Router channel - some not working

ultimate · 29-03-2011, 18:08

I tried to change my router channel, moved from ch 4 to 8, but failed completely, my laptop couldn't detect the router, I changed back to ch4 and was ok, then I went down the list from 1 to 13, and found 6 channels not working. I tried another router and found the same channels not working, that led me to conclude that there are interference on these "bad" channels.

My question is: do you guys out there have similar problems with channels?

and, what can I use to determine there are interference on these bad channels?

Thanks

Waldo Pepper · 29-03-2011, 18:27

There are quite a few programs around that show who your wiFi neighbours are and what channel they are using so you can avoid.

I have never heard of some channels working and others not unless there is a hardware problem.

If you are using your network in Infrastructure mode, then you need to change the router channel first and the rest on the network should follow within a minute or so if their channels are set to automatic.

Google inSSIDer and Xirrus Wi-fi inspector.

Both have merits and both work.

ultimate · 29-03-2011, 18:45

I think there might be interferences from Wireless CCTVs or whatever non wifi devices which uses similar frequencies. I know for sure I have a wireless CCTV which uses similar channels that is why the whole lot is in storage.

Thanks for the software suggestions, I will have a look round to see who's there.

Matth · 30-03-2011, 00:05

The problem with all software only Wifi inspectors, is they generally do not cover non-wifi interference, though the panel for some wifi adaptors does report noise level, though that may require it to be connected on the channel.

Remember that the channel width is also larger than the spacing, so where a channel is in use with anything bar an exceptionally weak signal, it's bettter to be on the same channel (so that all nodes can attempt to avoid collision), or clear it by 4 or more (3 at a pinch).

Waldo Pepper · 30-03-2011, 18:59

Very true. The 2.45GHz ISM band is cluttered with non WiFi transmissions that won't be detected by the progs I recommended. For that you need a spectrum analyser, but the WiFi progs are a good start.

Some of the high end progs that you pay heavily for can do this but as to whether they are worth the cost is another matter.