How to Minimize Wireless Interference

[imcurtis]

This is one topic that causes so much frustration in the modern world.  Especially now that we have so many devices that rely on WiFi only for connection.

The issue is only getting worse.  Without writing a book I will say a few things that would make the WiFi world a much better place.

1) Get rid of any and all devices that use 2.4 gig.  That would be B...  G.... BGN.  I blame the manufacturers.  They save something like 2 bucks when they put 2.4 gig chipsets instead of the dual band ABGN chipset.

2) if you have a dual band which is to say 5 gig or the A band then use it.  Sad to say, we have to keep dual band because so many places still only have 2.4 gig. 

3) If you have to use 2.4 on your AP then ONLY USE CHANNEL 1, 6, or 11.  Forget all the rest.  It is to complicated to explain here but when you use any other channel you are part of the interference problem.

I just got U-verse installed and I got "the newest router" as the installer called it and it is only 2.4 gig.

So I turned off the WiFi on this device and connected a dual band ABGN access point.  And there are no more interference problems. 

It is too bad that a big company like ATT will not move forward on this topic.  Plus by default this device will search through all 11 channels in 2.4 and almost never ends on 1, 6 or 11.  So in a neighborhoods where U-verse is very popular they are creating their own nightmare.

nuf said

[tjyorke]

What about changing the channel on the netword card itself?  I am using a desktop with Windows Vista-I have an external wireless usb to connect to my wireless uverse router.  I downloaded the inSSIDer program and the uverse router is already on channel 11-nothing else comes up as channel 11, however, the linksys ae1000 is on channel 6 and there are other wireless routers, etc., that are picking up on channel 6.  I have no other problem with my other wireless devices in the house.  Blackberry Torch, IPAD.  They all connect wireless fine and stay connected.  I should have had the installer put EVERYTHING  in my computer office.  ##**&^T)*Y  and be able to plug in hardwired.  I may have to run a 100 foot cable so that this connection doesn't keep dropping out.  BTW, I did click off the power management for the nic and the usb port...so that they don't go into powersave.  This helped 'a little'.  Any suggestions?  no 2.4 ghz phones...

[SomeJoe7777 ACE - Geek]

If you're using your own Linksys router, then turn off the wireless on the 2Wire router, and move the Linksys to channel 11.

You cannot change channels on a wireless network card when it's in infrastructure mode (i.e. connected to a wireless access point). The wireless access point controls what channel is used, not the card.

[tjyorke]

No, I'm not using my own router.  I was just telling you what my linksys ae1000  card said under the inSSIDer program.  I foolishly let AT&T install that router across the house in my bedroom.  I should have had him put it all in my computer room where my desktop is.  The wireless drops out on my desktop all of the time... I am not conflicting with any other wireless on channel 11, which is the channel my router is on.  Guess I better get a hundred foot ethernet cable and drill holes...

[SomeJoe7777 ACE - Geek · Accepted solution]

Ah, OK, the LInksys you mentioned is the client adapter on the computer.

OK, in that case, then yes, you're running into a range limitation issue. There are a few things you can do:

1. Run a wired connection using Cat5e cable. Most difficult, but most reliable method.

2. You can use powerline Ethernet adapters. These are kind of expensive, and don't work as well as a wired connection.

3. If you have a coax cable running between the two locations, you can use MoCA coax adapters. Probably about the same price as powerline Ethernet adapters, but would probably work better.

4. If you use your own wireless access point, you may be able to do better than the RG's built-in wireless, since you could conceivably buy a router with a higher-powered radio and a better antenna. This would probably cost as much as powerline Ethernet or MoCA adapters.

5. If you have wired Ethernet already running from the RG to somewhere else in the house that's closer to where the computer is, you could use your own wireless access point in that location which may overcome the range issue.

[kcaj]

gave network key to neighbor would like to block access any suggestions

[spd2demun ACE - Master · Accepted solution]

Go to this page, and type in a new password, then hit the Save button:

Use custom Wireless Network Key

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1

Once you change the password, use MAC filtering on this page:

Enable

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1a

Put your devices in the ALLOWED column, anything else in your area, put them in the BLOCKED column.  If you know the neighbor's Network name, you can find his MAC address now and block him there.

This page is for the RGs settings--see if you can change it (if neighbor hasn't already).

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_0_1

IF the neighbor has already changed the passwords, then you'll have to do a factory reset of the RG and start over.  It's a tiny button on the back of the RG.

After you get all of that done, then change your encryption type to WPA2 (not WEP or WAP) as it's really difficult to hack, on this page under SECURITY:

Authentication Type

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1

If you need more help, don't be afraid to come back and ask; we can walk you through it.

I know that's a lot, but you need to get your Network locked down so the neighbor can't ever use it again.

[jp9]

When you say another "wireless access point" to what are you referring? What would I be looking to buy? Do U-verse technicians offer this?

[DonNewcomb]

"3) If you have to use 2.4 on your AP then ONLY USE CHANNEL 1, 6, or 11. Forget all the rest. It is to complicated to explain here but when you use any other channel you are part of the interference problem."

Everyone needs to read this again. The problem is that if your router sees another transmission in its band, it will wait until the other device is done before it transmits. The way that WiFi signals are spread out the best utilization of the WiFi band can only happen if everyone uses only channels 1, 6 & 11. If someone "finds a nice hole" at channel 4 and plops his WiFi signal there, he is actually blocking and being blocked by signals on channels 1 & 6.  Unfortunately the U-verse RGs automatically search for any quiet channel. Mine wanted to lock onto channel 5. They should not be allowed to do this.

Also, "N" routers and other "super" routers on 2.4 GHz can block twice as many channels and also be blocked twice as many other routers. Some people install an "N" router thinking they will get higher speed and actually end up getting lower speed. I saw this demonstrated once on Tech TV. 

[David]

---

DonNewcomb wrote:

Also, "N" routers and other "super" routers on 2.4 GHz can block twice as many channels and also be blocked twice as many other routers. Some people install an "N" router thinking they will get higher speed and actually end up getting lower speed. I saw this demonstrated once on Tech TV. 

---

I just recently learned this lesson with a abgn pocket router (sapido tech) that I bought. Finally turned off the wireless N and has been working since. I also have both access points on channel 11, both have the same ssid, same password, and same everything. "naboo" is very powerful in and around the house now. I was operating on channel 7 (a dead channel) but moved to channel 11 after some interference and connectivity problems. Channel 11 appeared to be the least of problems out of all of them. 

[jlandwehr]

My wife and I have recently started experiencing wireless dropouts at home as well. Got SSID, changed channels, got ATT to send a new router. Signal strength stayed at 50 downstairs after new router installed upstairs. (Signal is 50 even in a room off the upstairs where the RG is. Jumps to 98% in the room where the RG is. Plaster walls at play?)

Got Dell tech to reinstall network adapter drivers, etc. What happens is my laptop hangs at "Requesting" after an hour of browsing and nothing short of a reboot will allow me to brows again. I finally ordered a new 150 mps high power antenna which I'm hoping will solve the problem. As I said, this seems to be a recent issue and am wondering if it's because the routers in the same room as my son's xbox 360. I'll try raising the RG off the floor and changing to channel 11. 

If anyone has any more suggestions, I'm open to them. Thanks to all esp. Joe!

[Creston]

Wow glad i have found this page can't wait to get home to try this out.

[tmbogan]

I downloaded the program but I don't get the 2 split screens on the bottom. I can choose between 3 areas but nothing that brings up multiple information. I just don't know what to do. I had Comcast  and no issues. I got caught up with the promo and whole house dvr. Now when my son is on his xbox playing live and I get on one of the 2 laptops it will drop his connection. I called tier 2 support and they said something about my data not coming back correctly and they would send a tech out to fix it. Im just barely 24 hours into service and Im already having issues which is not making me a very happy NEW uverse customer. I also can't view my dvr storage or pause or rewind tv. Im just so annoyed. Any ideas on anything would be greatly appreciated!

[jlandwehr]

tmbogan,

I can't be of much help I'm afraid. Our service seems to have been better since we had the router moved slightly closer to our stairway. Also, I switched it back to "Automatically" find the best channel. Hardcoding at channel 6 or 11 just gave me problems. InSSIDer is still a decent program if you get it to work. It tells you a lot about signal strength. 

I'd hassle AT&T if you're not happy. They've been pretty responsive to us.

[David]

Something else to remember about microwaves and I took this from a DSLR thread looking for interferences. If the microwave is screwing with your DSL and Uverse signaling as well as wireless it might help to get the microwave an emissions test, or get one of these. This will confirm how bad the microwave is leaking emissions.

ebay link this one is a bit more easier with a safe zone and a danger zone : http://goo.gl/nnzP1

If it's close to the danger zone I would imagine I would just have it replaced as it probably is causing havoc in your house. I had a cheapie wal-mart microwave leak pretty badly.

Here is another one (a bit more expensive, but gives you a bit more on the meter side) : http://goo.gl/HxwTG