Wireless problems

psp83 · Aug 09, 2007, 19:14:31

Hi.

I'm getting problems with my wireless on one of my computers downstairs.. Currently i am using my laptop in the same room, right at the side of the computer that is having problems. So interference can't be the problem.

Signal strength on it is always "very low" and keeps loosing connection to the router..

I have a netgear dg834pn 108mbps rangemax and using the wireless stick that came with it, its a wpn111 rangemax 108mbps usb stick. I bought a new one just incase that one was faulty but the new one is no better.

This laptop has a 54mbps wireless card and signal is between Very good and Excellent.

Anybody have any ideas what can be causing this to happen?

Thanks,
Paul

Odos · Aug 09, 2007, 19:53:56

I don't use a wireless network myself but I do use a wireless keyboard/mouse and found that if I have a laptop anywhere near my desktop my mouse stops working. I don't know why or if the same thing could be happening with your network but hope you get it sorted.

Cheers
Tony

psp83 · Aug 09, 2007, 22:05:17

It even happens when the laptop even isn't in the house. I've also tried turning off everything in the room except for the main pc plugs and no luck.

This problem is becoming a right pain, as the computer its doing it on is used by the family, so i'm getting moaned at everyday

i don't fancy running a long RJ45 lead up to the router.

Rik · Aug 10, 2007, 09:53:47

Hi Paul

Have you tried a different channel to eliminate interference as an issue? (I know the laptop is OK, but maybe the Netgear stick is particularly sensitive.)

Have you tried a different USB socket, maybe a powered hub? I just wonder whether it might be a power problem?

The only other thing I can think of is that the power supply in the PC is causing interference, can you check the Netgear stick in another machine?

psp83 · Aug 10, 2007, 10:24:42

I've tried changing the settings for the stick, i've tried every USB port and external powered hubs i've got and no luck, Thing is, it used to work fine. but now, it plays up everyday..

Would a firmware update on the router caused this or do you wreckon its a problem with the machine somewhere or to do with windows?

I would connect the stick to my laptop but i dont want to mess the wireless up on this as its setup for work aswell as home use.

Just to note.. the usb stick is not normally near the tower, its in its own cradle on the shelf above the monitor. But as said above, i've tried hubs and other usb ports.

Rik · Aug 10, 2007, 10:32:54

Hi Paul

TBH, I have no idea what is causing the problem, you've done most of the things I would to try and eliminate/isolate the issue. I understand your reluctance to mess with the laptop, but it would be useful if you could prove whether or not the Netgear stick worked in that location. If it doesn't, but works elsewhere, then it suggests interference from the PC, possibly the power supply or the monitor (or interference from another wireless network). If, otoh, it doesn't work at all, the solution would appear to be easy, while if it works then the PC would appear to be the culprit.

Odos · Aug 10, 2007, 13:22:09

Hi again Paul,

Sorry I've no suggestions for the possible causes of your problem but if the worst happens and you can't solve it, then another possible way of connecting that particular computer instead of running a cable I would recommend using "Homeplugs". Not cheap but I think they are vastly superior to wireless in range, reliability and speed. I've used them for a couple of years now.

Cheers
Tony

psp83 · Aug 11, 2007, 00:49:20

Thats the ones that connect to the mains and has a rj45 connection to your pc (uses the internal elec cables) ?

Odos · Aug 11, 2007, 01:03:36

Yup there the ones, they use the mains cabling as the network. A lot more secure than wireless as well, the only real downside to them is the cost, around £60 for a pair of mid speed plugs.

psp83 · Aug 11, 2007, 12:06:06

Any suggestions for ones that work well with netgear routers?

Rik · Aug 11, 2007, 12:08:13

The Devolo ones here generally get good reports from users.

Odos · Aug 11, 2007, 15:39:09

I'm afraid I've never owned a netgear router and so cannot vouch for anything with regards to them. I know homeplugs work fine with speedtouch, belkin, d-link, zyxel, 2wire and bt routers.

As for a brand/make of homeplug, TBH I don't believe it really makes much difference as unlike routers where there are numerous variables involved that can affect connection, the homeplugs only "speak" to each other using your homes heavy duty power cabling, so as long as they are the same make and model they should work fine.

cheers
Tony

GrimDad · Aug 12, 2007, 11:42:06

Try using the windows software instead of the netgear software. The netgear software has always reported poor connection on most of the wireless networks i have installed.

Go to control panel look for the wireless network setup wizard and set it up still using the netgear usb thingy. Once you have set it up you will see another wireless icon in your toolbar, use that to search for networks and connect to yours.

Dont uninstall the netgear software as it will remove the driver.

Hope this helps

Inactive · Aug 12, 2007, 11:46:41

Welcome to the Forum GrimDad, have a welcome karma..

GrimDad · Aug 12, 2007, 12:03:39

Quote from: Inactive on Aug 12, 2007, 11:46:41
Welcome to the Forum GrimDad, have a welcome karma..

Thank you very much...thats very nice of you

Rik · Aug 12, 2007, 12:05:36

Inactive's like that.

Welcome from me too.

psp83 · Aug 12, 2007, 23:53:06

Welcome.

And to your post.. i'm afraid i have tried xp own wireless setup and thats worse than the netgear software.

So looks like its homeplugs for me or if they dont work. a very long weekend putting rj45 leads into the walls to the router

Rik · Aug 13, 2007, 10:40:32

I suppose the other thing to try would be a different USB stick...

psp83 · Aug 14, 2007, 12:19:44

I've tried 2 new netgear usb sticks and also took a different make home from work at the weekend and still no different..

will take a look at a few sites today to get some homeplugs to try.

Rik · Aug 14, 2007, 12:21:25

Good hunting. It's frustrating to come across a problem like this and not be able to find a solution.

psp83 · Aug 14, 2007, 12:31:49

just found this.. http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/product.asp?pr=1154

any thoughts?

Rik · Aug 14, 2007, 12:34:07

Looks good to me. If only ADSL speeds could also reach 85Mbps.

psp83 · Aug 14, 2007, 12:39:10

Hehe. Yeh i wish to, would save me having to wait awhile at the mo, uploading several gigs to a server

Going for higher than 54Mbps as i tend to transfer alot of files between the computers at home and i dont like waiting

and kids are the same when it comes to transfering large amount of photos from one to the other.

Rik · Aug 14, 2007, 12:42:58

It's why I tend to use wired connections when possible...

Odos · Aug 14, 2007, 22:20:24

It's a couple of 85Mbps plugs that I use but if your after a higher throughput I have seen them up to 200Mbps. Don't know what they perform like as I only use mine for the net connection and as has been said 85Mbps is plenty fast enough for that