Will a new router solve my connection problems?

If you are satisfied with “g” speeds, you can add a repeater to your network to boost the signal. If your computer is equipped with “n”, you may wish to replace your router with an “n” capable one.

Have you looked at the settings in your wireless router for a TX power setting? On one of our routers the default setting was only ½ power. Check for the same setting on your laptop as well. You can buy remote antenna for some routers. This would allow you to place the antenna in a better location for full coverage in your unit.

Metal studs? Forget it; either move the router, follow @csimme01‘s advise, or forget wifi. My buddy has metal studs in his wall and wifi access if effectively limited to his bedroom. A “stronger” router didn’t help him and won’t help you. Here is why .

Also, upgrading to a wireless-N router won’t help your laptop since you need wireless-N on both ends to work at full-tilt.

@jerv So in short, I’m fucked :) Thanks for the info though!

I don’t think you’re fucked. As I said, if your computer isn’t N capable you don’t really need an N capable router, but you can add a repeater, or buy or make a better broadcasting antenna. There are how-to’s and videos all over the web.

@pdworkin I’ll look into getting a repeater, but if the studs are such a big problem I might as well just wire it.

@gggritso Not at all! A repeater would have you fully functional in no time. Depending on where you put it, the studs issue will be at least partly mitigated and possibly overcome.

Ethernet’s a lot faster anyway.

@pdworkin True, but for those of us with 1024/384 DSL, it makes no difference on the ‘net and the files I transfer on my network are generally small enough that 802.11g is perfectly fine for me, and likely more than adequate for most other people as well. If I ever upgrade to wireless-N, it won’t be for the speed.

Try to re-position the router and see if you can get better signal. Also, make sure that you do not have any other devices operating on the 2.4ghz range like the WiFI does. The metal studs can be a problem but I have seen really wierd things happen with B/G Wifi and 2.4ghz phones. One friend had trouble for 6 months, we tossed his 2.6 phones and replaced them with 5.8 and that fixed it.

If the problem is interferance from a device the repeater idea may not help depending on the location and strength of issues.

What kind of distance from the router to the laptop are we talking about?

Actually, we have some cordless phones which I’m planning to replace soon, maybe that’ll help. The distance from the laptop to the router is probably around 25 feet, two walls between them. Also, a mirror, if that changes anything.

Thats a pretty short distance, the reflective surface on the back of the mirror could bounce signals if its metal (I think usualy it is).

Did this ever work well?

No, I don’t think it ever did. I guess I’ll just have to start trying stuff, one by one :)

I would start with moving the exisitng one if thats easy, then try to replace the router. You can also pull the batteries out of the cordless phones and see if that improves anything.

All the cordless phones have been replaced with DECT ones. No improvement. Next step is trying to move the router somewhere.

That sucks :(

I’m sitting two feet away from my router, in direct sight. My connection is still utter shit. I don’t think the studs are the problem.

Firmware?

Newest version. Maybe I should consider using something third-party before I get a new one.

I’d Google for one. I hated my router until I swapped for 3rd Party firmware.

I would toss the router at this point, get a good one like a Linksys WRT54GL that you can run 3rd party firmware on.

I have also had good luck with the:

ASUS WL-500g
WHR-HP-G54

They can run 3rd party firmware like DD-WRT, although if you dont need the features there isnt much of a reason to change with a decent router.

The raido is probally burned out in it.

I decided not to shell out for a GL just yet, and got a standard WRT52G2 and it’s working great so far! Thanks for the advice, guys! I probably won’t bother with custom firmware for a while :)

Fantastic! Good to hear!