Wireless Network Connection Speed Varies A LOT

[Bruce Reaves]

I have a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router connected to
my ISP's cable modem in one room in the house (the front
living room). In another room (a back bedroom), about 45
feet (and 4 interior walls) away, I have a PC connected
to a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.

When I look at the Wireless Network Connection Status
window, I see wild fluctuations in signal strength, and
the reported speed varies from a high of 54 Mbps down to
1 and 2 Mbps. It actually drops even lower than that - so
low that the little popup comes up and tells me that no
wireless networks are available, then it pops up to tell
me that one network (the only one I have defined) IS
available. I select it and get told that I have a "good"
or "very good" or "excellent" connection. Then the speed
starts fluctuating again.

Both the router and the USB Adapter are on wooden shelves
about 7' off the floor. There are no cordless phones
operating in the house. This fluctuation goes on even
when I'm the only one home and no other devices in the
house are running.

Anyone have any ideas/theories/explanations for what's
behind the wild swings in speed and signal strength? Even
better, any inexpensive solutions?

Thanx
Bruce Reaves

 

[Quaoar]

I have a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router connected to
my ISP's cable modem in one room in the house (the front
living room). In another room (a back bedroom), about 45
feet (and 4 interior walls) away, I have a PC connected
to a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.

When I look at the Wireless Network Connection Status
window, I see wild fluctuations in signal strength, and
the reported speed varies from a high of 54 Mbps down to
1 and 2 Mbps. It actually drops even lower than that - so
low that the little popup comes up and tells me that no
wireless networks are available, then it pops up to tell
me that one network (the only one I have defined) IS
available. I select it and get told that I have a "good"
or "very good" or "excellent" connection. Then the speed
starts fluctuating again.

Both the router and the USB Adapter are on wooden shelves
about 7' off the floor. There are no cordless phones
operating in the house. This fluctuation goes on even
when I'm the only one home and no other devices in the
house are running.

Anyone have any ideas/theories/explanations for what's
behind the wild swings in speed and signal strength? Even
better, any inexpensive solutions?

Thanx
Bruce Reaves

If the router is plugged into anything other than a wall outlet, that
could be the source. Linksys routers are notorious for having power
problems when the adapter is in a power strip or surge protector. Also,
make sure your cable modem and the router are separated; three feet or
the length of the cable. Do not block the air flow on the router, or
stack any of the equipment; Linksys does not like heat. You might also
try reducing the height of the router to table level and see if the
signal improves, rotating the router 90 degrees might help. Also, the
power adapter for the router should have clear air flow. Google
cantenna for some easily-constructed reflectors.

Q

 

[Bruce Reaves]

Good tips, Q. Thanx!

http://home.earthlink.net/~reavesb