Wireless Connectivity Issues

[TresCrows]

I should have put this in the Pixius thread --- I just installed a wireless router. I am finding the range severely limited. My notebook only shows five bars when it is directly adjacent to the router downstairs. I am generally using it upstairs and it shows only one or two bars and seems to fluctuate between one and three bars. Why is it not steady at whatever output? and is this limited range typical? What do you wireless computer geek fellows do--hardware etc to get better range? J

 

[JackIL]

With my first router I found the same thing. Think about the direct line of sight from the router to the computer. It has to go through walls, etc. and in my case closets full of files of paper, and bricks in both sides of a fireplace. Routers don't like that much interference. I replaced the original with a Linksys SRX system and now don't have a problem anywhere in the house.

JackIL

 

[_RaT_]

I am using a DLink. No problems up to about 150' away. If I wanted to go further, there are extenders, outdoor antennas etc to increase the range.

 

[TresCrows]

Hey Rat, is DLink a brand? J

 

[_RaT_]

DLink

Yes, mine was super easy to install. Their website is so so.

 

[ronjhall]

My original Linksys wireless 54-G router that I have used for about 4 years now has a range of about 50' Beyond that it may not work. They now have different models that will give more range. They have booster antennas also. But the money they want for the antenna's I will go to a newer model that has more range. Here is a link to Linksys
Not to steal your thread. But now that you have High Speed you may want to upgrade you phone system to VOIP. Routers can be purchased with the carrier built in.


I better put a disclaimer here: I am not a expert on the above subjects. It's what works for me.

 

[MikePA]

I use the Belkin Pre-N which has up to 800' range as well as support for 802.11b (11 Mbps), 802.11g (54 Mbps) and MIMO (108 Mbps only with other Belkin Pre-N products).

My AP is located on the first floor and I get an excellent signal anywhere in the house as well as a good distance from the house.

It's called a Pre-N since the 802.11n specs are not finalized and each manufacturer has implemented their own version of the standard, which is why 108 Mbps is only supported with products (AP and card) from the same manufacturer.

 

[riptides]

Any chance you get/set the unit at a higher location - like in your attic? Units tend to broadcast like a cone.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TresCrows]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Any chance you get/set the unit at a higher location - like in your attic? Units tend to broadcast like a cone.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>

Thanks for the suggestions, I will try moving it around before buying another.
what is VOIP? I don't have cable or DSL, I am strictly over air. It is amazing, the antenna is so far away I cannot see it yet somehow with lightening speed the signal goes back and forth--amazing. This Pixius is faster than DSL in acual practice they told me. Not as fast as cable. There is a page for testing signal and it is surprisingly stable. It is also ALWAYS ON! Instant access, I can have both computers going with multiple browsers up such as Mozilla. J

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> what is VOIP? </font>
Voice Over IP
My son in Washington state has a similar system to what you have. First thing he did was get rid of his land line.
Here is a thread from last year on the subject. School me on VOIP - voice over IP .

 

[gws]

I would be less concerned with number of bars and more concered about throughput. With only 5 bars any change will show up as the loss of a couple of bars. You should be able to use your wireless devices throught most homes. You can add higher gain antena's to routers or just move the router to a more visable location.


Manufacture will also influance range, Dlink or linksys have are better than some of the off brands. Age of router, B,vs G, pren vs 108R.

Easiest thing to do is move router higher up in the room. Many people bury it on the desk.

 

[hudr]

I wouldn't stress too much about the number of bars as long as the throughput was OK. Are you actually losing connectivity? Remember, the ranges touted on the box are clear line of sight, no interference numbers. "Indivdual results may vary" and all that marketing stuff. My Dlink works great inside. But I live in a metal bldg so once I step out the door my signal drops off quickly. Also, these wireless routers work in the 2.4GHz range, same as a lot of cordless phones. Check what channel the router is set to, most of them default to channel 6 in that range. And a cordless phone in use will "step on" your router signal.

Also, you said you did not have Cable or DSL, is there a wireless ISP in your area? How is their equipment set up?

Never mind, I just looked at your Pixius Internet thread.

 

[rozett]

Our youngest daughter is Helpdesk Supervisor for a municipal Internet service down in Mass. She has said that more than 50% of the calls which root out to a router issue are with Linksys routers. She would not take one of that brand if it were free. Just one more piece of data....

 

[hudr]

I have used Linksys and Dlink in a small networking business I run on the side. It seems that if you get a good Linksys, its a good one. If you ever have to call support.... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
DLink I think I have actually had more "trouble" with but their support is still US based and pretty good. Of course, my East Texas drawl doesn't mix well when speaking w/ someone whose 1st language is not English. I lament the moving of most tech support overseas. I don't question the support techs' knowledge, just their ability to communicate it to a slow talking country boy like me. Heck, my wife grew up in NJ (we met in college) and we 'bout near needed a translator for our first few dates /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Of course, my East Texas drawl doesn't mix well when speaking w/ someone whose 1st language is not English. I lament the moving of most tech support overseas. )</font>
I had the same problem recently when dealing with Dell computer "support" staff. Trying to explain to them that they sent me an offer of 20% off, but the website was only giving me 5%. They just didn't seem to understand at all why I was upset. Sales gave me to customer support, and they kept trying to give me to sales.
I finally just gave up and filed a complaint with the FTC for bait-and-switch.
John

 

[rozett]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Heck, my wife grew up in NJ (we met in college) and we 'bout near needed a translator for our first few dates /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>

I don't mean to sidetrack this thread on wireless routers, but I couldn't let this go by without relating that we used to live in the Dallas area (actually, near where Bird lives now)... anyway... when our four year old daughter came home and said "Day'd, it's fixin to rain"... we immediately put the house on the market and moved back to New England. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That said, we really did love where we lived. It was 3000 people in 1978. Now it's about 30,000. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif