WiFi, what am I doing wrong?

[imported_Mike]

Besides the fact that I am just about completely retarded when it comes to netowrking, my wireless connection sucks. My laptop is literally 5 feet away from my router and it drops the connection like no other.

I have Time Warner with 5mbps but I can hardly browse the net. Ive switched out the router. Started with a Linksys, went to D-Link, and now have a Netgear. The D-Link was the worst.

My connection always drops to 36/24 mbps with very little connectivity. Then sometimes it will even drop to 1 mpbs and I have no connectivity. It always stays connected though. This happens with the D-Link & Netgear routers. With the Linksys, I always got the XP "limited or no connectivity" icon and couldn't do anything.

The signal is encrypted so no one is using my bandwidth. No cordless phones I don't understand. Anything obvious that I am missing? TIA.

 

[Fardringle]

If it happens with multiple routers and you can confirm that there isn't any interference (are there other wireless networks in the area? particularly any on the same channel?) then I would have to suspect the wireless adapter in your laptop. You may be able to correct the problem by completely uninstalling the adapter and reinstalling it with the newest drivers from the manufacturer. If not, then it could be a hardware issue that shoudl be addressed by the laptop manufacturer (if it is still in warranty).

 

[ktwebb]

Live in an apartment? Sounds like interference since you've used multiple AP's. Very unlikely it's the client device. Possible, just not very likely.

 

[JackMDS]

You need a point of reference.

Start with only one unit On, try to put the cleint 3' away from the Source switch the security Offf and make sure that the SSID beacon is On.

Do not keep WZC and the original Brand's Wireless Utility active at the same time.

:sun:

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: Fardringle
If it happens with multiple routers and you can confirm that there isn't any interference (are there other wireless networks in the area? particularly any on the same channel?) then I would have to suspect the wireless adapter in your laptop. You may be able to correct the problem by completely uninstalling the adapter and reinstalling it with the newest drivers from the manufacturer. If not, then it could be a hardware issue that shoudl be addressed by the laptop manufacturer (if it is still in warranty).

Are are 6-10 other wireless networks available at any given time. So this could be the problem? There are no interferences inside the house. I know it isn't the notebook becuase my roommate has the same issues and we have used about 8-10 different notebooks.

I didn't know that other wireless networks on the same channel could cause problems, though it makes sense. Is there anyway to see if that is the problem for sure? Or do I just have to switch channels and see if it gets better?

 

[ScottMac]

Download and run NetStumbler (it's free) from www.netstumbler.com.

It will show you all of the traffic in your neighborhood, and give you some idea of interference.

Also, use only channels 1, 6, or 11. They are the only three of the twelve that do not overlap with each other.

For example, if you were using channel 4, you will get and give interfacence on channels 1 through 9. If you are using channel 8, you will give and get interference from channels 3 through 11.

If you are using channel 11, you will get interference from channelss 11 down to 7. If you are channel 1 then you'll get interference from channels 1 through 5.

Each channel is 5 Mhz wide, and 802.11b/g requires 25Mhz of spectrum (five channels of space).

Netstumbler would be a good start, seek a channel that shows the least utilization & interference.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[rasczak]

try what JackMDS just posted, usually when you have the wireless adapter card software installed you need to disable the wireless zero configuration service.


joe