Wireless connectivity problem

[jisoo23]

Hello all,

I'm having a problem with my wireless network. I'm using an SMC 802.11b wireless router with my laptop. The problem is that no matter how good my signal strength is, I lose my connection every 5-10 minutes and have to reconnect. It looks like my connection is competing with another wireless network involving a linksys router (that's the name that pops up on my laptop when the SMC fails). Does anyone know what's happening? Could it be that the channels are too close together or something? Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,
Jisoo23

 

[cdogg]

There should be several different channels to try. Also, set a custom SSID for your network and turn off the option to broadcast it. While you're at it, you may also want to look into setting 128-bit WEP encryption if you are close to other residents like in an apartment complex.

If signal strength is staying above 80%, then you might want to verify that it's not your ISP or a setting in the laptop/router. Try hard-wiring your laptop over ethernet into your router. See if the problem persists. If so, then you know it has nothing to do with being wireless.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[jisoo23]

Ok I've tried setting to a different channel, same result (inconsistent connection). I already have 128-bit WEP going and another computer connected to the router via wired ethernet (no problems on that comp). Two different PCs have had the same inconsistency with connections on the wireless. I haven't tried setting a custom SSD and toggling the option to broadcast it (although I'm not sure how that would affect wireless connectivity) but I'll see what happens. I'm pretty much at a loss as to what is going on with the router. Since there doesn't seem to be any problem with the ISP, I'm thinking the router itself could be defective?

 

[cdogg]

Since there doesn't seem to be any problem with the ISP, I'm thinking the router itself could be defective?

How do you know it's not the ISP? Have you tested it over ethernet?


Also, it's possibly some type of interference either from the other wireless network running too close or some kind of electrical interference near the router or workstation. In that case, you may need to upgrade to a 5.8GHz router instead of using the 900Mhz or 2.4Ghz one that you have now. It's important to get one that uses "digital spread spectrum" technology.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[jisoo23]

I don't think it's the ISP since the other computer that's hooked up to the router via CAT5 doesn't have any connectivity problems. I took a closer look at the router and found out it's actually an 802.11g router. There aren't any 2.4 ghz cordless phones in the house and the connectivity problems happen even when the microwave isn't operating. It's very confusing =/

 

[cdogg]

Well, it seems you've done everything by the book. I can't think of much else. Since you have a laptop, try one more test and keep it within a few feet of the router. Does the problem still occur?

Don't forget to set a custom SSID and turn off broadcast. The main reason for this is security. The other is because you mentioned that you might be competing with another wireless network. Setting custom settings here should help fight the conflict if one exists.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[jisoo23]

Ok, the laptop now gets a consistent wireless connection. The problem is that this only happens when the router's WEP is turned off! I tried moving the router to a location closer to the computers (still 1 floor below my bedroom, which houses the desktop and laptop). The laptop can connect reliably but the desktop cannot. The desktop has a new D-Link AirPlus G wireless PCI card installed. The first night I installed it, I got a signal (albeit a low one) that kept a connection the entire night. The next day, my desktop doesn't even see any networks. Even re-installing doesn't work (my desktop detects the PCI card just fine). Does anyone know if there are problems associated with the SMC Barricade g router (SMC2804WBR)? I seem to have a lot of problems with this router.

Thanks,
Jisoo23