Wireless Connection Fluctuates

[kingofthering]

After recently purchasing a new desktop I have encountered countless problems with my wireless connection. The speed fluctuates between 54Mbps to 1Mbps, and even loading a simple webpage, such as Hexus, can take 30 seconds or more. My laptop, which is in the same room, receives a constant 54Mbps and can browse and download perfectly.

The router is a couple of floors down, and currently uses Wireless-G. I've tried changing the broadcast channel, etc, on the router, but to no avail.

What seems to be the problem, and would getting a Wireless-N router (the desktop wireless adaptor supports N) help?

-Josh

[Terbinator]

Is it a USB dongle or a proper PCI(-e) card?

Also, are you using the latest drivers for it ?

[kingofthering]

Yeah, latest drivers and its a PCI card. I have no idea what's causing the disruption. Would a Wireless-N router help?

[watercooled]

The card would still connect to the router using G so no, although a different router might perform better with G but since you're having no problems with the laptop it's most probably something to do with the PC. Is the antenna oriented the same way as the router?

Edit: Just re-read your OP (missed the bit about the card supporting N), it might help but I'd try to get to the bottom of the poor G performance first as you might end up having the same problem after spending money on a new router.

[kingofthering]

Does the wireless card just not "play nice" with the router?

[Funkstar]

You've tried the latest drivers for the card, what about the latest firmware for the router?

And yes, it is possible that the router and the card just don't get on. Wireless is a complete PITA for that.

[jim]

We had that problem with a top-end Netgear N router and a top-end Netgear N wireless card with external antenna, so no it wouldn't necessarily help.

Try inssider to check the channels nearby, see if there's any interference you can avoid by changing channel again. I know you've already tried, but it can't hurt.

Then try adjusting the antenna (if at all possible).

If you still don't have any luck, then maybe it's a dodgy wireless card in some way, as you suggested. I would be tempted to grab a cheap USB wireless adapter, and test with that. I've found these to be excellent in the past, and it's certainly a lot cheaper than a new router.

[kingofthering]

We had that problem with a top-end Netgear N router and a top-end Netgear N wireless card with external antenna, so no it wouldn't necessarily help.

Try to check the channels nearby, see if there's any interference you can avoid by changing channel again. I know you've already tried, but it can't hurt.

Then try adjusting the antenna (if at all possible).

If you still don't have any luck, then maybe it's a dodgy wireless card in some way, as you suggested. I would be tempted to grab a cheap USB wireless adapter, and test with that. I've found these to be excellent in the past, and it's certainly a lot cheaper than a new router.

Funny you should mention those, as the problem wireless PCI card is an Edimax EW 7711in.

Anyway, I reinstalled the drivers and the router firmware, but the poor wireless persists. I rescanned the surrounding area and chose a different wireless frequency, channel 5, but it appears to have made no difference.

[Funkstar]

What channel are other networks on?

If they are on 6, you are best changing to 1 or 11. All the channels overlap, but 1 and 11 do not overlap 6 which is the most commonly used. I think that's whay Skt and BT have set as default.