Pre-N Router question

[dcusick]

Okay... I'm having major issues, and I'm just plain annoyed! My 2.4 GHZ phone is interfering with my 802.11G router/network. Also, my computer is just slightly out of range of my router. I get a "Good" connection most of the time, but then I just can't find/connect to the network. When I take my laptop upstairs, I get a "Very Good" connection. I was thinking about getting a 5.8 GHZ phone and a Range Expander, and I figured that would solve all my problems... But I really like my phone now, plus it has a digital answering machine. So overall, the two could end up costing me a bit of money.

Then I thought about the new Pre-N routers. If I get that, it is on it's own frequency, plus the range is a whole lot better than on a G network. With a Pre-N router only costing $130, this is probably the best way to go. Now my question is, since all my receiving devices that are G (I have a G Wireless Brige, a G PCMCIA Card) will I still have interference? I am so in desperate need for a solution. I feel like the good 'ole days of Dial-Up, if I'm on the phone, I can't be online. NOT GOOD!!!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[tazuk]

Although I make no claims to be a wireless expert, I run a 802.11G network at home and have just installed another for friends.
I would question whether buying a pre-N router will resolve the issues you describe. I've had a quick look at specifications using Belkin's offerings as an example - the pre-N equipment still operates on 2.4 GHz frequency; the difference seems to be in the number of transmit / receive aerials and the way the data packets are split for transmission. In addition I would expect the usual difficulties that come with being an early adopter of new technologies before the standards are completed.

I had poor reception to one PC at home due to the signal passing through an external wall; this was resolved by adding a high quality desktop aerial to the existing wireless card after removing the supplied aerial. I replaced my existing cordless phones with a twin-pack DECT set (including answerphone) operating on 1.7 / 1.9 GHz (can't remember which). The external aerial cost about £30 sterling, and the phones were £39 from a standard electrical retailer.

If you are able to receive a strong signal on the laptop in the same position as the desktop I'd suggest that you look at swapping out the aerial on the desktop wireless card or replacing the card for one that comes with an external aerial. Have you tried using the NetStumbler utility to monitor the router signal, or experimenting with the various channels available on your current router to see what you can do to reduce interference / improve the signal before spending the dosh?

HTH

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998

 

[dcusick]

Really? I thought that the Pre-N is supposed to be on it's own frequency, therefore coming off of the 2.4 GHZ line. Besides the expanded range and speed, I thought N was to work on compatibility/interference issues. If that's not the case, then I guess I have no reason to go forward with buying this. No sense in getting something that won't solve my problems... I guess I'll continue to look for possible solutions... Thanks..

 

[tazuk]

It does seem to employ some form of frequency hopping to reduce interference, but within the 2.4Ghz band (based on the Belkin product described here.
As I know very little about radio frequencies and transmissions I can't confirm whether or not this will resolve your problem, but an educated guess suggests that it will not. Essentially your two conflicting devices (wireless network and cordless phones) will still be operating on the same radio frequency band.
Regardless of what you decide to do, I'd recommend that you analyse the root cause of your problems using the free tools available via the internet before spending your cash.
Please post back when you find the resolution so that others can learn from your experience.

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998

 

[mrdenny]

Nope, Pre-N uses the same 2.4 Ghz band that G, and B use. The way to tell this is that Pre-N is backward compatible with G and B. The only home wireless that doesn't use the 2.4 Ghz band is 802.11a. It uses the 5.2 Ghz band.

You might want to look into a signel booster for your wireless router and pc card. That might solve your problem. Several of the vendors offer them for there APs and PC cards.

Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

(My very old site)

 

[cdlvj]

Have you tried the wireless at different channel settings?

 

[dcusick]

Yeah, I have tried all 11 different channel settings... Some are better than others... I really wish I could lock my Cordless Phone into a channel instead of the phone scanning for open channels, and have that use a specific channel, but I haven't figured that out yet, if it's even possible... Until then, I've found a few cheapie 5.8Ghz phones, I might jump on over and give on of those a shot...

As far as the range goes, my laptop has been getting pretty good reception in my room, and my PC still isn't that good. I think it's the USB JumpDrive Network Adapter I'm using (No Antenna). I am getting a bridge to put on there, has two antennas, so I'm hoping that will help out a lot with the reception...

Thanks for the input guys. I'll let you know how everything turns out when I can...