More f'n wireless internet problems!!!

[jread]

Well, I got all the encryption issues worked out (thanks to those who helped) but now I'm having more problems. My router seems to enjoy randomly dropping my connection for no reason, about every half hour. It drops the connections to both computers at the same time, or it will just drop one or the other. Still, at other times both will be connected just fine. What is the problem here? The router is a Linksys Wireless-B.

Does Linksys just suck? Is there a better router I should use?

I'm really starting to get discouraged. I almost don't see the point of wireless internet anymore. I wanna just throw it all in the trash, get my network cables back out and run them through the wall. At least with the cables you just plug them into the back of your computer and they WORK. None of this ridiculous bullshit that goes along with wireless routers. It's almost more trouble than it's worth

 

[PCHPlayer]

Be sure to check for other networks in your area. Then choose a channel that is not being used. Be careful because the channels overlap. HOw far away from the router are the computers? How many walls are in the way? At what angle? All of these things can affect the wireless signal.

That said, I don't understand why so many people have problems with dropouts. I have been using wireless access points for years and have never had a single dropout. Of course I do not expect it to work when I am on my 2.4 Ghz cordless phone. I have used both the D-Link 900-AP+ (b) and now a Netgear AP (g). I still have my trusty D-Link 704 wired router to which I connect my AP. Perhaps AP's are more reliable than routers.

 

[nweaver]

For B/G...get Netstumbler and check what is in your area (Walk around your house, so you can figure what is in what general direction). The rule of thumb is to try and get 4 channels away from the next AP/Network. A is 2 channels, but they are farther apart. Experiement with AP placement, sometimes moving it 2 feet in one direction is like night and day. If you are in close community with lots of AP's/Neighbors with 2.4 Ghz phones, consider the cost of A, it's very very reliable and does not often have other things on it's frequency. Sometimes, it's better to do the same channel as a neighbors AP, because if you are 2 channels away, your channel will see lots of "Noise" that will slow down/cause problems that your signal strength does not show.

 

[NuroMancer]

I didn't see your first post. So please repea whatt:
Model
version
Firmware

thanks

 

[jread]

Thanks for the responses. I am in an apartment complex so it may be an issue of changing the channel use since there are many others around me. I dunno... I'm getting so sick of dealing with this thing.

Here is my model and I have updated it with the newest firmware: http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=544

 

[jread]

Question:

The router comes with a 4-port switch built into it. Can I use this switch to share a "wired" connection between my two PCs for now until I get this issue worked out?

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: jread
Question:

The router comes with a 4-port switch built into it. Can I use this switch to share a "wired" connection between my two PCs for now until I get this issue worked out?

yes you can

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: jread
Thanks for the responses. I am in an apartment complex so it may be an issue of changing the channel use since there are many others around me. I dunno... I'm getting so sick of dealing with this thing.

Here is my model and I have updated it with the newest firmware: http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=544

I told you from previous post you can try channel 11. Channel 6 is the most common problem. I don't have any single problem with channel 11 with same brand and model you have and 2 others around me in my apartment complex.
I never had my BEFW11S4 connection dropped before.