Wireless N not as it should be?

Tobeornottobe · 21 Feb 2010 at 10:31

I have just set up a Netgear DGND3300 300Mbps Wireless N Dual Band Modem/Router. I have a Laptop with Intel 5300 AGN.I replaced my Sky Sagem Modem/Router, as I thought that WirelessN would have better range than G. My house is large with solid walls.
This router dual transmits on both G & N.
The Wireless N coverage is pathetic, and the wireless G is okay, which is not what I hoped for at all. Any ideas what could be wrong? Or is it that either my wifi in my laptop or the router itself is duff?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Monkeynut · 21 Feb 2010 at 12:22

Can you disable the G and just have N working?

Tobeornottobe · 21 Feb 2010 at 13:06

I could do, but there are other users who just have G.

Monkeynut · 21 Feb 2010 at 13:23

Try changing the channel of the signal.

Tobeornottobe · 21 Feb 2010 at 14:23

Thanks, tried that

thebigak · 21 Feb 2010 at 15:29

Use a WiFi analyzer program to see if there are any other routers/access points using a channel that is the same as yours, or overlapping yours. Android phones have a really useful app for this called simply 'WiFi Analyzer' that gives a visual representation of the wireless channels in use in the vicinity. Any overlap in the channels can interfere with your routers operation. I find channel 13 as the primary Wireless-N channel is usually the most free from interference as most people leave their routers to automatically choose the channel, and they tend to start from channel 1 and increment upwards.

Try also to place the router high up and away from metal objects that might block the radio signal.

Tobeornottobe · 21 Feb 2010 at 16:46

I'll try that program, but don't think there are many wireless n users in my area. Also the channels available for the N dual-band is only 36, 40, 44, 48.

Thanks

thebigak · 5 Mar 2010 at 04:13

Ahh that is because your router can use the 5Ghz band, mine can only use 2.4...

cambb · 5 Mar 2010 at 09:14

How can you check if your router uses 5ghz band?

Mines a DIR-615

mrk · 5 Mar 2010 at 09:32

cambb said:
How can you check if your router uses 5ghz band?

Mines a DIR-615

You'd know if it can do 5GHz, one from the spec page and two from the router's wireless config page - your router is not 5GHz capable.

Have you tried a firmware update if one is available?

Also there should be some options to change the wireless strength?

Fore N you should also be using WPA2-PSK using ONLY AES authentication. This ensures the best performance. Heck it should be used for G as well.