Router troubles.

Topgun · 13-06-2010, 11:06

Hi. I am on the XXL broadband with the Netgear WNR2000 router. I have a wired connection to my main PC, which runs consistently fast and about which I have no complaints at all. However, my two daughters are both constantly complaining about the wireless signal dropping out to their laptops.
From looking through this forum, I get the impression the Netgear router is not all that highly regarded. Is it worth me complaining to VM, are they likely to provide me with anything better?
If not, I don't mind biting the bullet and buying a router if it will do a better job, although ideally not spending more than Â£60-Â£70 if possible!
One problem might be that my main PC, with the modem and the router, are downstairs in one corner of the house, whilst both my daughters' bedrooms are upstairs about as far away as you can get. I believe it is possible to buy a router with a directional antenna, would that make much difference?
The only other thing is that whilst one laptop has an "n" card in it , the other one has a "g" card but I use that dongle thing supplied with the router to make it faster, so any router recommended would have to work with both "n" and "g".
Any advice gratefully received!

MovedGoalPosts · 13-06-2010, 11:21

First thing to try is changing the channel being used by the wireless. It may just be that with veryone near you also haveing wireless there is too much interference.

Peter_ · 13-06-2010, 11:28

Have you got the router transmitting at 145 instead of 300 which is the default setting.

To check open a webpage on a connected computer and put 192.168.1.1 in the address bar and press return when the login page appears the username is admin and the password is password, then login and on the left choose wireless settings, then check under the SSID what the tranmission rate is set to, if 145 change to 300 and see if the is any improvement.

Topgun · 13-06-2010, 16:00

Re above, the router is transmitting at 300 and as far as the channel goes it appears to be set to "Auto", which as far as I understand means it keeps changing to find the best available channel, is that correct?

jb66 · 13-06-2010, 16:18

Technally but sometimes it just works better if you choose one, I like 13 seems to have good results

Jonnymeg · 14-06-2010, 17:51

I think you problem is more likely to be distance than anything else. You have already told us that your girls are as far away as they can get.

There are many options here.

1. Move your router/modem to the centre of you house and run all computers wirelessly.
2. Route ethernet cables from your router (possibly outside) to your daughters rooms.
3. Route and ethernet cable to a point near their rooms and site a wireless access point there.

All three of these options are not expensive but do require some work on your part.
Imagine your router is radiating signal equally all around it and it is easy to see why it is best to be located centrally.

Topgun · 14-06-2010, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnymeg

I think you problem is more likely to be distance than anything else. You have already told us that your girls are as far away as they can get.

There are many options here.

1. Move your router/modem to the centre of you house and run all computers wirelessly.
2. Route ethernet cables from your router (possibly outside) to your daughters rooms.
3. Route and ethernet cable to a point near their rooms and site a wireless access point there.

All three of these options are not expensive but do require some work on your part.
Imagine your router is radiating signal equally all around it and it is easy to see why it is best to be located centrally.

I thought that might be either the problem or part of the problem, which was why I mentioned the possibility of a new router with a directional antenna. However I don't want to waste good money on one if it won't actually make any difference. Any views?

jb66 · 14-06-2010, 21:04

Have you at least tried changing channels yet?

Waldo Pepper · 15-06-2010, 19:43

Download Xilsoft WiFi Inspector to see who you are sharing a channel with....and move away.

Topgun · 17-06-2010, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldo Pepper

Download Xilsoft WiFi Inspector to see who you are sharing a channel with....and move away.

Tried googling that but struggling to find it, any chance of a link?

Waldo Pepper · 17-06-2010, 19:14

http://www.xirrus.com/library/wifitools.php

Sorry. A typo error from all the crap installed on my machine.

Enjoy!

Topgun · 19-06-2010, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldo Pepper

http://www.xirrus.com/library/wifitools.php

Sorry. A typo error from all the crap installed on my machine.

Enjoy!

Thanks for that. Have downloaded it, seems like a good bit of kit! I intend to keep checking for the next few days at different times to see which channels other people nearby are using, and then I'll pick a different one and see if that improves things. Thanks for the help.

Matty_ · 19-06-2010, 16:40

From reviews iv`e read the D-Link DIR-655 has one of the best ranges for it`s type/price range. If you don`t sort it by other means it may be worth a look. I allways think having aerials helps...

One here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000PLSAI...SIN=B000PLSAII

Jonnymeg · 19-06-2010, 21:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topgun

I thought that might be either the problem or part of the problem, which was why I mentioned the possibility of a new router with a directional antenna. However I don't want to waste good money on one if it won't actually make any difference. Any views?

I wouldn't buy another router. Spend the cash on moving your modem or wiring the rooms up to the current location.

Lord Nikon · 20-06-2010, 14:32

when installing a router I generally wander round the site with a laptop running netstumbler to identify adjacent wireless networks and the channels they are on. Then pick a channel not in use for the network I am installing.