop once again has problems with internet.

Now I would think that the problem is with router due to the fact that both laptops suffer from same issue, BUT why does ad hoc network also does not work well with 2nd laptop? I would think that it's not related to router's wireless considering that I use my wired connection, which is good.

Any ideas? I am thinking about flashing DD-WRT firmware on my router.

 

[Fardringle]

That's wireless. Simply because of the fact that it is wireless means it is subject to interference, connectivity issues, slower and inconsistent speeds. You're probably either trying to use the laptops too far away from the router, or there are barriers (walls, cabinets, etc) blocking the signal, or too many other wireless signals in the area causing interference. Or the old WRT54GL is just worn out.

It can't hurt to try DD-WRT to see if it helps, but you should also check for interference and change the wireless channel to one that is not being used by other nearby wireless networks.

 

[Alpina]

That's wireless. Simply because of the fact that it is wireless means it is subject to interference, connectivity issues, slower and inconsistent speeds. You're probably either trying to use the laptops too far away from the router, or there are barriers (walls, cabinets, etc) blocking the signal, or too many other wireless signals in the area causing interference. Or the old WRT54GL is just worn out.

It can't hurt to try DD-WRT to see if it helps, but you should also check for interference and change the wireless channel to one that is not being used by other nearby wireless networks.

I live in small room ~10 square meters in student dorm, so router is 1-3 meters from laptop, with no barriers in between.

The only thing is that there is I can detect like 30 access points with my laptop so there may be interference from other routers? I'll try changing the channel from 6 to 11 now, and later maybe I should try getting DD-WRT and using an option to reduce signal strength.

 

[JackMDS]

Get this survey freeware scan with a laptop the environment and use the Channel that show best.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html

Try DD-WRT and boost a little the Output.

Get a New Router that can do A/B/G/N. If you have B?G only cards in the Laptop upgrade the Wireless cards (they go for less than $20).

The WRT54G shined 8-10 years ago, its time gone its few generation back.

 

[azazel1024]

Start with replacing the router. Seriously, go from there. You are using a >10 year old piece of gear. Try a new $20-30 11n router and work from there.