Can't get wireless connection stable...

[t0kinl3lunts]

Hello, I have been trying to resolve my home network issues for the past month, and nothing seems to be working. I currently have SBC dsl and a speedstream modem hooked up to a linksys WRT54AG wireless router. I have a wired connection to my computer, which is usually working; a wireless connection to my parents computer, which doesn't usually work and when it does, its not for long. Occasionally my friend will bring over an Apple Powerbook, which connects almost all the time, and from just about anywhere in the house. I installed a linksys wireless card in my parents desktop a few weeks ago and the connection has never really worked properly. I started by disabling the routers security settings and that got it working. Then it all but stopped recieving packets, only getting between 5-10 a minute. I changed the routers channel and that got it working enough to surf the web, but the problem has just resurfaced. I havn't been able to find a way to keep it connected. I've tried manually entering the ip, disabling windows firewall, setting up a static ip in the router and a few other things.

If there's anything else you guys could recomend I'd appreciate it. We are at the point of buying new network hardware because I just can't figure this out.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[nweaver]

it may be card releated. Does this have an external antenna? If not, think about a USB one with a USB "extension" cable so you can work on optimal placement. I don't think it's H/W though, I think itls placement and settings (channel, etc)

 

[t0kinl3lunts]

My parents computer doesn't have an external antenna, but it was working for almost a week when I first disabled the security settings. I have also tried my sisters computer which has a linksys wireless card with an attatched antenna. Its half the distance from the my parents computer to the router, a little less than 20' and right in the next room but it won't even display the router in the available wireless connections window. I don't understand why I would be getting such horrible reception from such a short distance. I mean, a powerbook can get the signal from downstairs and even get the neighbors router, while none of the upstairs computers can connect to the router less than 40' away.