Struggles to connect, but when connected works well!

[scorour]

Hi,
Was asked to replace a wireless router for someone as they just could not connect from a bedroom which was some distance away (in an old victorian style house, very thick walls)

Due to the distance involved, I suggested the Belkin PreN as I use this and have installed many previously in large houses without problem.

On this install, the furthest away PC has problems connecting, when it does connect, it is 'Good' with a speed of 108Mbps and works really well. Problem is, when restarting the next day, the PC will not connect at all. It can see the router OK in the search list, it just spends a lot of time trying to connect then failing. If I bring the router a little closer, it connects fine, so it must be related to his environment.

I believe (and told the user so) that the fact he has his PC locked in a cupboard! that the signal is going to be affected. But the puzzling thing for me, is that when it does connect, it is stable and fast, no drop outs all.

If I sit next to the PC with my laptop, I can find the router and connect OK.

I am visiting there tonight to do a few more tests, gonna run NetStumbler as there are other routers close by, to check on channels.

Just wondered if anyone had some suggestions as to why it is struggling with the initial connect? Are there any tweaks on the OS to help it get the initial connect?

Should I just force him to free his locked up PC from the cupboard?

Cheers for any info.

[M/Q]

You mentioned a Pre N router, is the wireless adapter in the pc from the same vendor and a workable model with the Pre N router? If not then you are not getting the full bandwidth and it might be causing some of the initial connection lag.

It does appear that the problem is more related to signal strength. Is there anyway to attach an aftermarket antenna to the pc and have it located as to facilitate the signal path?

[scorour]

You mentioned a Pre N router, is the wireless adapter in the pc from the same vendor and a workable model with the Pre N router? If not then you are not getting the full bandwidth and it might be causing some of the initial connection lag.

Yes, client has the PreN Wireless card.



It does appear that the problem is more related to signal strength. Is there anyway to attach an aftermarket antenna to the pc and have it located as to facilitate the signal path?

Only problem with the Belkin card is it is the pcmcia type that slot into the back of a mounted PCI card, therefore not able to attach an aerial, unless there is another method for these pcmcia cards?

Cheers for the reply, just going to visit the site, hopefully Netstumbler will show another 10 routers on the same channel, so I can just change it to an unused one :-)

[scorour]

Thought I had cracked it.....Netstumbler showed 9 AP's, 7 of which around the same channel as one I was using. I moved to a channel on it's own away from the crowd, worked fine whilst I was there and the rest of the day, only to get a call the next day saying it won't connect anymore.

I know it is due to the range/environment, not sure what to do now. Really would like the guy to take the PC out of the cupboard, the PreN card is excellent normally, just feel with it being caged in a cupboard along with the very thick victorian walls of the house, is causing the problem. Only fault I can see with the PreN card being pcmcia in a PCI slot, is the inability to attach an extended/external antenna?!?

My laptop next to the PC cupboard shows a signal average of 40db, surely this would be sufficient?

Any suggestions welcome, the guy is driving me crazy!

[M/Q]

Are they using WZC? If so do they have the unwanted wireless networks configured to not automatically associate? That might help.

And as much as I hate to say this, as I dislike them very much. It might be a solution to setup another AP as a repeater and have it closer to the computer.

[scorour]

Cheers M/Q,

Yes it is using WZC, there were no other wireless networks in the preffered list when I left, but then again, it was working when I left, so maybe they have 'tinkered' a little.

I am thinking of trying one of the following:
Using the Belkin software to connect instead of WZC, can't remember if the Belkin client uses WPA tho, or just WEP?

Trying another wireless card with an antenna screwed on the back and positioned outside the blinkin cupboard. :rolleyes:

[M/Q]

I think the last bit was the best solution. If anything you can add a directional antenna to help focus the RF as well.