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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: Niall on Aug 18, 2009, 22:57:06

Title: Which wireless router would you recommend if this is a problem?
Post by: Niall on Aug 18, 2009, 22:57:06
I have a bit of an annoying problem. My mother is determined to get a Netbook (It's looking like the Samsung N120 from online reviews, and the Which magazine concurs) but she is insistent that wireless is activated so she can sit downstairs using it. I've had a scan with my laptop and there are no wireless networks in this area to leech off  :evil: which should mean it's unlikely that anyone around here is actually using one (which is surprising actually) so people scanning it isn't as big of a worry as I'd have thought. At my sisters house just over half a mile away you can pick up loads of networks!

Anyway, my concern is that I have a video receiver in this room (where the router is!) and if I turn on wireless on the Netgear (forgotten the model, but it's the model that's used by the majority it would seem, as a lot of people have posted about it on these forums) it interferes with the receiver to the point where the picture is unwatchable. I noticed that the same happened when I turned on the Xbox360 too, which has wireless inbuilt. Well, before it bricked itself the POS.

I noticed on the forums (maybe today?) someone mentioned a setting that can be altered if things interfere. Would this stop the problem if it's actually possible with my router? If not if there a router that doesn't cause this problem or am I doomed to a life of annoyance and paranoia, constantly checking logs and access to the router? Plus I don't know anything about setting up wireless as I've never wanted to as it's less secure than a cabled network :(
Title: Re: Which wireless router would you recommend if this is a problem?
Post by: Simon on Aug 18, 2009, 23:15:11
I think you're referring to the Wireless Channel, Niall, which can be changed in most wireless routers, but I have no idea if it would solve any potential problems you envisage.  I guess one option would be to try turning the wireless on, and adjusting the channel, before buying the Netbook?  I don't have a Netgear, but I expect someone can tell you how to do this.
Title: Re: Which wireless router would you recommend if this is a problem?
Post by: Sebby on Aug 19, 2009, 00:40:01
Simon is right, it's the wireless channel on the router that you want to play with.
Title: Re: Which wireless router would you recommend if this is a problem?
Post by: Gary on Aug 19, 2009, 07:31:15
Have to say I have not come across that issue, but changing the channel to either 1-6-11 would be best idea, the rest overlap to much should there be hidden networks in the area which is possible
Title: Re: Which wireless router would you recommend if this is a problem?
Post by: somanyholes on Aug 19, 2009, 07:37:06
If changing the channel doesn't help, which I reckon it will. Try turning off any cordless phones you have in the house and then retest.
Title: Re: Which wireless router would you recommend if this is a problem?
Post by: Niall on Aug 19, 2009, 19:13:18
It's a problem that's been happening for years. It also happens when the microwave is running. It interferes with the signal in the same way. I'll have a play about with the router later. I've got a feeling there may be a problem with this router anyway. When I first got it I tried to update the firmware and it just hung and reloaded the original firmware every time :D