Improving wireless network stability

[dazza_cole]

Hi guys - i've got my PC set up in the back bedroom using the wireless belkin modem & router - which is in the living room of the flat - so they are opposit corners of the property.

Everything works ok, although the connection strength is always low / very low. However, as soon as anyone wlaks down the hallway between the 2 rooms, or comes into / out of the back bedroom, it breaks the connection. Which makes downloading a complete pain, as once i've started I have to stay almost rooted to the spot!!

Any ideas on how I can solve this? I've situated the USB receiver as high as it can, based on the cable length.

[charlesr]

How are you connecting the pc? Via usb dongle? If so, try an internal wireless pci network card. Could help.

[dazza_cole]

thanks mate, yes it is via a USB dongle that came with the modem/router

[Casual_Gamer]

In myexperience, WiFi can be very touchy, and is very susceptible to interference. You might get better results with a router with dual-antennae - 2 antennae make the signal less suceptible to interference.

[randombs]

try all the channels - some are less susceptible to interference than others. buy a usb extension cable and stick the usb dongle high up on a wall or something, or you could even place it nearer to the door so there's one less wall to worry about. if you're still having problems, consider selling the router (or returning it if it's possible) and opt for a regular wired router and an access point. that way, you can position the two separately and then you'll have less interference. my setup is like this as i'm with homechoice so the set-top-box is in the living room also, and that's where my wired router is. the access point is upstairs which makes things a whole lot better. i tried wireless routers but the reception was awful due to the telly/video/etc causing problems.

or if you can't/won't replace your equipment, consider getting a wireless access point anyway, as you can set it up as a wireless repeater - doing this doesn't require network cable or anything, just a spare plug socket, and the access point basically extends the range of your wireless network which'll sort things out. you can get access points really cheap nowadays thanks to the rise in wireless router purchases - you could get away with a basic 802.11b one if your broadband isn't, say, 8mb