can see network but can't connect.

[imagiro]

Hey,

My problem is this, i can see my network and the little bars are halfway full but then when i try connect it doesn't allow me to saying something like could not connect, if i move my laptop closer to router it connects and i am able to move back to the place i originally was unable to connect from.

My question is why does this happen and are there any setting i can change to make my laptop connect even when there is a low connection status?

I am running windows 7.

Cheers.

 

[Barman58]

The only thing I can think of in this case is interference - the "bars" you are shown are a guide only, but anything over half way should connect.

Check your connection problem area for other broadcasting electronics - especially cordless phones - also check the area around the router for the same.

 

[Digerati]

Did it used to work fine?

Are you in a crowded wireless location - that is, are there many wireless networks around you, such as in a dorm or apartment complex? You may need to change channels. See your wireless router manual for that.

If your wireless access point (WAP), in this case, your router, has external antennas, move them around and try again. If internal antennas, rotate the router. Move the antennas/router to a higher location. Decrease the number of walls/floors/ceiling between the notebook and WAP.

 

[imagiro]

It's always had that problem since the router has been moved further from my room.

It's not overly crowded simply a 6 person flat, it works perfectly when i'm closer but i just find it odd that i can detect it yet not connect to it could this just be windows over telling the strength of the signal?

cheers for replies so far guys.

 

[Mike8]

Are you using wireless g or n (what band) and what is the distance from router to laptop and any obstacles.

 

[imagiro]

wireless g, its a siemens speedstream 6520.

distance would be less than 20m , and a couple of walls and a floor.

 

[Mike8]

May be the walls and where you position your laptop/router. I get this sometimes.Im not familiar with your router but make sure the aerials are up high, say on a shelf dont have your router on the floor. Also is there any intereference if so try changing channel, normal is ch11. My netgear dg834 quite often goes down to 2 bars when laptop on bed and router 2 walls away. Better, with dg834pn which is multiple aerials mimo. M

 

[Digerati]

Radio receivers can maintain a "lock" on a signal easier than finding a weak one. So you able to get a lock, and maintaining it as you walk away is no surprise to me. A couple walls and a floor is likely much of your problem. Note it is not just the wall and floor materials, but the wiring and pipes within them that can impact reception too.

It's not overly crowded simply a 6 person flat

I did not mean crowded by people, I meant in your whole neighborhood (next door, across the street, behind your building) are there houses or more apartments/flats where there may be wireless networks? When your computer is searching for networks, do you see several? Congested wireless areas can greatly impact an already weak signal.

If me, and you cannot relocate the WAP/router, and you cannot run an Ethernet cable, then I would attempt to talk your flatmates into buying a 802.11n wireless router. Note it is not just so you can connect, but 11n will dramatically improve everyone's network performance and more importantly, offer better security as well. It may, unfortunately, require them to also upgrade their adapters, if they don't already support 11n, but again, the results will be better access speeds and security for all. And with 99.9% surity, it will resolve your connection problems too.

 

[imagiro]

awesome thanks for the advice guys!