Novice to wireless. Help Required please

[4romseyavenue]

I have just set up a linksys HR200 wireless router from tescos(with the help of linksys help desk).

The problem I have is that the signal gets too low if further than about 10 metres.

When within 2 metres signal strength is Excellent
at about 5 metres very good
at about 10 metres good to low.

Even if I turn the router in another direction (away from my wireless laptop) the signal can change from excellent to very good.

Also sometimes even when within 5 metres the signal becomes low and I am unable to open web pages.

The router has an internal aerial.

Is this usual for wireless routers? Can I doanything for this? Or should I change the router for a belkin?

Any help to this inexperienced wireless user would be most helpful.

[MovedGoalPosts]

Try changing the channel in use. Default is often 11, try something quite different.

Siting of the router is critical. It's very easy to get interference. Brick walls and the like will also have an effect on the range.

I'd doubt that Belkin or any other wireless make would make a great deal of difference. However external aerials may improve the signal quality (but lappys with built in wireless don't have those so I don't really know )

[4romseyavenue]

Hi Rob I will try moving the router and changing the channel.

Thanks Bill

Is it normal for the signal to change to low even when close to the router?

[DocDutch]

Bill, it isnt really normal for a lappy to have such a poor reception of a router especially if its got a build in card.

try what Rob suggested with the channels 1st as that normally improves the network a bit. also what kind of security are you running on your router as WPA-PSK can make it a bit more unstable as well but shouldnt have an impact on the signal strengh tho

[4romseyavenue]

Hi leviq

when I was talked through the set up I used WEP 128K, whatever that means.

You say that is not normal for laptops, could it be my NTL set top box? I am having problems at the moment with the TV so could this be affecting my broadband as well?

Regards bill

[SMHarman]

Can you put the router higher up, nearer the ceiling?

[4romseyavenue]

Hi Sm

I have now put it higher and yes it has made a difference.

Thanks