Wireless connection keeps dropping :(

[jnmfox]

I have this TrendNet PCI card connecting to a Linksys WRT54G that is one floor up and 2 rooms over (about 30 feet). Every 30 to 60 min my connection drops then I?m reconnected a few seconds to a few minutes later. I noticed a lot of the reviews on newegg for my card have the same problem. Should I buy a new wireless card? I was thinking of buying this Linksys card.
Or should I buy a better antenna for my current card. I live in a condo and ther are about 4 other routers in the area on channels 6 and 11, mine is set to channel 3. I plan on switching to channel 1 tonight to see if it helps. Also should I disable mixed mode of b/g and only use g?

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[tfinch2]

Have you tried to move the machine closer to the router and see if it still drops the connection? If it's possible I would do that before spending more money.

 

[jnmfox]

Unfortunately that isn't an option. The computer is stuck where it is at as well as the router due to WAF (wife acceptance factor).

 

[tfinch2]

Well then I would try another NIC with a better antenna, or a better antenna for your current card than since it's the cheapest option. If that doesn't remedy it, you might need to add a signal repeater.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=diy+wireless+antenna&btnG=Search

 

[jnmfox]

Thanks for your help. Would the Linksys card be a good choice? I can pick it up locally at PC Club and return it easily if it doesn?t help. If I try an antenna do you have any suggestions outside of the DIY (Type, brand, amount of gain)?

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: jnmfox
Thanks for your help. Would the Linksys card be a good choice? I can pick it up locally at PC Club and return it easily if it doesn?t help. If I try an antenna do you have any suggestions outside of the DIY (Type, brand, amount of gain)?

I've always had good luck with Linksys routers and wireless NICS for home networks. :thumbsup:

 

[jnmfox]

Will switching from mixed b/g to only g improve performance?

 

[c3p0]

I plan on switching to channel 1 tonight to see if it helps. Also should I disable mixed mode of b/g and only use g?

Both of those are good ideas to try. I also have the WRT54G and have had excellent luck with it. I have 6 PC's and 1 PDA in my house. 3 of my PC's are wired and 3 are using some type of Linksys network card (PCI, USB and PCMCIA. My PDA is an Axim with built-in wifi. My house is 2 story and my router is actually located in the basement. I get very good to excellent signal strength with all of my wireless PC's. Only thing I did do is move the antenna's around until I got the best reception. I also located the Router high up on the basement wall.

But before you go out and spend $50+ on a new wireless network card, change your channel, adjust your antenna's and if possible move you router hight up. Oh, and believe me, I understand WAF.

Good Luck!!!

c3p0
:beer: