Calling Computer experts, any advice?

[Vista]

Anyone any idea what would cause my desktop only to receive a weak wifi signal from our router when both the laptops we use in the house get a strong one? Even when the laptop and desktop are sat side by side the laptop shows a strong signal while the desktop is weak?

 

I thought it was the network card in the desk top as it only had one aerial and that appeared to be loose. I've replaced that with a new one with twin aerials and whilst it has improved things, the difference is marginal at best

 

Anyone?

[SmokeEm]

I am certainly no expert but logic would possibly dictate that somehow the casing is affecting signal strength (i.e. In a laptop, the aerial will be very much near the edge of the casing)

[Vista]

But the aerial is external on a PCI network card, like this:

 

[SmokeEm]

Ah right Scott - me n PC's don't mix lol

 

Fook knows what your problem is then mate

[Stiggy]

Cordless phone ?

 

Video Sender ?

 

Wireless Door Bell ?

 

Surrounding neighbours with similar or even the router on the same channel ?

 

The fact it only effects the desktop would no rule out any or all of the above.

 

Scan for networks see how many you find and see their signal strength.

 

EDIT: Laptop have always had a better wireless range due to having aerials surrounding the screen.

[Vista]

Don't have a doorbell at all so that's out

 

We do have a digital cordless phone but it doesn't affect anything when it's in use. Would it have any impact sat on the handset in standby

 

At the moment it's showing signal strength fair but normally it shows weak.

 

There are other networks around, how would I tell if they're on the same channel? And how do I switch channels on the router anyway?

 

edit: It does find another network, one with the same make of router as mine............who's signal is one bar stronger, how does that work?

[over_head_cam]

I found that the slot in wireless cards vary in quality and typically for me had poor signal strength and break easily. Mine disconnected itself from the antenna within a few months and needed replacing. I also had issues with interference from my wireless keyboard/mouse dongle. My current desktop has an integral system an seems to work ok, but not brilliantly. But as my router is next to the pc, I plugged the lan in and it's perfect

[Vista]

I used to have the desktop plugged in to the router but as there's no phone socket in the room, I had an extension lead running across to the socket in the hall. It was a permanent trip hazard and I went arse over tit at least once. The final straw however was when my 1 year old developed an interest in pulling the cable out of the socket!

[jayremedy]

The wireless aerial on a laptop goes around the screen so has a much larger pick up area. Laptops usually pick up wireless signals much stronger. It can also be different operating systems and drivers can interpret the wireless signal differently. The bars are a guide more than an actual reading.

 

Hope that helps.

[Vista]

The wireless aerial on a laptop goes around the screen so has a much larger pick up area.

 

That I didn't know, thanks. Guess I'll just have to live with it.

[jayremedy]

No problem. As long as your signal is not dropping out it is fine.