Wireless Signal Strength Fluctuating Wildly

[GurjBahia]

Great Forums!

I have no problems with fixed wire lan connections to the router
but my laptop is not keeping a stable connection to the router
over wireless.

The laptop is Centrino based and includes an Intel 2100 3B WiFi
adapter internally. I have installed the latest Intel drivers and
PROset tool.

Signal strength is shown as strong but signal quality is low. The
tray icon shows the signal going from weak to moderate to strong
and then red before cycling all over again. I still seem to be able to
use it OK, though I get occasional delays in network response.

On the off chance I did try disabling UPnP and set the power
control for WiFi to manual, but neither helped. Distance from
Router to laptop doesn't seem to make a difference.

Same laptop on my previous Netgear 834G had no problem!

Do I need to request a new router from Sky ?

[Wheelie]

Welcome to the site GurjBahia

Toy have no need to as the router will be fine try changing the default mode in the router from g & b to Auto 108

If you are not sure how to do this login clicking on this link

http://192.168.0.1 A little box will pop-up
the default username/password is admin/sky
Then click on the Wireless Settings and you will see the settings there

[GurjBahia]

Thanks for the suggestion, tried that also, no joy.

[Wheelie]

The only other thing I can think of is do you have the Windows wireless connection running as well as the card software for the internal WiFi
adaptor ?

If so that can also cause problems you need to disable the windows one.

[GurjBahia]

I checked and Windows Wireless connection is not running.

I'll give Sky a call tonight.

Thank for advice.

[Amaboknaai]

GurjBahia

Wireless connections are notoriously affected inasfar as signal strength is concerned by other devices operating in the 2.4Ghz spectrum - microwaves / DECT phones / bluetooth devices....

Try changing your channel which will mean setting the router to "G only" as opposed to "Auto 108". Try a channel such as 1 / 6 / 8 or 11 and experiment. Your neighbours' wireless operating on the same channel as yours can also affect it, particularly if they use a router with the same chipset.

What is also key, is the placement of the router and the angle of the antenna. This is all a case of experimentation, but in my experience, the higher the router is sited (vertically orientated) with a vertical antenna and away from other electrical appliances generating a powerful electromagnetic field (CRT TV-monitors / microwave / subwoofer). Download a wireless sniffer which can monitor your signal strength in real time whilst you move / orientate the router / antenna / change channels to find your practical optimum.