Wireless connection problem is troubling me

[gspot1218]

I just bought a wireless adapter for the pc I recently built. After installing and loading drivers everything seems fine. The pc recognizes the local networks, and connects to my home network, though spotty. It will go in and out of being connected which I find strange and when it is connected it may say there is internet access, but when I try to load a webpage it says there isn't internet.

What is especially troublesome is the fact that I have my laptop up and running with the same network uploading/downloading at high-ish speeds (dl 100-200kbps) even with a fairly low wireless connection strength.

Verizon Actiontec M1424WR
TP Link 300mbps Wireless N PCI E (backwards compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g)

I hope this is just a problem with a MAC address or firewall or something but I am not super familiar with networking problems. In the past usually just restarting everything fixed the problem.

 

[Onus]

Make sure the antenna(s) are securely attached. See if re-orienting the PC makes a difference. Are there any devices near the PC or between it and the router that may be causing interference?

 

[gspot1218]

I should have mentioned, The router is up 3 flights of stairs in another room, but that doesn't seem to bother my laptop's wireless connection (which is in the same room as the pc).

@Onus what do you mean by re-orientate the pc? Just moving it? I'll see what happens if I put the PC on top of my desk rather than below it.

Thanks for replying.

 

[Onus]

Yes, anything like that, just to see if antenna orientation is affecting the signal.
Your laptop probably has a better radio in it than the one in your adapter, and/or better antennas.
Here's an adapter I reviewed on 02/04: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=33-704-162&Tpk=N82E16833704162

 

[gspot1218]

So moving my machine on top of my desk rather than below it did improve the connection and I am able to use the internet although it is quite slow and low. It still goes in and out as well.

I also disabled my firewall which may have impacted it also. I guess I could really test it out by bringing it upstairs where the router is. But do you have any other suggestions.

 

[Onus]

Well, you could get a better adapter, and possible a better router, but that obviously involves spending money. Sometimes a better antenna than the little rods that are commonly provided with cheap cards can help; that might be your cheapest option.

 

[feraj]

I just bought a wireless adapter for the pc I recently built. After installing and loading drivers everything seems fine. The pc recognizes the local networks, and connects to my home network, though spotty. It will go in and out of being connected which I find strange and when it is connected it may say there is internet access, but when I try to load a webpage it says there isn't internet.

What is especially troublesome is the fact that I have my laptop up and running with the same network uploading/downloading at high-ish speeds (dl 100-200kbps) even with a fairly low wireless connection strength.

Verizon Actiontec M1424WR
TP Link 300mbps Wireless N PCI E (backwards compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g)

I hope this is just a problem with a MAC address or firewall or something but I am not super familiar with networking problems. In the past usually just restarting everything fixed the problem.