Router's Random Signal Strength.

[SinkingHigher]

Hi.

Alright, this router has been causing problems from day one.

It's a U.S.Robotics Wireless MAXg ADSL Gateway (9108A)

My laptop (HP Pav. dv9000, Vista Premium) is less than a foot away from the router. Signal's great. My brother's XP PC, seperated from the router by a wall about 2 meters thick (I assume pipes are inside) has a signal strength of about 85%.

My mother's laptop (TOSHIBA Satellite A100-036, Vista Premium), directly beneath his, has like, 10%. I always assumed it was the distance.

She brought her laptop up here, within 10cm of the router, and her signal peaked at 30%. Disconnected/reconnected, re-booted. Still the same.

Can anyone please tell me what would cause something like that to happen, and how I can fix it?

Thanks.

[Alan87i]

First off have you tried the laptop in question with different AP's/routers?
Next is check for driver updates for that laptop and firmware upgrades for the router.
Then check the router settings , look for thinks like speed booster if it has it or any other enhanced options. Shut them OFF.
Look for the wireless mode, a,b,g sometimes mixed mode is supported. kill mixed and try G then try good ol B mode only.

After that look up the chipset of the wireless device in the note book and google the number with signal issues or problems.
Fire email's to toshiba support.

[SinkingHigher]

Thanks for the reply.

First, I only have one router, so I don't have anything to compare it to. There are 3 other computers in the house besides the Toshiba. They all get internet fine.

As far as I know, the router has no speedbooster. I read about that kinda stuff before this post. I checked the Web User Interface for anything remotely similar to some kind of signal enhancement. There was only basic things. I looked everywhere. However, I don't really know what to look for. I've never worked with routers before.

I have no idea how to change the mode from a, b or g. I didn't even know you could. I'll look it up and see if I find anything.

My mom would never let me open the laptop. I'll try everything else.

So, for now, I'll try the drivers, firmware, upgrades, etc...