Mid range broadband, poor wireless signal

[town_terrier]

Hi, I have had Sky TV for years, but in Feb this year swapped my broadband provider from Virgin to Sky. Originally had the Max package, but my download speeds were always in the region of 5/6 meg, also my laptop struggles to connect to my router when I take it upstairs, always results in it disconnecting.
My router is plugged into BT test socket in kitchen along with phone line and filter. I dont have my sky box connected to phone line, always seemed to cause problems.
Here are the stats:
Router StatisticsSystem Up Time: 133:41:26

Port Status TxPkts RxPkts Collisions Tx B/s Rx B/s Up Time
WAN PPPoA 57155 54239 0 135 1290 13:42:23
LAN 100M/Full 76739 61615 0 124 20 133:41:22
WLAN 11M/54M 24370 25595 0 4406 425 01:47:36
ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 4736 kbps 384 kbps
Line Attenuation 51 db 15.5 db
Noise Margin 10 db 14 db

Not sure if that makes sense!?

I think my router is the Sagem version, not Netgear.

I live 2Km away from the exchange. What I cant understand, is the router not being able to "see" my laptop when upstairs, when my previous router with Virgin never had any problems??! Very frustrating..

[Isitme]

Your connection speed for your attenuation is not bad. You could possible squeeze another few kbs out of it but it may effect the stability.

The wireless signal seems to be your main problem and there is a few things you can do about it. First try changing the channel in the router and while there set the Mode to 'g' only. I always advise starting at #13 and working down. Next try changing the physical position of your router by swivelling it around a bit at a time. Stand it on end if it is flat and vice-versa. Put a bit of aluminium cooking foil underneath it to try to focus the signal. Lastly, if it is lying flat, try turning it upside down. I am not sure if yours is one, but some routers have the aerial in the bottom, which is not the best place if you want a signal above it.

[town_terrier]

Thanks for your reply. I have tried different channels, and 6 or 7 seem to be the best, some of the other channels (12, 13) dont even "see" the router when I'm in front of it! Had to plug in the ethernet cable to access the router!

Will try changing the b and g settings, I know its set to both. Have moved the router around slightly also, doesn't seem to make much difference though.

Thanks again for the tips, all Sky seemed to tell me was that my house had too many wires, walls, etc..!!

[Smithy99]

Wireless is not the greatest way to connect and can be upset by even the smallest things, a faulty power supply to a light or charger could easily quash a signal so it is hard for Sky to give an accurate responce to your problems as there are so many different things that could be causing it.

Have you thought of using homeplugs, they are a great way to connect and don't suffer from as menay problems as wireless. You can even get one that has an aerial on to extend the range of your current wireless router for use with a laptop etc.

[town_terrier]

Thanks for your response. Where can I get a homeplug from? I've heard of them, but no idea as to how they work, or benefits they provide?

[Isitme]

HERE is a brief description and some prices. It is more stable and faster than most wireless connections.

[town_terrier]

Thanks vey much, hopefully this will solve my problems! Thanks again..