Why doesn't my wireless connection maintain the same speed?

Question

I've just begun to go wireless in my flat, with the Netgear router. Initially, the speed is 54.0 Mbps, which is very good for me. However, I notice that there are times when the speed is reduced to 24 Mbps, or even 1 Mbps (yes, only 1). And then some minutes later, the speed is better, but maybe after a few hours, it is slow again even though my laptop isn't moved anywhere.

Is there any method to help maintain the same speed?

Answer 1

Make sure no one else eg your neighbours are managing to share/steal some of your internet connection especially if you are in a flat. This will affect your speed.
Firstly, limit access to your network by limiting it only to the computers you choose.
To do this, find out the MAC address of each computer you have by going to run & typing cmd & at the prompt type ipconfig /all
You will see a physical address shown, this is the unique MAC address of each wireless card on each computer.
Please write this MAC address down & do same for each computer.
Go into 192.168.0.1 (your account).
Go to "set password" under Maintenance on left. Change the login password to access your account (the one used with admin which has a default password of password)..Because if I know the default password then so will others! Remember to write it down.
Then, click on "wireless settings" on left, then on Set Up Access List & put a tick in "Turn Access Control on" Then add the MAC (physical) address for each computer shown on your network, into the "Trusted Wireless Station" section. Check that these MAC addresses agree with the ones you have written down before. Click apply.
Then if you haven't already done so set up or change the WPA-PSK security access key for your network. (or wep if you haven't got WPA-PSK option)
Lastly, this is something you can do... When you have got all your computers set up & able to access the net from your router then
& only then, disable the broadcast of your SSID.
Note that in the future now that you have disabled broadcast of SSID, dont change any settings in your account without using the
ethernet cable & after the change enable broadcast let your computers see the broadcasted SSID to connect again & then disable it again.
As regards to interference, I was told by Netgear helpline (yes I survived the experience!), that channel 6 & 11 (preferably 11 were least likely to be affected by this. (I use channel 11)
You may also try checking on the Netgear website to see if there are any firmware upgades for your router which they bring out from time to time.
This is all I know to help...good luck

Answer 2

These are all unstoppable. Somtimes the signal is stronger and sometimes its weaker, it could be the router itself (I have a WGR614v5, which has networking issues), it could also be the amount of electrical appliances around the router, say within a 5 metre radius. If you have it near your kitchen i suggest you move it.
Also check the netgear site for any possible networking issues that router has.

I have the same problem even with the wired connection. You could try downloading Tweakmaster from www.phazeddl.com, it may help.

Answer 3

All sorts of objects can affect radio propagation, even your own body. Perhaps an object is moving in between the line-of-sight/primary zone, or perhaps an object is actually serving to reflect the signal in your favour but this object moves out of the way on occation (your body, a door).
Perhaps some other electrical appliance is generating broad-spectrum radio interference that is affecting the wi-fi signal (eg. microwave oven).
Perhaps there are so many people in surrounding flats within range that are also using wi-fi that there is not enough channel-space to maintain optimum speed, so you start sharing channels with other people. If you try testing speed-consistency out of normal waking hours (say 4am), this might help you proove this.

Answer 4

Simply the change in speed is a combination of your distance from the netgear box and interference. Other electrical equipment and other wireless networks can effect the speed. And not just your equipment.

Answer 5

its always a misconception that the speed quoted by the service providers is the speed you'll actually get..When they state "24mbps" this is the maximum speed possible on that line. This depends on the distance you are from the exchange (where the signals are sent out from) and unless you're living right next to one, you're always going to receive a diluted speed..

Answer 6

Wireless speed depends on distance, temperature, and also for stability of RF Amplifier that the AP uses.

Answer 7

If you saw the program The Real Hustle on tv last week you would not use wi/fi
they stole a guys identity credit /bank details while he was booking a holiday on line

Answer 8

I had this prob. with netgear we moved it closer to comp. it is now about 50 feet from comp. and has been working good for several months