Can someone help with my wi-fi?

[EM2]

My wi-fi is giving me grief. I'm on Virgin Media, their modem is connected to a Belkin G router. I have a 1.2GHz Netbook (built in wi-fi) and I get an excellent wi-fi connection every time. Same with my iPod Touch. But my 1.8GHz desktop (USB adaptor), almost no connectivity pretty much every time. If I keep renewing my IP, I eventually get decent connectivity but it can take a dozen attempts or more. I make sure that only one device is using the wi-fi at any one time. Why does this happen? It is REALLY hacking me off

 

[Dai.]

Can I ask a few questions?

How old is your Desktop?
Where in relation to your router is your Desktop?
Are there any walls or electrical plugs in the way?
Is there a cordless phone attached too or next to the router?


What version of software, make and model adapter are you using in your desktop?


Thanks

 

[EM2]

Desktop is about five years old running Win XP, the router is in the living room, while the desktop is in the bedroom about thirty feet away in a straight line. There's one wall between them.
Cordless phone is about halfway between the two.
The adaptor is one of these:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/54mbps-usb-wi-fi-adaptor-44633

 

[table38]

One thing I discovered, whilst trying to set up a friends laptop and wireless router on his dining-room table, was that they were just physically too close together.

Imagine the radio signals from the router are like a beam of light from a torch. (They aren't but its a suitable analogy). If the two devices are too close, the "beam" might not have spread out enough for them to communicate.

Also look for other things using the same wireless channels. Now you might think that its not the wireless channel because most of your kit is syncing up OK, but you will always get the odd device that is sensitive. In my experience, chaning the wireless channel can work wonders.

 

[Dai.]

What I can probably say it is, is the fact that it's an old computer, mixed with an adapter, could slow down the connection anyway

But as posted above the torch works well, Walls and Cordless phones also interfere with it - Slowing down the connection speed and making it harder to connect.

Try moving the phone/router to a new place.

 

[ainsworth74]

Perhaps setting up a fixed IP address for the adapter might help? I only suggest as you say you keep renewing IP address to eventually get a decent connection. (I should also add that networking is not my computer forte!). Otherwise the rest of the above advice seems to me to be pretty good.

 

[Blue Pool Halt]

Put an extension lead on the USB adaptor so it can be placed in a better position in relation to the router .
As stated, change the router channel to one not being used by neighbours etc . 'wifitrak' app is great for 'seeing' what is around you wifi wise.
The transmissions from the router antenna emanate in a doughnut type fashion - moving the orientation of the router antenna can make a difference .

 

[GoByThameslink]

If the iPod Touch and the Netbook connect with a good signal strength when right next to the desktop, then that suggests it could be a problem with the desktop; if none of them work then it is more likely to be a lack of signal.

Also, try moving the adapter - get a USB extension cable (like this one), as the signal might be being blocked by you or your computer. If all else fails, you might switch to Ethernet over Mains.