Wifi reception problems

[355F1512TR]

Evening all,

I'm having problems picking up my wireless network on my desktop system. My router (standard sky jobber) is in one corner of the house downstairs and my system is in the opposite corner upstairs.

Basically I can sometimes just about pick up 1 bar of signal but it's rarely long enough to connect for longer than a few seconds. My laptop actually gets a medium strength signal when it's in the same area as my desktop so i'm thinking maybe the NIC in the desktop is rubbish. It's a Belkin F5D7001.

Am I likely to get better reception by changing the card and if so can anyone recommend on of the products sold on OcUK??

Many thanks.

 

[Tomc@T]

I doubt a new wireless nic would make any difference.

Have you tried changing the wireless channel in the router? I would also look for other wireless networks in range of your card and pick a channel that is totally opposite to the theirs, ie if it is 11, then pick 1.

My router is the opposite end of the house to my daughters PC, we was having similar problem so we purchased a new hi-gain aerial from a local electronic enthusiasts store, she went from 1 bar and approximately 1 to 5 mbps to 3 bars and was getting about 11mbps without any drop outs.

But since I got my Netgear DG834N, she now gets the full whack!

Another option you could consider is the powerline adapters, something like this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-111-NG&tool=3

You would need two, then you just cable one to the router and the other to your PC. Does away with the wireless completely. I played with a couple of powerline adapters recently, the only thing I was concerned about was they got quite warm, but they worked just fine.

 

[Subby]

Everyone gets different results with the Powerline adaptors. I get about 5mbps from mine. All depends on the wiring in your property.

 

[errata]

Everyone gets different results with the Powerline adaptors. I get about 5mbps from mine. All depends on the wiring in your property.

probably a failrly reliable 5mbps and not affected by the microwave

definately worth trying as a pair of 85mbps homeplugs will be under £50 and maybe £40.

OP should also try reoriatnating existing aerials. The vertical stick type tend to radiate sideways more than up, it would be worth trying angling both aerials off vertical ie

less

| upstairs
| downstairs


to

/ upstairs

/ downstairs