WiFi channels + too many neighbours = me pulling my hair out!

asim18

asim18

asim18

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5 Dec 2006
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I've been using channel 9 since 2003 and today my mum complained the internet wasn't working....

Turns out it's a channel conflict, someone else has also decided to use channel 9. Bloody scumbag! :p

Now here's the problem. I've tried all the channels and 9 is now definitely the worst, but none of the others are ideal either. :(

Before, I always used to get <1ms ping and zero packet loss on channel 9. Now it spikes up to 2000ms and averages about 500ms with tonnes of packet loss. Some of the other channels are slightly better, but none are perfect like before. Anything above 1ms within a LAN is absolutely unacceptable IMO.

A quick site survey shows 21 other WiFi networks within range. :eek:

Is there anything I can do (except killing my neighbours)? The only thing I can think of is to continue using channel 9 in hope that the other bloke switches to something else?

I have a Dlink DIR-615 with DD-WRT and I'm using 802.11G only mode, no B/N.
 
Move to 5ghz. May need to buy adapters for all your devices though...

Or cover the walls with aluminium foil to block competing signals... but that would look ugly around the house.




Alternatively, instead of killing your neighbours, kill their routers :p.
 
Only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap so a lot of gears uses only theses channels.
Using channel 9 will mean you will be getting problems from both channels 6 and 11.

I have approx 15 other APs visible from here so I just pick the least populated channel and leave it.
 
Thank you for all the quick replies.

5Ghz does sound like a definite fix, but none of my devices are currently compatible. So I'd need to upgrade all our WiFi devices as well. :(


Moley said:
Get a Cat5 cable.
Click to expand...
:p

I do agree with this, I always use wire wherever possible, but it's virtually impossible with the laptops as they're constantly moving around every corner of the house!

PistolPete said:
Only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap so a lot of gears uses only theses channels.
Using channel 9 will mean you will be getting problems from both channels 6 and 11.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip, I wasn't aware of this. I will retry my efforts based on this newly found knowledge. :)
 
On a slightly similar note since we're talking about it. Does anyone know whether Iphones are compatible with Wireless N as i'm thinking of moving to 5ghz and some seem to suggest they can handle it and others say they can't!
 
Marvt74 said:
On a slightly similar note since we're talking about it. Does anyone know whether Iphones are compatible with Wireless N as i'm thinking of moving to 5ghz and some seem to suggest they can handle it and others say they can't!
Click to expand...

They support n but only on 2.4ghz
 
What you need to do is up the power of the wireless in the DDWRT firmware which should make your broadcast "loud" enough that you resolve the issue at least for when you are nearer the wifi.

I run mine about 100mv iirc not sure what the max is for 615
 
I've been getting something similar when trying to make an ad-hock network. Other networks seem to be causing lag spikes when using Lemur. :(

I would be tempted to upgrade to N. Not ideal as I find the range tends to be poorer at 5GHz, but you may have more luck than me. :)
 
5GHZ is still new and micky mouse, seen a lot of freeview hd boxes knock 5ghz out and some sky ones!

Stick to whats best 2.4, get a free ch, get it as close to the main bt socket and away from dect phones, up the aerial to better dbi for more range and latest fw job done!
 
Damn, I'm pretty lucky around here, only 2 or 3 visible.

Most ISP routers have auto channel switching, so if you just leave yours set 9 sooner or later your neighbours should switch (unless hes set it manually of course :)).

Also try what kerrgreg said, don't go too high.
 
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That's nothing :)

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how about homeplugs? - there are wireless ones too so you would be using the strongest wireless in that particular area if you stuck the wireless one in the same room you use the laptop in
 
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