Wi-Fi signal changing shortly after connecting

THENATHE

Honorable
Jan 4, 2014
10
0
10,510
Hi-
I have a computer using a dual channel wifi usb thing, and its rated up to 300mbps. My mother has the same one on her desktop, but is around 10 feet closer to the router. I get 5 or 4 bars for a second after I connect but then I get 1-2 bars after around 30 seconds. My mom, who is again using the same usb thing and is around 10 feet closer, gets 4-5 bars all the time. I was wondering what the problem is, if anyone could help me. Thanks.
 
Solution
As you seem to have guessed, it's the increased distance which weakens your signal. You could try changing your router's wireless channel to a fixed, high number between 8 & 11, or you can try a WiFi signal booster which sits roughly midway between you and the router.

It doesn't have to be the same make as the router, just as long as it conforms to the 802.11 wireless standards.
As you seem to have guessed, it's the increased distance which weakens your signal. You could try changing your router's wireless channel to a fixed, high number between 8 & 11, or you can try a WiFi signal booster which sits roughly midway between you and the router.

It doesn't have to be the same make as the router, just as long as it conforms to the 802.11 wireless standards.
 
Solution

g90814

Honorable
Apr 11, 2013
1,382
1
11,960
Welcome to the world of wireless networking.

You might try changing the position of the router or your computer, just a few feet can make a lot of difference.

Also, are you using 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz band? 2.4 works much better with obstacles.

The best wireless channels for 2.4Ghz are 1, 6, and 11. Any other channel selection can cause overlap and interferece. If you set your router to 'auto' it will choose the least congested channel.
 
"If you set your router to 'auto' it will choose the least congested channel."

That's the theory, doesn't always work too well in practice. Two routers I had gave very poor wireless signal on auto. Changing them to fixed channel 11 improved the situation considerable. Oh, and don't even think about using channel 1, it's cr*p.