Bad Wireless Connection

[ktan09]

Got a wireless router with a USB Adapter that is usually used for laptops. The router is capable of 54mbps but right now I get 18 or 24 mbps. Signal Strength varies from 60-70% along with signal quality. The computer is approcimately 20-30 feet away from the router. I know they are working fine because I have set up the comptuer right next to the router and I get 100% connection. I can browse the internet and do simple tasks on the internet, I have cable internet too with Rogers. Speed isn't great, but it isn't terrible, probably about 6 seconds wait time between sites. Any help on how to improve connection? I try playing World of Warcraft and it disconnects me or acts very slowly. If we have to buy a new one, we will, go with Linksys router and PCI card. But we wanna try to avoid that. Any ideas? There are 1 or 2 walls or objects in between the router and the computer and there are 4 cordless phones on the floor and 6 in the house. Could that affect signal? All help is appreciated.

[Shaner]

You just answered your own question.

If you set the computer's up beside each other, the connection is 100%. If you move the client 20-30 feet away, it drops drastically.

Now the problem is one of two things.

Your router and/or USB wireless adapter is garbage and can't reach distances of 20-30 feet and/or can't go through walls.

Your cordless phones are using the 2.4 Ghz frequency and causing interference.

It's pretty simply to narrow it down to one of those problems. Temporarily disconnect the phones. Does your signal strength improve? If not, get a new router. Consider a Linksys WRT54G. You'll have no complaints.

You shouldn't need a PCI wireless card. Your USB wireless adapter should be good enough, unless you don't have USB 2.0, then you may want to consider a PCI adapter. I would try the router first though. Get a new router, if that doesn't solve your problem, get a good PCI wireless adapter.
If that doesn't solve your problem either, it means your walls have way too much lead in them and you're screwed.

[champ91]

brand matters too.

[ktan09]

I just went out and got a Linksys WRT54G like Shaner said, I was at 24 mbps and now I am consistant at 48 mbps. Thanks Shaner! Those long hours in the prison gives you time to think up of great advice! :razz: I have a Trendnet USB Adapter too, Max is 54 mbps but the other computer is on too so I can't complain with 48 mbps. Again, Thanks Shaner.