Debug poor wireless signal
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I got my wireless router by the window (near the wall-socket).
My apartment isn't very large 50-60m2 - but still I keep experience loosing the wireless signal every 5-10 minutes (on average).How can I debug what's causing the poor stability? How do I find out if it's my router or if it's my laptop?
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what model of router ? check the vendor's page for an update of firmware.
also get NetStumbler and check how the signal changes around the apartment.
you can also:
- change the 802.11 channel
- check for microwaves/cordless phones around (interference)
- try with other routers - you can find a lot of unsecured around any town
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@unknownuser said:
what model of router ?
Inteno X5668B - from my ISP. Not sure if messing with the firmware will mess something up...
@unknownuser said:
also get NetStumbler and check how the signal changes around the apartment.
Will try that. Thanks for the link.
@unknownuser said:
- check for microwaves/cordless phones around (interference)
No microwave in use. One mobile phone - mine. A few other weak WANs. (Mine report Full strengths usually)
@unknownuser said:
- try with other routers - you can find a lot of unsecured around any town
Someone has enlightened the people in my town....
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How much does objects affect the signal. The router is located by my window behind the curtains...
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I see there's at least three other WANs with the same channel as mine. Could that be interfering. What is the channel anyway?
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wikipedia to the rescue - 802.11 channels
try moving it away the curtains, it shouldn't interfere that much.
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I adjusted and rotated the antenna so it points more out into the room.
I also changed the channel, Netstumbler indicated some improvement. There's a few on 11,1,2 and 6. I settled for 8 - will see how that goes.Found this graph: http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,6683522~root=wlan~mode=flat
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Few months back I had same issue with netgear router. Eventually discovered the cause. My neighbour decided to fit some heavy duty saws in his sheds. These saws caused an extra drain on power supply that resulted in our house been subjected to brown outs, flicking lights etc. These power fluctuation played havoc with router and any other low voltage items.
I'm not suggesting that's you're issue but when I saw post I felt compelled to share info. On a lighter note there is a video on YouTube that show free method of increasing wifi strenght using cardboard and tinfoil!
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Consider the following as possibilities--just trying to help:
Unless you have metallic fibers in the curtains, making them act as an antenna or RFI source, this should not be a problem. Could even be fluorescent light fixture causing interference, though I doubt it. Heavier intervening construction, such as partitions, and distance are the other factors affecting signal.
Check with your service provider help desk to see what they can suggest. -
I have a wireless keyboard/mouse nearby - Think it might be RF, not 100% sure about the frequency.
But adjusting the antenna and changing the channel seemed to have worked so far. (There was at least 3-4 on the same channel.)
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