Spotty Connectivity, but mostly desktop affected

[jordan1794]

Alright, so I've got a complex issue that I've all but given up on solving myself.

PC Specs
MB:Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK ATX
PSU:EVGA 850W 80+ Gold
PCI WiFi Adapter: Rosewill RNWD-N9003 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166076 )
OS: Windows 8.1 Pro

The internet connection is incredibly spotty for my desktop. We have two WiFi networks in the house, one through the xfinity router and the other through a rather ancient Linksys router.
The xfinity router will give me fantastic WiFi...when I first connect. I'll have speeds of 10 Mbps+, but within a minute or so the connection completely dies, I get nothing...only short "pulses" of 0.5-1.0 Mbps (They only last 2-3 seconds, so I MIGHT get a webpage to load)
Reconnecting will bump it back up, but within a minute the same thing happens.

The other network gives me enough to get by, 1-4 Mbps, but it goes out completely very often and I can barely even stay connected to it.

The strange thing is, other times both networks will work just fine, no issues at all!
Even stranger, no matter what is happening with the networks, my Ipod can connect just fine, the ping is MASSIVE when the WiFi networks are having issues with my desktop, but the download speed is still there, it's still useable (1-2 Mbps)
This is sitting within 2 feet of my computer that, at the same time, can't even get enough WiFi to login to the router, let alone access any websites.

What could be going on? My neighborhood is quite crowded on WiFi, sometimes there will be 4-5 routers running on each of the main 3 channels (1,6,11)
But it confuses me, as if that were the problem wouldn't my Ipod also have issues connecting?

WiFi signal strength for both networks hovers around 50%-75%.

my brother pays for the internet, refuses to let me upgrade it (and pay for it myself) or change out the routers...
My thoughts:
1. Brother literally has hundreds of steam games, as well as every console from this generation and last, I know his devices are CONSTANTLY downloading things, perhaps with connection is just overloaded? Still begs the question of why my Ipod can still get some speed while my desktop gets nothing
2. Crowded wifi channels, but again...why does my ipod work when the desktop doesn't?
3. Maybe the routers just really hate my computer?


*****Important note! I have also used a Netgear USB adapter, as well as my current PCI adapter, with other internet connections and they were flawless, no issues at all*****

 

[bill001g]

You really should not run 2 wireless routers unless you are doing it to increase coverage in a area. You need to be sure you run these on 20mhz channels if you run 40mhz it either run 1&6 or 6&11 so you get a overlap on 6.

The main issue with pci devices is the antenna are located very close to the metal case and if you are like many people you stuff the machine under a table against the wall. This blocks the signal from almost all directions. Other than putting the machine so the antenna faces the router there is no inexpensive way to fix this. This is why some people use USB devices because you can easily put them remote from the computer on USB extension cables.

You might if you work at find the source of your interference but unless it is your brother downloading games and you can make him stop there is not a real way to fix most things. If it is your neighbor making a backup to his nas its not like you can fix that.

You best bet would be to buy a powerline network kit to avoid the wireless issues completely. A actual ethernet cable would be best but not a option for many people.

 

[jordan1794]

You really should not run 2 wireless routers unless you are doing it to increase coverage in a area. You need to be sure you run these on 20mhz channels if you run 40mhz it either run 1&6 or 6&11 so you get a overlap on 6.

The main issue with pci devices is the antenna are located very close to the metal case and if you are like many people you stuff the machine under a table against the wall. This blocks the signal from almost all directions. Other than putting the machine so the antenna faces the router there is no inexpensive way to fix this. This is why some people use USB devices because you can easily put them remote from the computer on USB extension cables.

You might if you work at find the source of your interference but unless it is your brother downloading games and you can make him stop there is not a real way to fix most things. If it is your neighbor making a backup to his nas its not like you can fix that.

You best bet would be to buy a powerline network kit to avoid the wireless issues completely. A actual ethernet cable would be best but not a option for many people.

The USB adapter I was using had the same issue, had a 3 foot long cord for it too. No matter where it was located the same issue arose.

I just tried and I can literally stick my Ipod INSIDE my desktop case and it still gets decent WiFi, while at the same time my desktop itself is getting nothing.