LancerChronics on 9/5/2010 at 01:58
So, back at home and brought my new Desktop PC with me. But it turns out I don't have a wall hookup in my room. But anyway, the bullet points:
-Had Old router (for 4 years at least), convinced parents to get new rounter (Linksys E3000).
-Have Old Laptop (connected to old router (via G) with 4/5 bars). Connects to new router 5/5 bars.
-Desktop PC lacks wireless, so I got a brand spankin new USB wireless (N) adapter ( (
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-AE1000-Cisco-Linksys-High-Performance-Wireless-N/dp/B003B20F5E/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b) link ). (Also part of the new E series)
-From same location, adapter gives 2/5 bars. On new dual band router.
-Its stable....but still, I want my bars. New tech should work better.
So. WTF?
Thoughts would be helpful.
Other notes: Router has set transmission power to "High" for both 2.4 and 5.0 ghz.
Al_B on 9/5/2010 at 09:35
Do you actually have a speed problem with the computer wireless adapter? I don't think it's worth comparing the signal strength rating given by your laptop to that shown by the USB adapter since they're completely different chipsets and protocols.
It looks like your wireless adapter comes with a stand. If you are using it can you move your adapter slightly to see if the signal improves. I've found (
http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/) netstumbler to give more information about signal strength than the built-in Windows software.
LancerChronics on 9/5/2010 at 18:04
Hmm. I guess your right. I looked closer at the details of my wireless connection and noticed that my laptop is connected at a rate of 54 mbps with a full 5 bars from the old router. With the new adapter and router, 2 bars equals 72 mbps. The new router says it can transfer at a rate of 300 mbps wirelessly.
So maybe the bars are just an expression of a percentage of that 300?
Sadly, the stand cord isn't long enough to give a boost from any position atm. Though strangely enough, the guest-version of our network shows 3 bars to the regular networks 2 bars. Of course, the transfer rate may be limited for guests.
