Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection

magictrick · 11-25-2007, 06:28 PM

Hi,

I've had a wireless connection set up from my room to the router which is down the hall in another room. For the first few weeks it seemed to work fine, but now I'm often getting a drop in connection.

By drop I don't mean complete disconnect because I am still connected, but the connectivity will just "drop" in strength/speed even though the signal quality may still come up as "excellent". When surfing the internet a webpage will load half way, then pause, and then finally finish loading. Same goes for streaming and gaming (quite annoying).

I have the following specs:

Wireless router: WRT54G (firmware version 1.02.2 - up to date i think as i just recently update a month ago or so)
Laptop: Dell inspiron 6400 with Intel PRO Wireless 3945ABG network card
Operating System: Windows XP

I am wondering what is the cause of this? I know wireless isn't perfect, but for a while I was experiencing a normal connection without any issues.

Any help would be appreciated.

**johnwill** · 11-26-2007, 07:16 AM

I'd start by changing the channel. My guess is you have wireless interference on the channel you're currently using. I like channels 1, 6, and 11 in the US.

magictrick · 11-26-2007, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the response.

In the router settings I was already using channel 6. I currently have it changed to channel 1 and it seems like the situation has improved, but it still feels like at times something is holding my connection back.

Also for some other info, I am located in Canada, not the U.S (not sure if this affects which channels I should be using).

I also have a 2.4Ghz phone plugged in the same room where my laptop is (not same plug), again, not sure if this affects anything.

Thanks

**johnwill** · 11-26-2007, 12:59 PM

Well, I'd turn off the phone. You'll have to unplug the base P/S, and remove the battery from the handset to completely disable it. If that solves the problem, you have you answer. :)

This is why I have 5.8ghz phones. ;)

magictrick · 11-26-2007, 04:22 PM

Thanks john.

I will try this and keep monitoring for the next few days.

Would a signal boost help in this case? I've read other threads where you've recommended this.

**johnwill** · 11-26-2007, 04:29 PM

A signal boost is never a bad thing, but eliminating wireless interference at the source is usually better. However, if all else fails, that's another tool in the toolbox.

magictrick · 11-27-2007, 09:39 AM

Sounds good.

Thanks

11-25-2007, 06:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
magictrick Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 44 OS: Windows XP	Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection Hi, I've had a wireless connection set up from my room to the router which is down the hall in another room. For the first few weeks it seemed to work fine, but now I'm often getting a drop in connection. By drop I don't mean complete disconnect because I am still connected, but the connectivity will just "drop" in strength/speed even though the signal quality may still come up as "excellent". When surfing the internet a webpage will load half way, then pause, and then finally finish loading. Same goes for streaming and gaming (quite annoying). I have the following specs: Wireless router: WRT54G (firmware version 1.02.2 - up to date i think as i just recently update a month ago or so) Laptop: Dell inspiron 6400 with Intel PRO Wireless 3945ABG network card Operating System: Windows XP I am wondering what is the cause of this? I know wireless isn't perfect, but for a while I was experiencing a normal connection without any issues. Any help would be appreciated. Last edited by magictrick; 11-25-2007 at 06:29 PM.

11-26-2007, 07:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,802 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection I'd start by changing the channel. My guess is you have wireless interference on the channel you're currently using. I like channels 1, 6, and 11 in the US. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

11-26-2007, 11:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
magictrick Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 44 OS: Windows XP	Re: Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection Thanks for the response. In the router settings I was already using channel 6. I currently have it changed to channel 1 and it seems like the situation has improved, but it still feels like at times something is holding my connection back. Also for some other info, I am located in Canada, not the U.S (not sure if this affects which channels I should be using). I also have a 2.4Ghz phone plugged in the same room where my laptop is (not same plug), again, not sure if this affects anything. Thanks

11-26-2007, 12:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,802 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection Well, I'd turn off the phone. You'll have to unplug the base P/S, and remove the battery from the handset to completely disable it. If that solves the problem, you have you answer. :) This is why I have 5.8ghz phones. ;) __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

11-26-2007, 04:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
magictrick Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 44 OS: Windows XP	Re: Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection Thanks john. I will try this and keep monitoring for the next few days. Would a signal boost help in this case? I've read other threads where you've recommended this.

11-26-2007, 04:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,802 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection A signal boost is never a bad thing, but eliminating wireless interference at the source is usually better. However, if all else fails, that's another tool in the toolbox. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

11-27-2007, 09:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
magictrick Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 44 OS: Windows XP	Re: Constant "drop" in Wireless Connection Sounds good. Thanks