help with PC wireless router

[HTH AMPS]

Ok, so this has been bugging me for a while.  I had the cheapest wireless router money could buy for years and it worked flawlessly (before completely giving up the ghost). 

I've had this 'Buffalo' (branded) one for a few months now and it's unreliable as hell.  The speed will start at 54Mbps at startup, then waver downwards.  I end up having to reset the connection again to get a decent speed back.  There is no problem with the signal (strength always shows as excellent) and it doesn't matter if I'm in the same room as the wireless router or the next.

However, the major thing that pisses me off is that I can get 100Mbps if I plug directly into the cable router, but not when I  get a connection via the wireless router (I made sure it was spec'd for 100Mpbs).

Any ideas? - I'm totally out the loop with anything I.T. these days (I think it was the Cisco course that was the nail in the coffin boring me to death, ha ha)

[Twinfan]

You'll never get the 100 Mbps cable speed wireless without spending a HEAP of cash!  :lol:

The best I could get out of my wireless was about 8Mbps  :roll:

I switched to HomePlugs (see this thread):  http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14180.0

[Roobubba]

+1 for homeplugs, although I've not got any at the moment (I'm still using cables for the main machines and ad-hoc wireless for laptops as and when it's needed). I'm saving up for some of these, but I have a few guitar-related expenses to save for first :)

Roo

[mikeluke]

Dumb question - what sort of wireless card do you have in your PC (802.11 b/g/n...)? You will get 100 Mbs when you connect via cable as this is into the Fast Ethernet ports of each device (which work at 100 Mbs) - my wireless goes up and down too, depending on weather, how many doors are open in the house etc - are you trying to stream media around the house or just surf the web? Lots of questions, sorry!

Mike

[Lord Blakers]

My only experience with Buffalo are their network storage devices, which are excellent.
The first thing you need to try is a firmware update. I had some serious issues with my Belkin wireless G router - there was a known issue with my particular model and it's been fine ever since the update.

If a firmware update doesn't fix the problem, or it's already up to date - throw the problem to Buffalo, or take it back to the shop and get something else! 

Also, as mentioned, a wired connection is going to be a lot more reliable than wireless. The only way to get more than 54Mbps is to buy a G+ (or onwards) router with a compatible wireless device. I think your best plan is to install a gigabit switch, then plumb Cat5 in all around your house and forget the wireless - then the only thing you get get pi**ed off about is your Internet bandwidth  :D

[HTH AMPS]

My only experience with Buffalo are their network storage devices, which are excellent.
The first thing you need to try is a firmware update. I had some serious issues with my Belkin wireless G router - there was a known issue with my particular model and it's been fine ever since the update.

If a firmware update doesn't fix the problem, or it's already up to date - throw the problem to Buffalo, or take it back to the shop and get something else! 

Also, as mentioned, a wired connection is going to be a lot more reliable than wireless. The only way to get more than 54Mbps is to buy a G+ (or onwards) router with a compatible wireless device. I think your best plan is to install a gigabit switch, then plumb Cat5 in all around your house and forget the wireless - then the only thing you get get pi**ed off about is your Internet bandwidth  :D

lmao, actually it wouldn't be too much of a pain to plumb some Cat5 into the living room - it's only through the main bedroom wall, and there is already a hole there from when the cable company trailed the cables through the house to install the cable tv from the main point in the bedroom.

As for usage - it's just for surfing the net, nothing hardcore like online gaming.  I just feel cheeted getting half the speed I'm paying for.

No idea what the wireless card is spec'd for - it's built into the laptop (Sony Vaio).  Looking at the modem/hardware options through control panel I get the following listed device...

Device:  HD Audio SoftV92 Data Fax Modem with Smart CP
Driver date: 01/10/04 (this could probably do with an update, right?)

115,200Mbps is the max listed transfer speed and is currently selected.

Ideas?

[Ol]

I just feel cheeted getting half the speed I'm paying for.

As already noted, the wireless speed is affected by:
- other wireless networks in the same channel
- DECT phones
- Electrical equipment in the way of the antennae
- Brick walls
- Plaster walls
- Boilers/Fridges/Freezers/Washing Machines
- etc - the list goes on

So your wireless router should be sited somewhere where it will not be affected by these external influences.

In addition, your broadband is probably a maximum of 8Mbps (unless you have ADSL2+) so for general internet browsing, you shouldn't notice any performance related issues unless your wireless speed drops below the ADSL speed.

Finally, all wireless routers are equal, but some are more equal than others.

rgds
Ol.
BKP Web

[mikeluke]

And in reality you will only be getting 8Mbs from your ISP if the wind is in the right direction, all your neighbours are asleep and if the content is on a server next door!

For example, I just ran a speed checker - in theory I am on a 100Mbs LAN connection in the office - what Internet speed can I get? Just under 20Mbs - and I was surprised that I got that much!


Mike

PS - lay off the Cisco jokes! They keep me in guitars and BKPs! :lol:

[HTH AMPS]

I've got 4Mb broadband and get somewhere between 36Mbps and 54Mbps. 

It seems that it's possible to get 100Mbps by direct connection to an ethernet port, but not with my router - why?  Surely if it's spec'd for 100Mbps, it should be able to deliver somewhere in that region (right?)

[ailean]

I suspect your Viao isn't capable of 100Mbps over wireless (the ethernet / wired connection is competely seperate technology), it's probably only a 54Mbps device itself. If that is the case then the router will sync at that rate, so you are instantly restricted there. (If you check the sony website with your model number you shuld be able to find it's maximum wireless speed).

Also the point above about a firmware update is a very good one, nearly all routers have at least one firmware update released after they ship, and these are often to fix things like speed regression.

Also check that your router is configured to run in 100Mbps mode. In mine I can select the speed it runs at as the 100Mbps mode imposes certain setting restrictions (fixed channel I think).