Suggestions for a Consistently Strong Wireless Connection New Computer, Wireless Connection Gone Awry Ron Pacchiano
Even if your new computer is a beauty with a wireless LAN adapter built in, your connection could still get ugly. If your WiFi is dropping, here are some simple suggestions to help you pick up some consistent strength in your signal.
Q. I just purchased a new Dell Inspiron 9100 laptop computer. The system is top of the line with Windows XP Professional, an ultra high-resolution LCD display (1900 x 1200), 1GB of memory, 80GB HD, 3.2GHz processor and an integrated wireless LAN adapter. I absolutely love this system and it is without a doubt the best system I have ever owned.
However, nothing is perfect. For some strange reason my wireless connection is dropping every few minutes. I don't understand what could be causing the problem, but it is very annoying. First it's up, then it's down, then it's back up again. I can't stand it anymore. I tried talking to Dell's tech support, but that has proven to be useless.
I was hoping that you might be able to help me. Do you have any idea what could be causing my wireless signal to fluctuate so dramatically? My last notebook, a Sony VAIO with a D-Link wireless adapter, never exhibited this type of behavior. Also, I was curious to know what other variables might limit the range of my wireless network. Even with my VAIO I felt like the range on it was nowhere near the advertised distance. Thanks for your help.
A. Congratulations on the 9100. That's a great system. However, I understand what you mean regarding Dell's tech support these days. It's definitely not up to its past standards.
In any case, I think I have a suggestion for you that should clear up your problem. I've seen this condition before and it's actually a pretty easy fix. Usually this behavior occurs when your connection is configured to use 802.1x Authentication but your current hardware does not support it. To correct the situation all you need to do is disable this authentication process. To disable it, just follow these steps:
Click Start, select the Control Panel, and double-click the Network Connections icon.
The Network Connections screen will appear. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
On the Wireless Network Properties page you'll see three tabs. Select the one that says Wireless Networks.
Select your network connection from the list of available networks and press the configure button.
Now click the Authentication tab.
The Authentication screen will open. Remove the check mark in Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network.
Click OK to close the window and then close all other open windows. Reboot your computer.
Your wireless network should now be able to maintain a signal to your wireless network without interruption. If, however, you're still experiencing the same problem after restarting the computer, then check out this article from the Microsoft Knowledge Base. It goes over these symptoms in more detail and might be able to help you get around the problem. I can tell you that I have had this problem in the past and this solution has always worked for me, so it should work for you as well.
In regards to the second part of your question about what variables could affect the range of your wireless network, the answer is lots of things. You need to always keep in mind that range is limited by the number of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through. Typical ranges also vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic principles:
Minimize the number of walls and ceilings the signal must pass through — Each wall or ceiling can reduce the range of your wireless devices. For optimal results you should position your access points, routers, and computers so that the number of walls or ceilings between them is minimized.
Building materials do matter — A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position access points, routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways as opposed to more solid materials.
Make sure that the antenna is positioned for best reception by using the software signal strength tools included with your product. Increasing the height of the router or access point's placement is also helpful.
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet) from other electrical devices that generate RF noise. The list of such items includes microwaves, monitors, electric motors, and UPS units.
If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home security systems), your wireless connection will degrade dramatically or drop completely. Anything using the 2.4GHz frequency will interfere with your wireless network.
For the average home, range should not be a problem. However, if you do experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to access, consider adding a repeater to your network. This unit should be positioned directly between your computer and your wireless router. When a wireless signal is transmitted, it is very strong. The longer it travels, the weaker it becomes. This continues until the signal has degraded beyond use.
This process is known as attenuation. The repeater works by picking up the weakened wireless transmission and regenerating it. Once regenerated, the signal is rebroadcast in a process that can effectively double the range of your wireless network.
