Just finished installing my Linksys WRT610N

Okay so I've set up my Dual N Band router.

It's actually just 1 N band running at 5 GHz while I've got G signal broadcasting at the 2.4 GHz.

However my speed at the 2.4 level is only 36....

How do I get this to be stronger and faster? Right now the channel I have it set at is 11...

Also the guy from Linksys told me that since the adapter on my mom's computer is a b/g adapter that I should only use WPA-Personal security and that TKIP encryption. Is that correct?

Anyways my main concern is how to get that signal up for the 2.4 level.

When my laptop comes I'll try out the N network. I have that setup as strictly broadcasting wireless N and with WPA2-Personal security with AES encryption.

EDIT: I don't know if this is part of the problem or not but I was looking thru the Linksys settings and it has DHCP "Enabled". Should that be disabled? I thought the Road Runner DSL modem was the one that had DHCP enabled?

 

Hi Knight,

I'm using a WRT600N DB/N router, with a WGA600N DB/N gaming/media adapter on my PS3 (you can also use it on a notebook or desktop, but few people realize that - great speed though), and I have a Linksys WUSB600N DB/N USB Adapter and a 4965AGN installed adapter for my HP HDX 9300 and my daughter's ASUS notebook. I also have a PCI N adapter for one of my desktops (the other is hardwired to the router. My notebook is currently about 15' from my router, and right now it's connected to the 2.4ghz band with the 4965 adapter. Speed ranges from 70-110mbps.

I initially had signal problems too, but it's cranking now. Something you should know is that the N standard is susceptible to interference problems with the Security setups - I don't use either of them, but there's a way around that and still be secure - more on that below. If you do any online gaming, WEP or WPA will likely give you more game server drops - after turning mine off, and resetting it differently, my drops almost have gone away.

DHCP is enabled by default, and should always be enabled unless you have another DHCP server on your network - it has nothing to do with who makes the router. The router acts as the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server, which assigns IP addresses to each system on your network. IP addresses are normally reassigned when a networked PC reboots - if you want it to maintain the same IP, then click on the DHCP Reservation button. After you have everything setup on your network, you should see each system and it's corresponding IP address listed. Checking the box next to it will reset that system's IP to what it is when you check it if it reboots.

If you're not sure what it all means, leave it enabled.

There are a few things you can do to try and up the signal. Keep in mind that the N standard design is meant to be stronger at longer distances, so it depends on how far you are from the router. And your router isn't really what controls your speed at your system, it's the wireless adapter itself. Depending on what kind of adapter you have will determine your throughput.

There are things that can interfere with the signal:

1. Range and Material signal passes through
2. Other wireless appliances (portable phones, microwaves, etc. Don't put your router next to a cordless phone base)

Don't discount the incoming signal to the modem also -

Your best option to increase performance throughout your network is to get an N adapter for your Mom's system as well. I've found that the DB/N works best if it's working with N set on both band modes. All of the systems on my network are N capable, save for a couple of PSP's, but they don't count as permanent networked appliances.

The first thing that Linksys recommends for signal increase:

If you haven't already, go to the Linksys site and download the current firmware and driver update. Flash the firmware on your router (install it). Reboot the router, and disconnect/reconnect your network connection, then check the signal level again.

It also depend on whether or not you're using a Linksys adapter - despite claims to the contrary, even though network appliances may be the same standard, they're not made by the same company, and subtle design differences can cost you in performance. You haven't provided enough info here on your systems or network appliances, so I'm just stating that in case.

On your router Admin panel, go to Wireless, then click on Advanced Wireless Settings at the far right.

On the 5ghz Band:

Ensure that Frame Burst is and AP Isolation are Enabled.

Move down the column until you find Transmission Power. Default setting is High - make sure it's set to high.
All other settings should be set to their default values.

Move to the 2.4ghz band and perform the same check.

If you want to know what each setting does, click on the Help link on the right column for a detailed explanation.

On your router Admin setup, go to Wireless, and down to the 2.4ghz band setting. Change your Mode to Mixed.
On your Wide and Standard Channel settings, select Auto.

For your SSID settings: If you're using Vista, make sure that you have separate SSID's for each band and your network name.

Click on Save Settings at the bottom. Reset your connection and check your signal.

If that doesn't help, then you'll need to try and find a discreet 2.4ghz frequency that's best.

Start with the 20MHz Channel settings and try each frequency in turn. Keep the Mode set to mixed, unless you've changed your adapter to an N.

Remember if you have other 2.4ghz appliances in your house, they'll interfere with the signal depending on the exact frequency they're broadcasting at (portable phones, etc.) Same on the 5ghz band. The trick is to find a discreet frequency that gives you the best performance. Go through all at the 20MHz Channel, and if it doesn't give you much, Wide (40MHz).

My current settings are:

5ghz
Mode N
Radio Wide 40

2.4ghz
Mode N
Radio Standard
Standard Channel 11

If you're still getting no joy, you have the option to switch to high-gain antennas, but if your range isn't that far it's likely the problem isn't signal strength from the router. Once you get your laptop you'll also have another gauge to check signal strength.

SECURITY SETTINGS

WEP Security is known to cause interference problems with online connections. You can either use WPA or do the following:

Set both Wireless Security settings to Disabled and Save Changes.

Before performing the next step, make sure you have all MAC numbers for all of your network connected units - anything that needs to connect to the router.

Click on Wireless Mac Filter.

Click on Enabled, and check Permit PC's listed below to access the wireless network.

In the corresponding spaces, begin entering the MAC addresses of all units you wish to have access to your network. If you have a problem entering a number, use the numbers above the keyboard, not the keypad.

So you understand:

The MAC Filter Permit Access function acts as a Security gate, allowing only those units with MAC Addresses input on the filter to have access to the network. Even if someone sees your network being broadcast, they won't be able to access it since their MAC isn't on the list. This is one way those of us in the online gaming community have been able to stop the problems caused by the WEP/WPA security option while still maintaining a secure network. I'm sure someone will voice concern or problems, but unless you have the equivalent of the FBI, CIA or NSA trying to hack your router, I wouldn't sweat it. If they are, you've got worse problems than router security anyway.

Quality of Service (QoS)

If you have a particular system or application that needs priority access to the network, this is how you can set your network to give access to those priorities. Click on Applications and Gaming, then QoS.

Click on Internet Access Priority,and set to Enable.
Select MAC Address as the category.
Enter a name for the unit you want to give priority.
Enter its MAC Address.
Set priority to Medium (not high - look at the Help popup to see why)

Click on Add.

If there is a specific online game you play, go to its website and search for the specific ports required for optimum play. Many times players get kicked or have slow connections because their routers aren't setup properly. Once you have the settings, enter them into the Port Triggering area.

If you look at the QoS settings for Online games, there are several games and applications already setup for priority access.

I know this is more than you asked for, but I hope it helps anyway.

 

I have a 360 and a Wii and those are going to be connected at the 2.4GHz level. The 360 is a wired connection for right now and of course the Wii is wireless.

I thought setting it to Wireless G would create a stronger/faster signal since G is faster than B right?

As for the computer I'm currently setting it up with here are it's details.

Model: HP Pavilion a6460t Customizable Desktop PC
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium with SP 1 (32-bit)
Wireless Network Card: 802.11 b/g USB Wireless LAN card

I'm pretty sure the Network Adapter in my computer is from Intel. I'm sorry I don't know what model number it is. Just what signal it broadcasts.

I did AP thing. As for the firmware I tried going to Linksys and looking it up. When I hit the download button it said it was "bin" file and asked me if I wanted to save it. I said yes. Then tried to execute it but it wouldn't work.

Anyways I'll play with it a little when I get back today.

 

You only set it to a specific Mode if all your appliances on that band are of the same standard - they're not. In any case, always first let the router choose the best options, then if it can't start changing it.

Both of my Modes are set to N because that's all I have on my network, even though my notebook adapter is an AGN card. However, A is 5ghz and I don't want it in mixed mode because I don't want this adapter to connect to my 5ghz band, I want my Linksys adapter to do that.

You can go to this link at Linksys for more tips also:

http://tinyurl.com/4epvsr

You can't do a firmware update just by double clicking on it. It has to be done from the router's admin console.

Before you do the Flash, check the firmware revision already installed against the one you want to flash it with to see if it's an update, or if you're just flashing the EPROM. On the router console, click on Status on the far right next to Administration. The current Firmware revision is listed there.

In this case it doesn't make a difference if it's the same version - Linksys's procedure for just about any router hiccup is to first flash the firmware, then go from there.

After you check the revision:

Click on Administration
Click on Firmware Upgrade

Click on the Browse button, and go to the firmware file you downloaded and double click.
Click on Start Upgrade - there's a progress bar underneath. DON'T TURN IT OFF!!

The following link is to a site that Linksys uses a lot for reference and testing programs:

http://www.dslreports.com

As for your Xbox - if you get a WGA600N gaming adapter, it will let you separate your gaming data from other data being processed. What you do is set it to run on the 5ghz band, and everything else on the 2.4ghz. That way when someone is dowloading it won't affect your game if you're playing online.
With that setup, and your Router plugged in with the right game Port data, it'll really increase your game response.

I've got an Aquos 32" 1080p with a gaming circuit built in that automatically gets rid of any video latency between my PS3 and the monitor. After I got all of this hooked up the difference in my connection was really noticeable.

The WGA adapter has its own network cable that plugs into the RJ-45 jack of you Xbox. You can also use it as a notebook or desktop wireless adapter as well, but Linksys doesn't market it that way.

 

According to Wikipedia the Nintendo Wii has a built in wireless 802.11 b/g WiFi.

And since my 360 is connected to the router with an Ethernet cord I should be able to set it to G only right?

I'm not understanding why I should have it mixed...also which mixed are you suggesting? The Mixed where it's b/g/ AND n? Or just Mixed b/g?

And thanks for the info regarding the firmware. I'm at class right now but as soon as I get home I'll check it.

 

Make sure that your transmit mode is set to max.

Question: Which wireless security algorithm are you using?

 

I believe that information is in the opening post...

 

Hi I'm ALSO a newbie. Bought the router yesterday afternoon...

First off let me say that I think LELA is a complete joke and waste of time. After all the crap the system put me thru I still had no wireless in my apartment.

I STILL had to contact Linksys in order to get things up and running which to me is not good. Especially when I had a Netgear router (that I replaced last night with the WRT610N)and my experience with that router was significantly more pleasant.

Anyways things are up and running here overall but I've still got a few issues.

First off the signal for the 2.4Ghz Mode is VERY WEAK. And I just upgraded to the latest firmware too! I've only got 1 bar according to my computer and Vista's Network & Sharing Center. So what exactly is going on here? How do I improve this connection? Please keep in mind that a Nintendo Wii will be connected wirelessly to the router in this mode. As well as this computer. An xbox 360 will have a wired connection thru the back panel. So let me know if that requires changes.

Current Settings on 2.4 GHz Mode:

Network Mode: Wireless-G Only
Radio Band: Standard - 20MHz Channel (Linksys won't allow me to change this)
Wide Channel - Auto (Linksys' won't allow me to change this)
Standard Channel - Auto

Security on 2.4 GHz Mode:

Security Mode: WPA-Personal
Encryption: TKIP
Key Renewal: 3600 seconds

Advanced Settings on 2.4 GHz Mode:

AP Isolation: Enabled
Frame Burst: Enabled
Authentication Type: Auto
Basic Rate: Default
Transmission Rate: Auto
N Transmission Rate: Auto (Not able to change due to me setting it to Wireless-G only)
Transmission Power: High
CTS Protection Mode: Auto

Anyways that's all the information I have that I think can help. So I hope someone here can help me. I want FIVE bars for my internet signal. At the very least 4.