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wireless strength varies-no cause?

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7 replies

by twuf 1 view

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At home we have a wireless/cabled network. WinXP laptop with wireless card. Dlink Access Point (o 802.11G. Dell XP computer attached to network with Cat 5 to hub. Cable modem connects to hub. Network runs great. Accessing internet with laptop shows speeds at varying rate anywhere from 1Mbps-48Mbps. This is during a 5 minute interval. Up and down the signal strength is. Once in awhile the laptop gets knocked off internet cause of slow speed. We haven't had this problem previously. Nothing has changed. Do you think there is problem with laptop card - can it overheat? No new wireing or interference causes.Nothings changed. Before i invest in new network card for laptop, any suggestions?

7 replies

by dmiles

Check to see if their is radio being used of microwave being in operation when flux in signal occurs,depending on location ,being near a window can cause the signal to become weaker or stronger,so you may want to check the signal path beore investing in NIC or Laptop and still face the same problem

by thechas

There is a new phenomena of wireless network interference.

It is possible that a neighbor installed a wireless network, and you are having interference from the nearby signal.

Another possibility is "war-driving".
This is where hackers drive around and try to find an open access point.

I would start by changing the security settings on the access point and the laptop for the wireless network.

The next possibility is that the antenna on the laptop card has a poor connection to the card.

Chas

by wlbowers

All good answers. My 2 cents.

Cordless phones in the same frequency range.
Do you life real close to the following:
High Voltage Towers
Radio or TV Station
City or County Services radio towers

Good Luck Lee

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