Wireless Connectivity Issues

TresCrows · Dec 30, 2005

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 · Dec 31, 2005

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_ · Dec 31, 2005

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 · Dec 31, 2005

Hey Rat, is DLink a brand? J

_RaT_ · Dec 31, 2005

DLink

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

ronjhall · Dec 31, 2005

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 · Dec 31, 2005

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 · Dec 31, 2005

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 · Dec 31, 2005

( 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 )

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 · Dec 31, 2005

what is VOIP? 
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 .