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AndyCalling · 19-07-2012, 18:46

Woah, hold on there. Channel 10 may be suitable in some unusual situations, but it is not usually the best channel to choose. You see, there is a lot of overlap on 2.4Ghz mode.

It goes like this:

We can use channels 1 to 13. The ideal channels to choose to minimize overlapping would be 1, 5, 9 or 13 then. Well, not really. The reason is that in the US they can only use channels 1 to 11. This gives a different ideal arrangement being 1, 6 or 11. Since manufacturers can only think in US terms, all routers I have ever seen default to one of these US ideal channels. If people set their routers to 'Auto' most of them only pick a US ideal channel whatever the situation (Belkin seem to be different in this regard). On top of this some client devices, notably laptops and netbooks using Broadcom or Intel wifi chipsets, won't connect to channels over 11 at all as they are fixed to US limits.

So, expect those around you to be making US style channel choices. That gives you 1, 6 and 11 as the best choices. If these channels are all being used by anything other than a distant trace of a far off neighbouring router and you can't find a clear one for yours then you will see an often big drop in performance at best, or loss of connection at worst (now you see why using 300Meg mode is being rude to your neighbours).

In a fully overcrowded situation you have easy 2 options (other options take a bit more DIY initiative or an aggressive attitude to your neighbours needs or both of the above). Firstly you could move to 5Ghz mode with a suitable adapter for your laptops. That may not be compatible with all devices such as mobile phones and wifi printers and the like though. Secondly, you could try to use channel 13. It overlaps with 11 a bit, but is likely to be unused by most people. Most devices seem to connect to it except netbooks/laptops with some (very common) chipsets. You could always buy adapters for those devices.

I think I have a solution to the Broadcom chipset issue by the way. I am going to get around to testing it out soon and when I do I'll post my findings and hopefully instructions here. Intel chipsets I can't help with as I don't have an intel wifi card to mess with.

Additional:

One further option is to find the neighbour who is using the Virgin connection on channels 6+10. They are using that because they are in 300Meg mode. You can then politely explain to them why they are being rude and ask them to stop it. You could even offer to show them how. If they don't agree then you can explain to them that if they want a fight you'll be making one or two parabolic transmitters at the full legal power limit which will be transmitting over the whole 2.4Ghz band 24/7 and that you will be pointing them at their house until they give in. Remember to duck.

19-07-2012, 18:46	#22
AndyCalling Inactive Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southampton (Switch PT2) Services: Fixed phone service (inclusive weekend calls) & internet service (200/12meg) Posts: 493	Re: What settings are best for R36? Woah, hold on there. Channel 10 may be suitable in some unusual situations, but it is not usually the best channel to choose. You see, there is a lot of overlap on 2.4Ghz mode. It goes like this: We can use channels 1 to 13. The ideal channels to choose to minimize overlapping would be 1, 5, 9 or 13 then. Well, not really. The reason is that in the US they can only use channels 1 to 11. This gives a different ideal arrangement being 1, 6 or 11. Since manufacturers can only think in US terms, all routers I have ever seen default to one of these US ideal channels. If people set their routers to 'Auto' most of them only pick a US ideal channel whatever the situation (Belkin seem to be different in this regard). On top of this some client devices, notably laptops and netbooks using Broadcom or Intel wifi chipsets, won't connect to channels over 11 at all as they are fixed to US limits. So, expect those around you to be making US style channel choices. That gives you 1, 6 and 11 as the best choices. If these channels are all being used by anything other than a distant trace of a far off neighbouring router and you can't find a clear one for yours then you will see an often big drop in performance at best, or loss of connection at worst (now you see why using 300Meg mode is being rude to your neighbours). In a fully overcrowded situation you have easy 2 options (other options take a bit more DIY initiative or an aggressive attitude to your neighbours needs or both of the above). Firstly you could move to 5Ghz mode with a suitable adapter for your laptops. That may not be compatible with all devices such as mobile phones and wifi printers and the like though. Secondly, you could try to use channel 13. It overlaps with 11 a bit, but is likely to be unused by most people. Most devices seem to connect to it except netbooks/laptops with some (very common) chipsets. You could always buy adapters for those devices. I think I have a solution to the Broadcom chipset issue by the way. I am going to get around to testing it out soon and when I do I'll post my findings and hopefully instructions here. Intel chipsets I can't help with as I don't have an intel wifi card to mess with. Additional: One further option is to find the neighbour who is using the Virgin connection on channels 6+10. They are using that because they are in 300Meg mode. You can then politely explain to them why they are being rude and ask them to stop it. You could even offer to show them how. If they don't agree then you can explain to them that if they want a fight you'll be making one or two parabolic transmitters at the full legal power limit which will be transmitting over the whole 2.4Ghz band 24/7 and that you will be pointing them at their house until they give in. Remember to duck.