SLOW WiFi

Curry · 05-09-2006, 10:32 AM

Im using a linksys 2.4 GHZ Wireless G USB Adapter (Model: WUSB54GC)

I get a "very good" for my connected status and its connected at 11Mbps.

The problem I'm having is, it's very slow. I can barely load the google homepage and then sometimes it will load very fast and when i try to load another page it will go slow again and fast and slow and sometimes just slow all the time. I tried to transfer some files and it started at an ok speed and just completely went dead.

I tried updating the drivers I tried another adapter I even switched brands and the same thing happens with each one.

The router model is compatible with it

And my car is only roughly 15-20 feet from my router.

Any idea on what I should do? Or try?

Curry · 05-09-2006, 10:33 AM

Oh I'm also using USB 1 but I was told that it should still go much faster.

sama · 05-09-2006, 10:53 AM

switch to usb2! usb1 is very very slow. I can't remember exact figures, but something like 2mbit if you're lucky.

also, get a pci adaptor if you can, u'll get even faster + external antenna ability

Vinister · 05-09-2006, 11:01 AM

in my experience, wireless simply sucks.

I tried using it for my home connection for a while. With 'excellent' reception, 10 feet from the router, I got the same symptoms as you. If I went to a connection speed test, it would test nice and fast. But when visiting webpages, it's very inconsistent, sometimes working, sometimes not. Alot of times it would just lock up and not work at all. No amount of connecting and disconnecting would work, I had to unplug the usb and plug it back in, even reboot sometimes.

I think it works ok in front of ppl's houses in situations where you just need something quick. But as a permanent, everyday connection, forget it!

I ran a CAT5 along the floor and I'm MUCH happier! In Utorrent, I went from 5-10 kb/s to 180-200 kb/s, which is the difference between a DVD taking a day or 2 weeks.

A big box of cat5 is only about $60 for 1000 feet, and the tool and ends will run about $20. Its easy to crimp and you can bring your connection to any corner of the house.

Curry · 05-09-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by sama

switch to usb2! usb1 is very very slow. I can't remember exact figures, but something like 2mbit if you're lucky.

also, get a pci adaptor if you can, u'll get even faster + external antenna ability

I heard that the PCI would be better, I have 3 PCI slots on my MB so i guess I'll give that a try.

Jahntassa · 05-09-2006, 12:09 PM

Also your 'compatible router' doesn't tell us anything about it. That could be where some of the problem is.

Curry · 05-09-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa

Also your 'compatible router' doesn't tell us anything about it. That could be where some of the problem is.

its a linksys 2.4 ghz 802.11b model# befw1154

Curry · 05-12-2006, 01:03 AM

Just an update:

The PCI card did it. BLazing fast wifi transfers!

sama · 05-12-2006, 02:27 AM

glad to hear it... now where can I find a pci card low enough to fit in an ampie case?... perhaps I need to change my case!

JPMG · 05-12-2006, 08:01 AM

Just FWIW on the wireless .... when you hooked it up to USB 1, the USB limited it to about 11 MBS. You can not get G speeds (54 MBS) on a USB 1 connection, only on a USB 2 port.

A cheap help for the router would be better antennas. You can get 9dB replacemnt units that attach directly to the router and give you a good boot for both speed and range.

For the car, if using a USB receiver, try placing it high up. Mounting it on the windshield (above/behind the mirror), then routing a cable down to the computer will make a noticeable improvement to the reception.

WIFI for home use is not too bad, assuming you have the upgraded antennas on the routers and there are no major items in the place to deflect the signal. A good rule of thumb is that your effective speed is about 1/2 what listed. So a 11 MBS connection is about 5-6 MBS (enough to keep up with a 56K modem feed) and 54 MBS would keep pace with a cable modem/DSL feed. You really won't be able to keep up with a typical home 10/100 Cat5 based home network until you are at the SuperG or 108 speed wifi cards.

Cheers!
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