Wireless woes...

CrazyBoy78 · 06-19-2008, 11:40 AM

I'm in need of some uber IT help. Here's the story:

One of the offices under my watch has been having problems with wireless. Many of the users only get about 2 bars of signal, while some get 4 or 5, some of those with the same type of laptop (most are using Acers, mine is an HP and I've had no issues)

I've tried changing the channel (since there's a few other wireless networks visible) but that hasn't made a difference. I've tried installing a wireless booster but can't seem to get it working right. When I check the wireless strength, it's coming back between -55 and -59 dBm.

The kicker here is, the office was recently moved to the current location. Before the move, no machine, including the Acers, had an issue with signal strength. Now, it's just the newer machines that can get good signal. I was thinking it might be the structure of the building, but that doesn't explain why I get better signal right beside someone who doesn't.

I'm thinking of updating the Acers' wireless drivers but I dunno if it's even gonna work.

BTW, it's all running thru a Linksys WAP54G (Vers.3) and the range expander is a Linksys WRE54G.

Any suggestions?

onecaribou · 06-19-2008, 01:42 PM

Have you considered adjusting the placement of the wireless access point?

One option may be using multiple AP's via an ethernet bridge.

Do you mind sharing the vendor/model for your AP?

CrazyBoy78 · 06-19-2008, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onecaribou

Have you considered adjusting the placement of the wireless access point?

One option may be using multiple AP's via an ethernet bridge.

Do you mind sharing the vendor/model for your AP?

I just actually found a switch upstairs that I might move the WAP to.

It's a Linksys WAP54G (Vers.3.1)

onecaribou · 06-19-2008, 03:07 PM

upstairs usually = more range.

CrazyBoy78 · 06-19-2008, 03:12 PM

Yeah, moving it is working to a degree. It's just a matter of finding out why the WAP is giving off such an erratic signal (now fluctuating between -74 dBm and -60 dBm)... also got the range expander working but it's not giving off that great a signal (-33 dBm)

Harbinger[TG] · 06-19-2008, 03:13 PM

It is probably the location. It is either near some solid walls, metal, electrical wiring, or lighting.

CrazyBoy78 · 06-19-2008, 03:47 PM

Hate old houses... So it's working much better... but I think I'm gonna have to get another range adapter. Still a couple deadspots within the building.

Blarg.

onecaribou · 06-19-2008, 04:41 PM

I actually get better range at my older home than my parents do at their ungodly new mcmonster. I had to set up 3 AP's to cover the whole thing.

drg · 06-19-2008, 11:06 PM

Have you configured the laptop adaptors to not use powersaving?

Morfesto · 06-20-2008, 08:08 PM

Make sure your not getting any kind of interference from other devices (aka wireless phones and the like) or that your network isn't being flooded by other wireless networks.

How many wireless networks are broadcasting in the same area?

Is your wireless device plugged into a UPS with line conditioning? you may be getting dirty power with lots of brownouts?

06-19-2008, 11:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
CrazyBoy78 I wanna be like Frink... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 1,662	Wireless woes... I'm in need of some uber IT help. Here's the story: One of the offices under my watch has been having problems with wireless. Many of the users only get about 2 bars of signal, while some get 4 or 5, some of those with the same type of laptop (most are using Acers, mine is an HP and I've had no issues) I've tried changing the channel (since there's a few other wireless networks visible) but that hasn't made a difference. I've tried installing a wireless booster but can't seem to get it working right. When I check the wireless strength, it's coming back between -55 and -59 dBm. The kicker here is, the office was recently moved to the current location. Before the move, no machine, including the Acers, had an issue with signal strength. Now, it's just the newer machines that can get good signal. I was thinking it might be the structure of the building, but that doesn't explain why I get better signal right beside someone who doesn't. I'm thinking of updating the Acers' wireless drivers but I dunno if it's even gonna work. BTW, it's all running thru a Linksys WAP54G (Vers.3) and the range expander is a Linksys WRE54G. Any suggestions? __________________ Later........ Andry : ) Proud member of The Peacekeepers, UMSG JTF7 and Rogue Cell #12 My Feedback Stuff for Sale Pretty Duckslide plus more for Sale

06-19-2008, 03:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
CrazyBoy78 I wanna be like Frink... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 1,662	Yeah, moving it is working to a degree. It's just a matter of finding out why the WAP is giving off such an erratic signal (now fluctuating between -74 dBm and -60 dBm)... also got the range expander working but it's not giving off that great a signal (-33 dBm) __________________ Later........ Andry : ) Proud member of The Peacekeepers, UMSG JTF7 and Rogue Cell #12 My Feedback Stuff for Sale Pretty Duckslide plus more for Sale

06-19-2008, 03:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
CrazyBoy78 I wanna be like Frink... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 1,662	Hate old houses... So it's working much better... but I think I'm gonna have to get another range adapter. Still a couple deadspots within the building. Blarg. __________________ Later........ Andry : ) Proud member of The Peacekeepers, UMSG JTF7 and Rogue Cell #12 My Feedback Stuff for Sale Pretty Duckslide plus more for Sale

06-20-2008, 08:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
Morfesto Canuck Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ottawa, On. Posts: 328	Make sure your not getting any kind of interference from other devices (aka wireless phones and the like) or that your network isn't being flooded by other wireless networks. How many wireless networks are broadcasting in the same area? Is your wireless device plugged into a UPS with line conditioning? you may be getting dirty power with lots of brownouts? __________________ Spyder Aggressor -- Palmer stab - milled for timmy bolt Automag -- ULE body - Q-loader - Logic 90° frame Pump Autococker -- Palmer Fatty stab - WWA pump kit PGP -- Kframe - Quick Changer - CooperT Bolt KP2 -- Performance tune and side tube re-addition by Dan Sergison PMI-1 -- Mint

06-19-2008, 01:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
onecaribou MCB Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia,SC Posts: 238	Have you considered adjusting the placement of the wireless access point? One option may be using multiple AP's via an ethernet bridge. Do you mind sharing the vendor/model for your AP?

06-19-2008, 03:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
onecaribou MCB Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia,SC Posts: 238	upstairs usually = more range.

06-19-2008, 04:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
onecaribou MCB Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia,SC Posts: 238	I actually get better range at my older home than my parents do at their ungodly new mcmonster. I had to set up 3 AP's to cover the whole thing.

06-19-2008, 11:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
drg Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,361	Have you configured the laptop adaptors to not use powersaving?