Wi-fi hassles :o(

Del · 23-02-2011, 14:07

My wi-fi is giving me grief. My Virgin Media modem is connected to a Belkin G router. I have a 1.2GHz Netbook (built in wi-fi) and I get an excellent wi-fi connection every time. Same with my iPod Touch. But my 1.8GHz desktop (USB adaptor), almost no connectivity pretty much every time.
If I keep renewing my IP, I might eventually get decent connectivity but it can take a dozen attempts or more. I make sure that only one device is using the wi-fi at any one time.
I've changed the channel (although there's only one nearby network) and moved the adaptor to a port on the front of the unit.
Desktop is about five years old running Win XP, the router is in the living room, while the desktop is in the bedroom about twenty feet away in a straight line. There's one wall between them.
The adaptor is one of these:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/54mbps-usb-wi-fi-adaptor-44633

Someone else mentioned using a static IP. Is that easy to do?

qasdfdsaq · 23-02-2011, 20:27

Crappy USB adapters are crappy, you'll want to get a decent USB adapter, perhaps one with an external antenna.

idi banashapan · 23-02-2011, 20:34

changing your IP address will make no difference to the signal strength you get. There are many things that can degrade a Wi-Fi connection, but the IP address isn't one of them.

as mentioned, your best bet is to get a better Wi-Fi device (internal would be preferable). alternatively, run a wire, or get a homeplug system.

Del · 11-03-2011, 18:22

The other day, I remembered that the previous tenant had a load of extra cable put in, and one of these was in the bedroom, long enough to reach the tower PC.
Got a new F-plug on the end, moved the modem and router into the bedroom, used the tower on fixed Ethernet and the wi-Fi on the netbook
Success!