Interference From Other Wireless Router/SSID?

[gerbir21]

Hello everyone

I am currently running a Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router. I have the following PCs configured w/wireless:

* Desktop clone PC w/Linksys Wireless G Adapter
* Dell laptop w/Intel Pro Wireless B Adapter

Initially, my router was located in the basement of my house. Connectivity for my desktop (on the house 2nd floor) has never been an issue. Cant say the same for the laptop. Connectivity for the laptop (on the house 2nd floor)seems to drop frequently. When I attempt to reconnect, an SSID from a neighboring router seems to appear. The laptop despite having the config set to my SSID, is unable to connect for hours at a time. THis occurs whether my SSID broadcast is enabled or disabled. I have tried changing channels, however the laptop still is unable to connect, and still continues to see this OTHER SSID.

I am suspecting that this other SSID is overpowering the signal of my router. I have even moved the cable modem & wireless router to the 2nd floor, and the laptop STILL continues to experience this issue. Even when the laptop is BESIDE the router. This obviously defeats the purpose of wireless networking.

Is my diagnosis incorrect, or is there another issue I am overlooking? Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ger.

 

[Nelviticus]

The SSID broadcast shouldn't be an issue. That should really only affect whether a device that is unaware of the router's presence can browse around and find it. If your laptop has a profile set up for your network it should be able to connect to it whether or not the SSID is broadcast.

When you are able to connect, what signal strength do you see for your router? If it's low, that could be why you're getting problems.

If your neighbour is broadcasting their SSID, can you see what channel it's using? This info should appear in your AP browser app somewhere. Some of the 13 available channels overlap but 1, 6 and 11 don't overlap with any others so try changing your channel to one of those.

Nelviticus