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    Why is my laptop connection better than my desktop connection?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Datafile, Jan 4, 2009.

  1. Datafile

    Datafile Notebook Enthusiast

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    My friend lives next door to me so I use his internet connection with permission. So when I connect my desktop to his internet, it lags and disconnect while my laptop would just connect perfectly. Why is this?

    I recently got one of those DWA-160 D-Link Wireless N adapter during Boxing Day in Canada and my laptop is a Asus F6V with a wireless N adapter.

    I still can't figure why my desktop adapter is weaker than my laptop. Been trying to figure it out. I know it can't be the programs on my desktop because I reformat my whole computer to test out the adapter alone and the result is still the same. My friend uses a D-Link Wireless N router DIR-615.
     
    Datafile, Jan 4, 2009
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  2. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you have directly plugged in the adapter to your desktop, then try with a USB extension cable from a couple of feet away at different angles.
     
    PhoenixFx, Jan 4, 2009
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  3. Datafile

    Datafile Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have an external network adapter for my desktop. I tried moving it around the table. Could the LCD monitor be the interference? My adapter is about 5-10 CM close to the monitor right now. How far should I move it around? The same as my laptop?
     
    Datafile, Jan 4, 2009
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  4. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    I once used a USB Wireless G adapter with my desktop but finally gave up on the idea due to slow speeds and random disconnections. When I connected it to my notebook I noticed that it had lower signal strength compared to the built in Intel 3945ABG. Most probably due to the tiny integrated antenna or poor construction.

    I don’t think the monitor is interfering. If you can ask your friend to change the transmitting frequency of the router it might help things, if something else is interfering. It could also be a driver problem.
     
    PhoenixFx, Jan 4, 2009
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  5. Datafile

    Datafile Notebook Enthusiast

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    I called my friend to move the router around while I was on the phone and it seems like there is no change. :eek:

    I really want my desktop to have an excellent connection so I can massive download with BitTorrent at night than rather having my laptop doing it. :(
     
    Datafile, Jan 4, 2009
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  6. mooler

    mooler Notebook Consultant

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    What are the specs of your desktop? I have a 9 year old dell that is wired to my router and the speeds are significantly slower than my Acer laptop purchased new in April 2008. my laptop is uses wireless.

    Again, ask your friend to change the channel (frequency) at which his router transmits
     
    mooler, Jan 5, 2009
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  7. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    I suggested you ask him to change the wireless frequency, not move around the router :p
     
    PhoenixFx, Jan 5, 2009
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