Linksys Wireless G Problems . . .

Good day all,
Well, this problem has been happening ever since I bought my router about a year ago. I just can't deal with this any longer. The router is a Linksys "Wireless G" router (WRT54G to be more specific) , and I have two laptops connected to it (my T61, and a Dell Inspiron). About once a week (or sometimes more) my signal strength just randomly goes to full bars to like one or two bars. I found the solution to this was to just unplug the stupid router, and plug it back in, give it 30 seconds to a full minute, then my signal strength magically jumps right back up to full bars. And, like I said this loss of signal happens at least once a week. So, what gives ? Do I need a stronger router ? We live in a VERY small condo, and both the laptops and the router is within 25 feet of each other (the next room). So, I don't know what to do at this point (I am not very good at wireless routers lol).
If anyone can help, I'd be very thankful.
Mike

 

My advice would be to make sure you have the latest firmware. But it seems Linksys has stopped supporting that Router now...so my next suggestion would be to place the Router as high as possible off the ground. And try pointing the antennas in the direction of your wireless devices.

If all else fails just get another Router...one that has been recently released.

 

Even though Linksys no longer actively supports the router, you should still be able to find the last version of the firmware that they provided for it - double-check to make sure that that's the version you have on the router.

In terms of the signal strength loss - if you just sit tight and wait, will it eventually return to full strength, or not? If so, it's possible that there's some sort of interference in your neighborhood (I dunno, maybe something like a trash compactor that's only run once a week or so) that interferes with the wireless signal.

Other than that, since that's an old model, it may have been manufactured a while ago, in which case it could be a lot older than just the 1 year you've had it, in which case it might be ready for the scrap-heap in any event.

 

Ok, thanks all for the help. I'll try putting it higher off the ground, and pointing the antennas more towards the laptops area. The firmware is up-to-date, so if all else fails, I'll just get another router
Thanks !
Mike

 

The antennas should be straight up in the air at about 10-20* apart making kind of a \_/ shaped.

Also, try changing the wireless channel to either 1 or 12 and see if that helps.

 

i agree w/ changing the wireless channel. btw, what channel are you on anyways... 6?

 

Does the connection actually drop out?

Interference is usually the issue with low signal strength.

Try changing your firmware to DD-WRT which is more updated than linksys.

 

This was similiar to what I was going to say. You can try Tomato also. I am using Tomato with my WRT54GS and it is working great. The signal never drops out and the router is on the 2nd floor and I am on the 1st.