routers and multiple internet connections

[illyad]

I know this is off topic, however, I do not know the answer so I turn to those in this forum with so much more knowledge than I. I have a router set up that allows a signal to go upstairs to provide internet access to the den. It seems we loose the signal every other week. I haver tried two different routers witn no better success. Is there a better way to get internet access to the computer upstairs? Would a modem upstairs solve this problem?

[gadgetguy]

When you say 'signal' can I assume you mean wireless? It's possible that you have another wireless device (like a phone) on the same frequency interfering with the signal which would cause intermittant problems like you've described. Have you tried different channels? Is running a wire from the router out of the question?

[ofbarea]

Besides wireless phones, microwave ovens also generate interference. With the help of an Spectrum Analyzer I found that usually micro wave ovens send interference from channel 6 and onwards.

Given this you may want to try using channel 1.

Also changing the polarity of the antenna may help. If the antena of your router is set vertically, try configuring it horizontally.

Also check the following article: Wireless Signal Tweaking


Also cheap reflectors could help you increase your range: http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/

By the way, what kind of router do you have?

[redwudz]

This thread would be better in our Computers Forum. Moving.

[Nelson37]

Describe exactly what you mean by "loosing signal".

Do you mean that you cannot find any wireless network? Problem

Do you mean that the connection stops, but that the wireless network can be found and utilized, just that this must be periodically done? Not a Problem

Describe your Internet Usage Pattern on the suspect PC. Do you only use it once every two weeks or so, meaning the problem occurs almost every time you use it, or is it in regular, functional usage daily or almost daily, meaning the device works most of the time and only rarely experiences this error.

Describe in detail the events surrounding "loosing signal".

Are you sitting there browsing the internet and you lose connection?

Has the PC just been turned on, rebooted, or has been left unused for a while and the connection to the Internet is not available?

What steps are required to temporarily solve the problem when it occurs?

Has this solution consistently restored connection?

What level is your typical Signal Strength? Not speed, but Signal strength. Consistently below 30% or consistently above 60%? VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION.

Is the wireless card on the upstairs PC an internal device, or a USB device?

Do you know if you are using Static IP? Do you have to enter in any numbers when restoring connection? If so, describe briefly.

You have already almost certainly wasted money buying routers. You quite likely have all you need to solve your problem. The solution could involve some 10-second moves, and possibly a Pringles can and some tinfoil. If the wireless on the PC is on a USB, and you have an extension cable or USB hub, try another location for the device. Think adjusting the Rabbit Ears on an old TV.

[classfour]

What you are describing can be caused by some of the following:

1. Faulty wireless router (may be in the throes of death)

2. Faulty wireless card, etc. in PC

3. Internet Service Provider doing a reset: This happens to me on a weekly basis; and usually involves powering down the router and restarting it. The same ISP is also my cable provider, and does a system reset every night around 4:00 am. I'd suspect this may be the culprit for you, as the first two would've likely gone ahead and failed by now.

4. I did have a headset that completely knocked out my WIFI reception - to the extent that I reinstalled XP and multiple other things until I discovered it was the culprit.