Wireless Network Connectivity

[Tha Darkness]

Hi, this would be my first post. I read/researched a few pages in the Networking section but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. After reading 3 pages, this is just another wireless issue thread. I'm just getting into Wireless, I know very little, and I'm learning as I go.

Ok, so here goes.....

My friend called and asked why his connection on the network was dropping? He said before a week ago, he had 1Gb connection (viewed in WinXP, signal strength). Now, it drops from 1Gb to 51Mb to 32Mb to 2Mb (Intermittently). He also mentioned, as of 3 weeks ago, he has a few people staying with him (because of Hurricane Katrina). Anyway, they share his wireless connection. The issue occurs when they are all connected AND when he's ONLY connected. I'm not sure on the brand of laptop, the wireless card, nor router. But his internet speed is fine, I had him do a speed test from our support site and came out excellent.

Any particular reason why tha signal drops Intermittently?

Thanks for all that apply, I appreciate it.

[Archangel122184]

Welcome to CTH.

First of all, short of ultrawide band satellite communications bursting in the Tbps range... there is no wireless connection domestically available that tops 108Mbps. (Not 100% true, there is mircowave line of site that can run 500Mbps, but that requires FCC clearence and licensing.)

Second, degrading speeds is usually a problem with channel population. One thing people don't realize about wireless is that every other wireless network in the area effects the performance of yours. You friend should try rotating channels... 1 and 11 are usually the best but are sometimes over populated. In that case 3,4,7 and 8 should be tried.

[Tha Darkness]

Ok, my bad. It's mostly likely 100Mb not 1Gb, you're right on that.

He said his network is secure but I do not know. Actually, I bet it's not secure the more I think about. I need to see if he is capable is logging into his router to check if its secure or not.

But on switching channels, where would you normally find that setting (in any router basically)?

[Archangel122184]

Usually the "basic wireless settings"

[Whiterin]

Also it may be simply that people are not turning their computers off. Even if they are not on them and they are idle or in status they will still draw off the strength, not as much, but still quite a bit... also... what do you use to get 100mbs? Most I have heard of in a home is like... 10.