Xmas=New Wifi Devices=More Wifi Problems

GunJack

Guys,

you can tell it's coming up to xmas, with the influx of wifi-related problems around at the moment as people buy/connect new routers/laptops/etc. so here's a little tip for you all...


If you are experiencing wifi issues, dropouts, etc. run inSSIDer to make sure you set your router to a channel that's least congested in your locale. Doing this first will probably sort out the majority of wifi-related issues before getting into more complex problems.

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

Make sure you know your router's SSID (network name) and password, so you can identify and change if needs be.

Happy Wifi-xmas all

Rikki

What are the recommended channels for wifi?

Just installed and run it.
I am alone on my chosen channel with a reading of 58/60. There are only three other routers showing plus the BT openzone etc.

DatabaseError

Rikki wrote: »

What are the recommended channels for wifi?

hard to answer as nobody but you can find out for you which channels are being used by your neighbours, just run the app and you'll see a lits of stations (including yours) and the channels they're running on, then move yours (if necessary) to one of the least congested.
I'm lucky that ALL my neighbours apparently use channel 1, and I don't, never had a problem with wireless connections though we do only have 9 connected devices currently (+1 as we add an xbox at xmas)

edit - as you're alone on the channel though all should be good

mr_fishbulb

Looks very similar to netstumbler - does it have anything to do with it?

[Deleted User]

I've got an android app that does the same as inssider... it's pretty cool to wander around the house checking out the different channels in use

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMSwiY29tLmZhcnByb2Mud2lmaS5hbmFseXplciJd

GunJack

mr_fishbulb wrote: »

Looks very similar to netstumbler - does it have anything to do with it?

similar application, yeah, but different developer. I tried NS after inSSIDer, and didn't like it as much, so I stick with inSSIDer.....personal preference and all that

Grampus8

Good tip GunJack, Merry Christmas.

Grampus8

Any tips on the best channel for a BT HomeHub? Channels 6 & 11 look particularly congested although these are the ones that are recommended. CAn you use any channel?

sickofusernames

1, 6 & 11 are the channels which don't overlap each other (802.11g) but using wireless N it covers a wider signal bandwidth so slightly more difficult but it's a case of trial and error if you have loads of wifi signals in your street.

Never had problems myself but Inssider is good to check occasionally.

GunJack

Grampus8 wrote: »

Good tip GunJack, Merry Christmas.

cheers gramps, you too :santa2:

elsien

Probably daft question time, but how do you change channels on the router? I know I need to do mine but I'm not sure how to go about it and can't find the info that came with the router.
Thanks.