Wireless Network Range Problem

[vertic]

My wireless router is set-up up in my bedroom and as long as I stay in my bedroom with my laptop I have no problem getting a signal with my wireless card and using the internet. Now, when I walk out of my bedroom and go a distance of 20-30 feet I lose my connection. Can someone please help me as I have become very frustrated .

In case this helps, I'm using the following:
-Speedstream 6520 router (90-100 feet wireless range)
-Linksys WPC54G wireless card (350+ feet indoor range)
-Compaq Presario 2100 laptop

[PrntRhd]

This can be anything from a channel selection issue to the building construction. What type of construction is your home?
How close are the neighbors?
Any other wireless APs showing up when you try to connect to yours?

That router is also not known for a large range or the best firmware:
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/447641.html

[vertic]

I've tried all available channels but it didn't make any difference. A typical wall section of my home would simply be wooden studs and insulation. My neighbours' homes would be apx. 300-400 feet from my home. No, there are no other wireless APs showing up when I try to connect.

[PrntRhd]

Any metal between the router and the laptop?
Any 2.4 GHz phones?

[mossman57]

Yes,what type of router do you have? Are you cable access,if you do how is your tv signal?If you can buy one try getting an inline booster for your cable.
We have a problem with our house ourselves to many tv's and pc's our cable guy installed a booster and we have not had any problems sense.

Worth a shot! :cool:

[vertic]

There is a fridge, washer and dryer between the router and the laptop. Yes, I have a 2.4 GHz phone but it's unplugged.

[PrntRhd]

Looks like it is the default firmware per this blog reply:
http://myles.eftos.id.au/blog/archives/29
(Jordan Brock)
I Suggest you try updating the firmware.
If that does not fix it I personally would try a different router (Netgear and Linksys are both good).

I believe the PCMCIA card in the laptop is not the issue.
The one good thing about that router is it is not picky about the brand connecting to it.

You cannot replace the antenna on that unit, so that type of boost is NG.
You could add a wired AP to extend the range but that would be as pricey as replacing the router with a better one.

[vertic]

I'll try updating the firmware if I can find a site where I can get the updated firmware. I'm currently looking for it.

[PrntRhd]

The other thing to try is moving the router to different position to avoid the laundry/refrigerator blockage.

[vertic]

When trying to update I got the message "No update needed for this device"

[PrntRhd]

Then try the relocation idea, move above the washer/dryer height.

[vertic]

I have moved the router above the height of the washer and dryer and it did improve my connection some. Although, it is still not good and drops easily and often.

[vertic]

Do you think that buying a Linksys router will resolve this problem?

[PrntRhd]

Glad you made some progress by relocating the router a bit.

The Linksys and Netgear routers tend to have higher performance than the Speedstream model you have.
The Linksys can also be outfitted (extra cost) with higher gain antennae for even more range.