Author Topic: calling computer geeks! wireless internet! (Read 6539 times)

_tom_ · « **on:** February 07, 2006, 07:33:38 PM »

So basically, our wireless system at home sucks. We use a Netgear router of some description and we never have a reliable connection to the internet. Its always losing signal, or just not receiving data. We want to upgrade to something more reliable, with better range than this Netgear. I dunno what is good and whats cr@p really. Anyone know? Must work with Centrino wireless on my laptop!

Cheers

sambo · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2006, 07:42:10 PM »

i have a linksys router and that seems to work fine.... for our family pc and two laptops... oh and sometimes my xbox live which i connect to wirelessly... as well...

not sure of the exact model but i could find out.... i think the series is "wireless-g" or something

Kilby · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2006, 07:45:42 PM »

You have a couple of options if it's a signal strength issue (do you lose your connection if you use a wired connection ?)

The free option is :
Move the whoreless router to somewhere that gives you better coverage.

The options which cost money in acending order are :

Get a good wireless card based on the atheros chipset (Netgear wag 511 for example) as they have much better reception than other chipsets.

Install a repeater to improve coverage (many cheap wireless routers can run as repeaters)

Go for a new G spec router and wireless card which make used of reflected signals and multiple antenna to improve reception (and speed).

Rob...

_tom_ · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2006, 07:46:35 PM »

ooh ok cheers. I was looking at linksys coz my mate says he picks a linksys up from down his street.. However maybe its just the ISP, I've heard other BT users get this happen aswell..

Kilby · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2006, 08:45:06 PM »

Radio signals are bizzare things at the best of times, is it your computer bitching about losing the signal from the base station or being unable to contact the internet ?

Rob...

_tom_ · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2006, 08:49:09 PM »

Quote from: Kilby

Radio signals are bizzare things at the best of times, is it your computer bitching about losing the signal from the base station or being unable to contact the internet ?

Rob...

I dont really know :? In the internet connection box thing its just not receiving any packets..

tewboss · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2006, 01:06:30 AM »

I set mine wireless router up recently. I had excellent reception in the bedroom, but when I moved the PC in the back room the reception is low. The thing is I bought the best Netgear router in terms of range but the walls etc do block the signal. My house isn't even that big so its rather annoying.

carlaz · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2006, 10:47:55 AM »

We've got an Apple iBook with built-in wireless and a (now somewhat ancient, 3 or 4 years old) linksys router. Ethernet from cable modem goes to linksys router and magical wireless radio waves go to the iBook (and, of course, back again). Set-up was a doddle! Mac OS X recognizes working wireless networks automatically, and I just used the default settings on the linksys router. It just, as they say, worked.

tewboss · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2006, 08:35:46 PM »

All wireless networks are limited to range and the number of walls the signal has to travel through.

_tom_ · « **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2006, 08:42:06 PM »

Thing is its worked in my room no problems before, so I dont think its range is cr@p, just the "goodness" of the signal, for lack of a better word :lol: I dont know anything about wireless internet though, other than we have it at my house :D

Kilby · « **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2006, 09:02:18 PM »

Rearranging the equipment may yield some improved results (orientation can be a bit wierd with radio signals).

As I said before try obtaining a cheap atheros based wifi card as have a way better reception than the intel chipset.

Rob...

_tom_ · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2006, 09:07:55 PM »

Quote from: Kilby

Rearranging the equipment may yield some improved results (orientation can be a bit wierd with radio signals).

As I said before try obtaining a cheap atheros based wifi card as have a way better reception than the intel chipset.

Rob...

Atheros based wifi card? What is this magic? Do you mean like a "proper" Netgear receiver for the computer? My dad has a Netgear PCI card which I tried installing and didnt work coz I didnt have the right software..

Kilby · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2006, 09:42:09 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

Atheros based wifi card? What is this magic? Do you mean like a "proper" Netgear receiver for the computer? My dad has a Netgear PCI card which I tried installing and didnt work coz I didnt have the right software..

Yeah it's a proper card, are you working on a desktop or laptop machine ?

Atheros is the type of chip in it.

Rob...

_tom_ · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2006, 10:15:12 PM »

I'm on my laptop. This is weird.. its working fine in my room now, I'm on it as we speak :? :lol:

froglord · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2006, 10:53:07 PM »

Tom,

Is there any metal between your network card and router? And no, Metallica CDs don't count. :lol:

Things like steel ceiling beams can play havoc with wireless signals.