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    Weak Wireless Connection?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by seanryann, Mar 14, 2005.

  1. seanryann

    seanryann Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've had my wireless laptop for about 2 1/2 months. Lately, I have found the wireless internet connection to be weak, and in come cases, sees to disconnect all together. I find this odd, because the prior 8-9 weeks, I have had no problems with the connection.

    The computer says my signal strenght is "low", but it has always said that, and it never seemed to make a difference.

    Right now, the "computer icon" for the wireless connection has a black screen, usually it is "on". I don't know if that makes any difference.

    What could be causing this, and is there anything I can do to fix it?
     
    seanryann, Mar 14, 2005
    #1
  2. pr5owner

    pr5owner Notebook Consultant

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    set your trasmit power to 100%

    -->Asus M6BNe | Pentium M 1.6GHz Dothan | 1024MB PC2700 Micron Ram | Radeon 9700 Pro 64MB | 80GB Samsung 5400 RPM 8MB Cache | Gigabit LAN | CDRW + DVD Combo |
    -->Compal CL56 | Pentium M 1.6GHz Dothan | 1024MB Ram | Radeon 9700 Pro 128MB | 60GB HDD | 10/100 LAN | DVDRW |

     
    pr5owner, Mar 14, 2005
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  3. seanryann

    seanryann Notebook Enthusiast

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    how do i do that?
     
    seanryann, Mar 14, 2005
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  4. pr5owner

    pr5owner Notebook Consultant

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    you should have some type of connection software that came with your laptop, it should be one of the options there, with the intel pro wireless set, its under advanced

    -->Asus M6BNe | Pentium M 1.6GHz Dothan | 1024MB PC2700 Micron Ram | Radeon 9700 Pro 64MB | 80GB Samsung 5400 RPM 8MB Cache | Gigabit LAN | CDRW + DVD Combo |
    -->Compal CL56 | Pentium M 1.6GHz Dothan | 1024MB Ram | Radeon 9700 Pro 128MB | 60GB HDD | 10/100 LAN | DVDRW |

     
    pr5owner, Mar 15, 2005
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  5. seanryann

    seanryann Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't know where that is, but wouldn't it be set to 100% anyway?

    Is there anything in the house that maybe be causing the problem?
     
    seanryann, Mar 15, 2005
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  6. daacon

    daacon Notebook Evangelist

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    Microwaves
    2.4ghZ cordless Phones
    Other wireless networks in your immediate area
    I have also read one story where an individual was storing all his CD'S near the router and the reflective coating on the CD's was interfereing with his signal - they moved them and volia

    Depending on the wireless router you have - you may be able to get some thrid party firmware to boos the power or purchase what is called a high gain antenna to increase the signal strength.

    You can also build you own high gain antenna's with simple household items if feeling adventerous ( http://www.freeantennas.com )

    Acer 8104
     
    daacon, Mar 16, 2005
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  7. bootleg2go

    bootleg2go Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    How far are you from your wireless router? It should get to the low reading until your over 100 feet away or through several walls.

    Jack

    "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" (Ben Franklin)
    http://pbase.com/joneill
     
    bootleg2go, Mar 16, 2005
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  8. pr5owner

    pr5owner Notebook Consultant

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    yeah if you have bluetooth devices turn them off, bluetooth KILLS WLAN's range

    -->Asus M6BNe | Pentium M 1.6GHz Dothan | 1024MB PC2700 Micron Ram | Radeon 9700 Pro 64MB | 80GB Samsung 5400 RPM 8MB Cache | Gigabit LAN | CDRW + DVD Combo |
    -->Compal CL56 | Pentium M 1.6GHz Dothan | 1024MB Ram | Radeon 9700 Pro 128MB | 60GB HDD | 10/100 LAN | DVDRW |

     
    pr5owner, Mar 16, 2005
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  9. seanryann

    seanryann Notebook Enthusiast

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    The router is on the main level. I'm in the basement. I would think it would still work. I'm sure not 100 ft away.
     
    seanryann, Mar 16, 2005
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  10. TopGun

    TopGun Notebook Enthusiast

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    is there something such as a network enhancer?
     
    TopGun, Mar 23, 2005
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  11. LaZzZy_Dude

    LaZzZy_Dude Notebook Evangelist

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    Or get a PCMCIA SMC high power wireless card. IT's great.....bought it for 16$ at tigerdirect.ca and you get new SSID that you would get with a normal card...
     
    LaZzZy_Dude, Mar 24, 2005
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  12. birchnc

    birchnc Newbie

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    Our wireless Dell laptop had a weak internet comnnection. I bought a Hawking Tchnology Hi-Gain Wireless-G Laptop Card HWC54D for about $70.00. This design "blocks wireless interference from laptop components".
    It improved the signal fom poor (20%-35%) to 70%-80%. (802.11b/g)
    Easy to install, it worked immediately!
     
    birchnc, Apr 18, 2005
    #12