New WRT600N, lower performance?

Hello all,

Yesterday I bit the bullet and bought a WRT600N because my new XPS M1530 is dual band wireless-N, and other desktops are somewhat far away with wireless G. I said hey, fits everything, looks like a quality unit, and has good reviews.

Hooked it up, configured it with the CD. Now, I'm getting less of a Wireless-G signal than my old Belkin Pre-N router, and my wireless download speeds are not even close to what they were (1,100kbps down/1,000kbps up).

Here's my wireless settings:

5GHZ: Wireless-N Only
Radio Band: Wide - 40MHz Channel
Wide Channel: Auto (DFS)
SSID Broadcast: Enable

2.4GHZ: Mixed Mode
Radio band: Standard - 20MHz Channel
Standard Channel: 3 - 2.422GHz
SSID Broadcast: Enable

What am I doing wrong here? Are there other things I should look for to increase download speed/range? This is worse than my old Belkin router, which is now dead!!! I was expecting a little increase in Wireless-G, and large increase in Wireless-N because that's what my laptop now is. The 5GHz band, which is Wireless-N, only gets 2 bars about 25 feet away from the router!!

 

Have you setup the router to operate with N?

 

Yes. The 5GHz is only Wireless-N, the 2.4GHz is Mixed.

 

When you do View status, what does it says, 54Mbps?

 

For the Wireless G, from Status in the router...

Mode: Mixed
Network Name (SSID): LinksysNG
Radio Band: Standard - 20MHz Channel
Wide Channel: N/A
Standard Channel: 3
Security: WPA2-Personal
SSID Broadcast: Enabled

For the Wireless A (I'm assuming 5GHz?)...

Mode: Wireless-N Only
Network Name (SSID): LinksysNGFiveGhz
Radio Band: Wide - 40MHz Channel
Wide Channel: 38
Standard Channel: 36
Security: WPA2-Personal
SSID Broadcast: Enabled

 

On the computer adapter. Right click on the network icon, select the network and sharing, select View status.

 

54mbps but I have excellent/very good signal (right now, I'm outside about 10 feet from the router on the N-only, 5GHz signal).

Currently downloading a 2.3MB file at 6kb/s But on the wired connection, I get 500+kb/s... Not to mention, the wireless strength is absolutely terrible. The Wireless N on the 5GHz travels a SHORTER distance compared to the Mixed 2.4GHz.

 

That's correct, it looks like is using G, and not N at all. Have you tried to disable the 2.4Ghz and leave just the 5GHz link?

 

How's that if I am connecting the the N SSID? Also, if I disable the 2.4GHz, none of my other wireless computers will be able to connect (my desktop and sisters desktop).

So yeah, the WRT600N is broadcasting two SSID's.. one for the Mixed network, and a completely different one for the 5GHz.

 

There you go, match the SSID's and you will get at least the appropriate link over the 54Mbps throughput.

 

I'm already matched. I've always been connected to the 5GHz Wireless-N ONLY SSID, and I'm only getting around 10kb/s download speeds, and it's only a 54mbps connection. What's the problem here?

Even so, why is the Wireless G range LESS than what it used to be?

 

I apologize if I repeat myself, but have you enable in the nic card so it can work with G and N?

 

Tempted to return the WRT600N and pick up this:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8669899&type=product&id=1196470792077

Looks like a better router, even though it's not dual band. Some reviews even say that where the Linksys was getting Fair to Good signal, this router was getting Excellent.

Wireless man, what would you say?

 

I'm a bias person on this one here, everyone knows that I'm a pro Netgear, it is the best router to my point of view.

I actually bought the same one (3500) just to try it and I got 144Mbps, because I'm far from the router. But you are supposedly to get up to 270Mbps if not 300Mbps.

 

The Intel NIC card in the laptop?

In the wireless mode under the NIC configurations for the wireless card there are no options for N. Everything else besides N such as A, B, G, however the 802.11N mode is enabled.

Thing that worries me though is the Wireless G range is MUCH shorter. As with my old Belkin I would get 60% signal strength on my desktop, my new WRT600N does not even get a Wireless G signal at all!!

Edit: I'm tempted to flash this WRT600N with DD-WRT, to see if I can crank up the transmit power. The Wireless NIC's in our desktops aren't weak because with the old router, they worked perfectly albeit low signal, but they still got something. Hell, if I brick the WRT600N I'll just return it and get a Netgear or D-link...

Opinions?

 

Be careful you could get a brick. I would rather return it and get a Netgear.

What nic model do you have?

 

In my laptop?

Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN...

I may just return it and try the Netgear. I'm disappointed with this Linksys' performance in the wireless range. Does the Netgear have better range?

 

I have the same card 4965AGN, and is one of the best. As I said I tried the model you posted and worked out of box. I know it could be a little bit more expensive if you buy it from a store (Staples or Bestbuy) but you have the ability of returning it right away if it doesn't work, be careful with Bestbuy though, I have heard that they are charging restocking fees, so make sure you read the T&C's.

The Netgear "extended" range is certainly a good one, go for it.

 

Wirelessman, I actually work for BestBuy (Geek Squad.. yeah yeah) so I'm good on the return part.

So, is http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8669899&type=product&id=1196470792077 considered "extended range"? I hope so, this WRT600N doesn't even get near what my old Belkin had.

 

use 2.4 for n ,g, use 5 for a . 5 ghz does not travel through walls as well as 2.4 . i have that router and it is great

 

Yes, it also comes with MIMO, which provides antenna diversity to improve reception.

 

I am using 2.4 for N and G. It's not even reaching my old Desktop like my old router used to.

Wirelessman, does that netgear also have dual-band? So one 2.4ghz and one 5.0ghz? Heading out right now to pick it up probably.

 

Nope, the WNDR3300 does. Look at their routers here and choose the one fitting better your need.

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxNEXTWirelessRoutersandGateways.aspx

 

Wirelessman,

In your opinion, should I even have to worry about dual-band or would I just be better off getting a 2.4GHz wireless router (the one I linked)?

 

2.4GHz will satisfy most of your needs. 5GHz has the ability to get you a greater bandwidth because you have more channels in it, then it will ensure you a greater throughput but you will lose a little in coverage because losses increases as the frequency goes up. 5GHz also works with A (54Mbs) in case you have too much interference in the 2.4GHz band.

If you have a 2.4/5GHz nic, I would go with a 2.4/5GHz router.

 

Wirelessman,

Unfortunately BestBuy did not have the Netgear router that I would prefer.

Instead, since it was cheaper (I'd be getting some money back), I opted to go for this router:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8548841&type=product&id=1188561003287

Here is my new speed test, with everything set up:



MUCH better. I was able to download a file from Filefront at 500kb/s, instead of the 20kb/s with the linksys router. The range appears to be a little better, so we can hope that it all works out now.

 

That's a good router too, the speed you'r showing is your ISP connection, but what is your wireless link speed?

 

About 25 feet from the router I am at 52mbps, which is fine for me right now I suppose.

It gets good range, but desktops far away are still having troubles finding the network or connecting. I think I need to run a wire up there with an access point within the next week.

 

Did you get the Linksys N?

 

No,

I got the http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...link&lp=12&type=product&cp=1&id=1188561003287.

Probably going to get a cheap WRT54G2 and configure it to be an access point in our second floor.

 

Sorry, I meant D-Link, so what do you get within the network?

 

What do you mean?

 

What is the throughput you are getting now between your router and the computer with the wireless card?

 

Right now a little ways away from the router, my "speed" is 39mbps.

On Speedtest.net, here's what I'm getting.

Quite nice. I'm very impressed with this D-link.

I also may end up buying a D-link N card for my computer and sisters computer. The G just ain't cuttin' it!

Was that what you were looking for?

 

39Mbps is too low for having an N connection, you should be getting 100Mbps and up.

 

Do you have it set for wide band (40mhz)?

 

No, 20Mhz (standard) I think?

Edit: I'm probably thirty feet from the router with a brick wall, and a "old house" wall.

Right now, I'm on the second floor. The router is in an extended office of the house, so the signal could be going through where the brick wall of the office meets with the office roof, and the second floor side meets the second floor's floor, so two corners if that makes any difference. Not two walls, but two corners.

 

Just for the sake of the experience, since you have a laptop, bring it close to the router and see what throughput you get, if is in the 54Mbps checkpoint, then your nic is working on G and not N, do the test and let's us know so we tell you what to do.

 

About two feet away from the router, I am getting a 65mbps connection.

Little low, eh? Still, in my room 30 feet away I can download a file from filefront at 1mb/s over wireless which is very nice.

 

Something is wrong, you have N router and N nic, you should get as a minimum 144Mbps (300Mbps theoretically).

Look in the nic adapter the option of power transmission, it must be set for maximum.

 

It's set to Maximum...

 

Is the bandwidth set to 40MHz?

 

The channel width in the router is set to 20mhz.

There are two options:

20mhz or Auto 20/40mhz.

 

Put it Auto 20/40MHz, and tell me how much you get now.

 

that's an excellent router- sorry i haven't been helping out here

try using auto 20/40

we've got the setting wrong somewhere. i'll try looking when our 4th of july party is finally over late tonight- wow, 3 straight nights. sleeping all day

have you looked at the Dlink site/forum for help? it will be better than here, I hate to say. Though the advice you've been given so far has been excellent!!! They have specific settings and discuss problems for your your type setup, etc.

i'll check back tomorrow--don't give up or get too frustrated...someone will have the answer for you!!!!

 

Still only getting 65mbps on auto 20/40mhz.

Nobscot, I returned the Linksys router, and I got a D-link Xtreme N Gamerlounge router.

Should I try changing the channel? The channel is at 6, and I've had good luck at channel three before but I don't know much about channels.

Also, It's broadcasting N, G, and B signals. Should I make it only N and G? Would that make any difference? How about range, would that increase the range/speed for G and N? (My wireless G computers are still having troubles at distances where they didn't with my old belkin).

 

yes, can you set the channel to 3, or auto if you haven't. Try that if you haven't. If you don't need B, sure, try setting it to just N/G.

Isn't this dlink link a dual band, but only transmits on 2.4 or 5 at a time-- or is my hangover affecting my memory, lol

 

The channel is at auto right now.

Yes, the router is dual-band but will only transmit one at one frequency, either 2.4GHz or 5GHz. I chose 2.4GHz as my other computers can not pick up 5GHz.

 

Switch momentarily to 5GHz just to see if you can get over 65Mbps.

 

just a thought, what security setting are you using??

N works best w/ wpa2, aes, for increased throughput......

also, i just played w/ the emulator at the dlink site for this router. It is basically the same as my dir 655, which is 2.4 only. I have mine set to N/G, auto channel, TR-Best, Width 20/40, WPA2-AES.

We have our shop in a converted garage and the dir-655 is in our house. We use Dlink N extreme adapters in our laps/desktops and any customers that don't have one. Our network speed w/ the N dlink adapters, shows 300mbps. But w/ the dang Intel 4965a/g/n card, we can only hit 130mbps at the best, in our house or shop. Our wireless printers, Lexmark G, 1 in the house, 1 in the shop, perform fine, but not sure about the spped they are achieving. I'll check to see if the router shows the throughput for them when I have time.

good luck

annie okie