Wifi in an apartment

[davexnet]

I'm in an apartment with quite an active wifi community,
here's what it looks like tonight as seen from my desktop client:


Sometimes, it's even busier. I'm on channel 1 @ 100%. Here's the signal strength:



The problem is, I get 2-3 % transmit retries from the client to the router,
a Linksys wrt54gl. I'm trying to figure out if I can improve it.

One interesting thing, if I disconnect the client antennas, signal strength drops to 50%,
but the retries stlll maintain the 2-3% error level - I would have expected it to be higher ?

Is this the best I can hope for in my situation? Any insights appreciated.
Dave

 

[Guest]

The number of wifi networks in your neighbourhood is negligible compared to an inner city area like mine in London -- I can detect anything up to 30 (most on channel 6 or 11).

Even so, at around 30 feet from the router and thru 5 walls I can get a 50% signal -- speed is greatly cut though.

You need to look at other issues.

If you are right next to the router, you may actually be too close.

Try various channels -- some work better than others in different environents.

Relocate cordless phone base or video sender away from router and computer.

 

[davexnet]

Thanks for your response. The most I've ever seen on mine is 10 or 11 connections.
I'm in an apartment, with units to the side and on top (one extra level only),
only parking below, so I've potentially got 8-10 units in the immediate vicinity.

Even when I do the site survey from the routers perspective, using the web interface,
I still get less than 10.

I do have a cordless base near the computer, but does that produce general
interference, or only when it's used?

When I first got the SMC nic, it came with two tiny antennas that screwed into the
back of the card. Reception was terrible. I ended up purchasing an Airlink wifi nic
(that was on sale at a bargain price) Just to get the better antenna it came with.

Usually, earlier in the day when it's quieter, less people home, etc,
transmit errors fall to below 1%.

The router is about 15 feet from the computer, but it's behind a wall
and the furniture against the wall.

Looks like I'm stuck with it as it is for now.

 

[Guest]

I think the cordless base wireless is always on. Though some people report being cut off internet only when calling, that may be an ADSL filter issue. It may vary by model.

Either way safer, though inconvenient to keep it as far as pos away.