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Wireless connection speed varies
- Thread starter eyec
- Start date
Does this happen on more than one wireless network? You might want to try going into the properties of the wireless network adapter and tell it to use G only. It seems to be going back and forth between B and G.
If you haven't done so already, make sure you have setup WPA security if your router and wireless adapter both support it (if they're less than 4 years old, they probably do). If the hardware is new enough, you may even have the option to use WPA2 which is even more secure. Having a security policy enforced may or may not make the connection more stable, but it's certainly worth a try.
This article will help:
Last but not least, check for interference - microwaves, large or unshielded speakers, etc., that might be in the path of the connection or sitting right next to the router.
~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.
If you haven't done so already, make sure you have setup WPA security if your router and wireless adapter both support it (if they're less than 4 years old, they probably do). If the hardware is new enough, you may even have the option to use WPA2 which is even more secure. Having a security policy enforced may or may not make the connection more stable, but it's certainly worth a try.
This article will help:
Last but not least, check for interference - microwaves, large or unshielded speakers, etc., that might be in the path of the connection or sitting right next to the router.
~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.
- Thread starter
- #3
it seems to be doing the same thing on the other laptops connecting to my dsl modem.
security is set tight, not broadcasting, using mac access only.
just recently started this behavior. nothing physical has changed in location of any devices that may cause interference.
????
security is set tight, not broadcasting, using mac access only.
just recently started this behavior. nothing physical has changed in location of any devices that may cause interference.
????
Well then it sounds like you've narrowed the problem down to the source instead of the receiver. Have you tried powering the DSL modem off and then back on since the problem started? Power-cycling the modem every 3-4 weeks isn't a bad idea in general.
You may also want to call your ISP for suggestions on what else to try. I would start with a cold reset of the modem and then manually configuring it from scratch. At the very least, perhaps your ISP would be willing to replace the wireless modem if it can be determined to be the cause. Before you call, be 100% sure that your laptop can connect fine on another wireless network. Relay that to the ISP tech you end up speaking to.
~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.
You may also want to call your ISP for suggestions on what else to try. I would start with a cold reset of the modem and then manually configuring it from scratch. At the very least, perhaps your ISP would be willing to replace the wireless modem if it can be determined to be the cause. Before you call, be 100% sure that your laptop can connect fine on another wireless network. Relay that to the ISP tech you end up speaking to.
~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.
- Thread starter
- #5
first thing i did was cycle/restart the modem, checked all settings.
changed to OpenDNS from my ISP - no difference
when i started typing this i was @ 54mbs it is now down to 11mbs.
i have another dsl modem, so i guess i will switch and see if it clears this up.
scratching head!!!!
changed to OpenDNS from my ISP - no difference
when i started typing this i was @ 54mbs it is now down to 11mbs.
i have another dsl modem, so i guess i will switch and see if it clears this up.
scratching head!!!!
- Moderator
- #6
Wireless will "Downshift" if the SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) changes. Kind of like your car downshifting when you're going up a hill (more resistance).
You could try changing the wireless channel, and see if that helps. Using a tool like NetStumbler will tell you if there is other wireless in the area on the same channel that could be interfering.
If you *do* find other wireless frequencies in the area, make sure you set your channel at least 3 channels away... wireless channels "Bleed" a little bit into adjacent frequencies.
Another thing to consider is stuff in the 2.4/5 GHz range. Microwaves, portable phones both can cause interference. I was working in the break room one day when someone started the microwave, and I lost signal completely.
Shifting speeds is a normal occurance, however. Unless it's impacting what you're doing, I wouldn't worry about it.
Oh... and don't trust the signal bars on the system tray. Better to use something that actually shows SNR, like Stumbler.
Just my 2¢
"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."
--Greg
You could try changing the wireless channel, and see if that helps. Using a tool like NetStumbler will tell you if there is other wireless in the area on the same channel that could be interfering.
If you *do* find other wireless frequencies in the area, make sure you set your channel at least 3 channels away... wireless channels "Bleed" a little bit into adjacent frequencies.
Another thing to consider is stuff in the 2.4/5 GHz range. Microwaves, portable phones both can cause interference. I was working in the break room one day when someone started the microwave, and I lost signal completely.
Shifting speeds is a normal occurance, however. Unless it's impacting what you're doing, I wouldn't worry about it.
Oh... and don't trust the signal bars on the system tray. Better to use something that actually shows SNR, like Stumbler.
Just my 2¢
"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."
--Greg
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