Wireless Connection Distance..

chrisann · 18-12-2006, 16:42

Does anyone have an idea of how far the Wireless Connection should go on my Laptop. It only seems to be about 8 metres or so..one room to another...I thought I could get a signal from a lot further than that..

I do see another Wireless connection right down the road..so why is mine only seen in the House.

Chrisann.

Aragorn · 18-12-2006, 16:54

Depends on a lot of factors, eg what is between router and laptop (thick walls), which wireless channel you are using, other devices interfering (video senders, microwaves), etc.
The signal from down the road might also be coming from a boosted antenna.
Some things to try - move the router on to a shelf, change the wireless channel in the router admin page.

chrisann · 18-12-2006, 17:21

Thanks for replying. The Router is sitting on a high shelf in my office...and it would be passing through two inner walls to the other room...I did a Wireless connection albeit only a low strength one. But will give the idea of the channel a go.

Thanks again Chrisann.

Tightscot · 18-12-2006, 17:44

also try changing the security to wep/wpa/wpa2, in my experience they can have an effect on signal strength - just make sure you do not set it up with no security! Also things like microwave ovens and cordless phones can cause interference...

Paul · 18-12-2006, 17:46

Any electrical devices near the router?

TheBlueRaja · 18-12-2006, 17:49

Increasing the Security actually degrades the signal quality on most boxes.

Wireless signals can travel very far once they are out in the open and you may see a lot of your neighbours AP's if they have their router next to a window or near an outer wall.

Inner walls are a bitch and signals degrade very fast through them especially if they are think and have metal through them.

I really struggle to get a signal in my living room if the router is in my bedroom even if they are only about 10m apart at most.

LSainsbury · 19-12-2006, 08:38

BlueRaj - was about to say the sam thing really...

Chrisann: How old is you house?

TheNorm · 19-12-2006, 16:05

I really don't understand why there is so much "hype" about wireless - the signal drops with distance (especially through walls) and comes with issues of security. Why not use the existing mains wiring (e.g. http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline.htm)? After all, both your router and computer are going to be near mains sockets.

Nugget · 19-12-2006, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNorm

I really don't understand why there is so much "hype" about wireless - the signal drops with distance (especially through walls) and comes with issues of security. Why not use the existing mains wiring (e.g. http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline.htm)? After all, both your router and computer are going to be near mains sockets.

Well, in my case, it's because I don't want to have my phone line running around two doors and about 20 feet of wall

TheNorm · 19-12-2006, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

Well, in my case, it's because I don't want to have my phone line running around two doors and about 20 feet of wall

You've lost me...

You can buy similar devices that enable phone lines through the mains - would these help?