| Author |
Message |
    
JonSel
Citizen
Username: Jonsel
Post Number: 26
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 10:55 pm: |     |
I'm setting up a wireless network here in my home so my bedroom PC can access the cable modem that's in my office on the other side of the house. (The office computer – a mac – is wired directly).
The problem I'm having is weak signal strength to the point that the PC doesn't receive anything. The signal monitor shows 1 bar of 5 lit up.
Any suggestions? The computers aren't terribly far apart (maybe 50 feet on the same floor). Any thoughts on what would hamper reception?
Thanks for anyone's insight. |
Leonard Neeble
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9229
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 12:05 am: | |
A 2.4 GHz phone can interfere, even when you're not on the phone. It might be yours, and it might be your neighbor's.
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Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 212
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 2:48 pm: | |
Signal strength is not really the measure of a 'good' signal that everyone thinks... its better to have a weak but clean signal as opposed to a strong signal that is backscattering, for example.
In other words - is it working? If so, do some speed tests and make sure you're comfortable, then go ahead and lead your life!
If it is not working or the speed is bad, you can purchase a range extender that would probably solve the problem. Make sure you wear the lead underwear around the house, though, until you're in your 50s. ;)
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davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 353
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 2:54 pm: | |
We are all Mac in this house and I don't know about PC's at all but when my reception was bad I added an antenna to my Airport Extreme base station in attic and distributed the wireless signal in the house using 2 Airport Express mobile base stations that plug into the wall, pick up the signal and strengthen and extend it.
I'm sure you can do something similar; here it works beautifully.
Be well and compute well, wirelessly, all.
David |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 655
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 3:00 pm: | |
I've noticed an odd thing when I set up my laptop in my dining room about 25 feet from our wireless router. The signal strength varies considerably (weak to Very Good) by just turning the laptop 90 degrees. |
JonSel
Citizen
Username: Jonsel
Post Number: 27
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 10:45 pm: | |
The PC recognizes that there is a wireless network running somewhere, but the signal strength is not strong enough for it to access the net.
Does anyone think it has anything to do with the location of the wireless router and the PC? The router is on one end of the house on some metal shelving. The PC is in the bedroom on the opposite end in the back corner.
Also, my walls are mostly plaster w/metal and wood lathe. Would this inhibit the signal?
I was debating whether to purchase the larger antenna or if a signal extender/repeater is a better idea.
Thanks for all your input. |
Leonard Neeble
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9232
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 11:04 pm: | |
Move your bedroom PC to the same room as the wireless router. Make sure that at least that works. If they're really close, they should work. If not, an antenna or repeater won't help. Maybe your wireless router isn't working at all and the weak signal is coming from a neighbor down the street.
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Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 657
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 - 10:55 am: | |
Good points Leonard. You've sure changed recently.
I know my wireless router is only set up to connect to PCs that I've specified to the router itself. There's a code on the wireless device (card or adapter or on the housing of the computer if it's built in) that I have to type into my router in order for the two to communicate.
If your router and PC aren't talking it could well be that you've got a signal from someone else. That makes life easier ... just ask them to buy the signal booster. Tell them they're being inconsiderate.
We have plaster/lathe walls and that doesn't seem to affect my reception. |
Gatica
Citizen
Username: Katracho
Post Number: 104
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 - 12:14 pm: | |
If you need to enhance the wireless signal, don't go for the larger antennas. I've seen these in action, and they've had no noticeable effect on the signal. Go for the range extender. You'd be able to "light up" your house. Even NORAD will pick it up.
A lot of things have an impact on your wireless signal. It could be a combination of all things that are in the path of the signal from the router to the receiver. |
JonSel
Citizen
Username: Jonsel
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 - 4:54 pm: | |
Thanks for the ideas and advice. I'll try moving the computer to make sure I'm actually getting the right signal. I think I am, but good to make sure. |
Noglider
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9272
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 - 4:58 pm: | |
I gather this is a desktop computer, not a laptop.
Another idea: It just might pay to have an electrician run an ethernet cable to your bedroom. It's faster and isn't prone to interference or snooping.
Sorry my ideas keep coming in dribs and drabs. |
JonSel
Citizen
Username: Jonsel
Post Number: 29
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 - 6:49 pm: | |
I thought about running a cable as well. I don't want to pay an electrician to do it and I don't feel like getting all messy in the attic. Laziness? Yeah, maybe. You gonna make something of it? ;-) Gonna give the extender a shot and then will face reality and head on up into the attic. |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1252
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 - 7:31 pm: | |
Is this a wireless card, or a USB or ethernet wireless adapter?
If it is a card, have you tried re-seating the card?
If a card, does it have an antenna wire to connect to it?
Is the pc shoved under a metal desk?
Is the wireless portion of the router turned on (is it issuing a wireless signal), the signal may be that of a neighbor?
You say that the computer can see the wireless, what name is it reporting for the hardware, is it the same as the brand you have?
Have you checked the antenna's connection to verify that it is screwed in all the way?
Have you tried putting the wireless up as high as you can get it, I find the higher the better?
If it has more than one antenna, try splaying them apart at 45 degree angles from the base.
If it is to hard to move the computer, do you know someone who has a laptop that would come over to test the connection with you?
One bar of signal strength is plenty, I've surfed on 1 bar plenty of times.
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