3 bars - 5 bars always changing?

ZenixNet · 13 Jan 2011

whs said:

Just to make sure, I assume you did a password protect on the router so that other people cannot hitchhike on it.

Sure did.

SledgeDG · 13 Jan 2011

WiFi (802.11) uses "shared frequencies"
That means Microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth items and other 2.4 GHz devices can and will interfere.
I would try a different channel first (check your router manual)
and if that doesn't help boost the output (either through a DIY solution or something commercial) or try to move the router to a more favorable location.

-DG

ZenixNet · 21 Jan 2011

TrendNet's driver was up to date, but RealTek also had a driver for the same card that wasn't up to date. I updated to the RealTek driver and my signal is a little more constant but I run speedtest.net when its at 3 bars, 4 bars and 5 bars and the speed is generally the same.

Is there a simple way to check what channels are in use around my computer?

chev65 · 21 Jan 2011

Let me just quote myself here in case you missed it the first time?

chev65 said:

If the channel is in use by your neighbors then the signal strength will change accordingly.

Even if you are using a channel close to one of your neighbors it will have an effect on signal strength and download speeds because the channels overlap each other by about 4-5 channels and there is only so much bandwidth available. It sometimes pays to look for a channel that is at least 5 channels away from any of your neighbors.

Use this to check for which channels are in use in your area.

http://www.xirrus.com/library/wifitools.php < This is the program you can use to check which channels are being used in your area.

I'm not sure how this was missed the first time but I hope it helps.

ZenixNet · 21 Jan 2011

chev65 said:

Let me just quote myself here in case you missed it the first time?

chev65 said:

If the channel is in use by your neighbors then the signal strength will change accordingly.

Even if you are using a channel close to one of your neighbors it will have an effect on signal strength and download speeds because the channels overlap each other by about 4-5 channels and there is only so much bandwidth available. It sometimes pays to look for a channel that is at least 5 channels away from any of your neighbors.

Use this to check for which channels are in use in your area.

Xirrus: The Leader in High Performance Wi-Fi - Advanced IT Wi-Fi Networking Tools

< This is the program you can use to check which channels are being used in your area.

I'm not sure how this was missed the first time?

I'm feeling like a wall flower around here lately.

Wow I feel dumb, I completely missed that post...

chev65 · 21 Jan 2011

ZenixNet said:

chev65 said:

Let me just quote myself here in case you missed it the first time?

chev65 said:

If the channel is in use by your neighbors then the signal strength will change accordingly.

Even if you are using a channel close to one of your neighbors it will have an effect on signal strength and download speeds because the channels overlap each other by about 4-5 channels and there is only so much bandwidth available. It sometimes pays to look for a channel that is at least 5 channels away from any of your neighbors.

Use this to check for which channels are in use in your area.

Xirrus: The Leader in High Performance Wi-Fi - Advanced IT Wi-Fi Networking Tools

< This is the program you can use to check which channels are being used in your area.

I'm not sure how this was missed the first time?

I'm feeling like a wall flower around here lately.

Wow I feel dumb, I completely missed that post...

Well you quoated it and said there was no other networks around you so it may not be very useful in that case. If there is other networks in your area then it's best to use a channel that is furthest away from the ones being used. This program is easy to use. :)

Any walls or other things in the way will cause the bars to change also, not much you can do about that other than add an access point so you have nothing in the way. I had to do that for my garage PC because going through three walls would not allow me to stream movies without glitches.

I ended up putting the AP "access point" outside my house under the eves of the roof so I could get a straight shot to my gargage PC's USB adaptor. Steaming movies works perfectly now.

2010MegaScooter · 21 Jan 2011

Haha. Thats Weird, I Use My Friends Router That Is 8 Doors Away!!! >:O
I Get 3 Bars! >:)

ZenixNet · 21 Jan 2011

I found the ultimate solution, I bought one of those things that sends a internet signal through your power lines. Now I can have a wired signal - Prefect Fix!

yousaf465 · 21 Jan 2011

Windows bars are not accurate measure of wifi signal strength. Either Use Vistumbler.net - Downloads or inSSIDer Download | MetaGeek. And post the screenshots.

Anyway you are now using A poweline adapter kit must have cost like $ 80 + Power line communication - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SixStringJammin · 26 Jan 2011

Have you tried plugging it into one of the USBs on the rear of your System Unit? They're connected directly to the Motherboard, so that might help with the wireless adapter's speed. I was having issues getting an 8Gb flash drive to work, then I tried connecting it to a rear USB port and it's working fine now. :)