Wireless router dropping wireless connections

[tesco]

In that case I'm definitely thinking it's a wireless interference issue. By the way, you already have a wireless USB stick from what you said, why not just test that one with your laptop? Also, since you've somewhat stabilized the issue, try going to Device Manager --> Wireless Adapter Properties --> Advanced Tab --> and set that to Wireless G only if the option is available.

I don't have a wireless USB stick, I said I'm tempted to buy one for testing purposes.


I'm also thinking about buying a new router. Apparantly a wireless N router can get a much better range, and the card in the laptop is already an N card.

[mjmacky]

I don't have a wireless USB stick, I said I'm tempted to buy one for testing purposes.

Then I must be misreading this line, but not exactly sure how:

Spoiler: Show

while in Linux running from a USB stick I haven't seen it drop the connection yet

I'm also thinking about buying a new router. Apparantly a wireless N router can get a much better range, and the card in the laptop is already an N card.

This, definitely this. If you can afford it, you'll be nothing but satisfied. I use the Linksys WRT 610N, so it's the only one I could recommend with credibility.

[tesco]

What I meant by that, if that I'm running linux on the laptop off of a USB flash drive, as opposed to windows7 which is installed to the hard drive.

I'm looking at this router, mainly for the open source firmware, external antennae (3 of them ), and gigabit ethernet: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16833320038

I figure if I'm going to replace the router might as well get some sort of an upgrade out of it as well. Bit pricey though...

[mjmacky]

What I meant by that, if that I'm running linux on the laptop off of a USB flash drive, as opposed to windows7 which is installed to the hard drive.

I'm looking at this router, mainly for the open source firmware, external antennae (3 of them ), and gigabit ethernet: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16833320038

I figure if I'm going to replace the router might as well get some sort of an upgrade out of it as well. Bit pricey though...

If I were buying right now, I'd probably be picking up this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124388
Full disclosure, it's the spiritual successor to my current model, with apparently a shitload of improvements. And they've got a DD-WRT firmware for it, http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linksys_E3000

[tesco]

I don't like the idea of an internal antenna tbh.

edit: After reading a little bit I'm somewhat convinced, 6 internal antennas doesn't sound all that bad and people claim it gets great range.

Newegg Canada doesn't have that model though I found it at ncix.com for $89.99, but newegg does have refurbished for 64.99 and good ratings. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16833124419

[sandman_1]

I know this is coming in late in the conversation but have you tried a wifi analyzer app? I use one for my Android phone to put my router on a channel with the least interference. I got a couple neighbors that use channel 1 and 5 and thus get poor results if I use those channels or even adjacent channels. Channel 11 was the sweet spot for my case, excellent strength. Even if you do get a new router, I would still analyze your wifi for the best channel. I hope everything works out.

[yevgeny]

I absolutely hate wireless but in my limited experience with it found that the cheaper TP-Link 1043ND (Approx $70) was better than the linksys one I paid about $200 or so for. I use the stock tplink firmware, even that is better than the linksys offering so I have no problem recommending this router, its a bit fugly though with three external antennae. chan 13 works best for me but tinker with it, anyway, good luck sorting it out. also, if interference is the problem a dual band/radio 5ghz router may help.

Dlink DIR-827
Asus RT-N56U

[NotLettingItGo]

Also keep in mind that at the point where the laptop would lose connection, it would still claim to have a signal strength of 3 out of 4 bars. Also, at that point and beyond my iphone still connects to the wifi just fine.

Yeah that all fits, in my example the BT router is installed in my office, where I have a HP Wireless Printer. With the BT router wireless turned on the Printer won't connect to the wifi network, when I turn the BT router wireless off, it connects to the wireless router in the attic just fine. Yet laptops and things could still manage to connect. Obviously the wireless in the HP Printer is more sensitive to interference.

I have wifi 'n' routers and it does make a massive difference to the range. The other idea is a range extender, something like this http://www.google.co.uk/products/cat...d=0CIoBEPMCMAI

The other thing to be aware of is the 'Dual Band' thing. Wifi used to operate in the 2.4GHz frequency range, however because of congestion and the massive overuse of that range by all sorts of wireless devices, like Bluetooth, and home automation products. etc. etc There has been a move to open up the 5GHz range to personal use as well. So some products will be sold as 'Dual Band'. Obviously the 5GHz band isn't anywhere near as congested at the moment, so if you're looking to get away from wifi problems upgrading all of your wifi devices to dual band products will make all your wifi much better. Dual band products cost more though.

[Glaucon]

If getting a new router then make sure you get one that is thoroughly tested. I'd also be looking for something I can flash OpenWrt on, but that depends on how much you enjoy tinkering with it.

[tesco]

Thanks everyone for your posts. I ordered the E3000 from ncix.com, it should come tomorrow or the next day, though I don't know when I'll get to set it up. When I do I'll let you guys know the results.

I know this is coming in late in the conversation but have you tried a wifi analyzer app? I use one for my Android phone to put my router on a channel with the least interference. I got a couple neighbors that use channel 1 and 5 and thus get poor results if I use those channels or even adjacent channels. Channel 11 was the sweet spot for my case, excellent strength. Even if you do get a new router, I would still analyze your wifi for the best channel. I hope everything works out.

Do you know of a good app for iPhones that does that?
I didn't try every channel, just tried a few throughout the range. I def tried 1, 5 and 11 and a few others.
After each change I waited a minute, made sure the connection worked, then walked up the stairs with the laptop and always got the same result.

Also something interesting that I've now noticed is that my mouse was acting wierd for a few weeks, stuttering and sometimes clicks weren't registering. Now I've realized that the mouse works on 2.4gHz too!
The router I ordered is dualband so I can hopefully use the 5ghz band.