I have been noticing that my wireless internet slows down during certain times of day. I have also noticed a crowd of questionable characters at the house next door when this happens. I have a cable internet service which is supposed to provide 512k up and 7mbps down. My wireless router reports it can support 54 mbps most of the time but when I notice problems it sometimes reports 48 mbps and occasionally it even drops to as low as 18 mbps. However signal strength remains constant.
I decided to hard wire one of my computers into the cable modem. Now my rather lethargic internet access runs like a “scalded dog”
What do you think is my problem and what should I do about it?
2007-06-01 10:47:19 · 7 answers · asked by Bullfrog21 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Several things, all of them doable via the router's administration web pages (which, by the way, you should make sure are accessible ONLY from a cabled computer, not by wireless):
1. Stop broadcasting your router's SSID. You're not running a hotspot, so you don't need it. This won't stop anyone who already knows its there, but it's still a good idea.
2. Change your router's name so drive-by's can't look for it.
3. Encrypt your network. This by itself should knock any leeches off the network.
3. Restrict or turn off DHCP automatic IP address assignment by the router. Use only a very limited range -- enough for your computers only -- or pre-assign IP addresses to all your machines. This keeps the wireless mosquitoes from hitching on as easily.
2007-06-01 11:38:18 · answer #1 · answered by The Phlebob 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally, wireless is going to be slower than hard-wired. If you have your computer shut off and you see the lights blinking on the router, someone's tapping into it.
Change the password, if you're not using your computer and still think the connection is being hacked, unplug the router.
What you have to understand about cable is that it's shared. Indeed, there may be a lot of activity at your neigbhor's house on the internet, but if they have a legal cable modem setup, you cable is slowing down because someone else in the neighborhood is drawing bandwith from the general connection and not you personally. After people get off work and eat, expect more people to be online and your connection to slow down.
If you really suspect someone's sapping your cable internet service, call the service provider, that's a crime that I'm sure they would be most willing to investigate.
I also understand that there is software that can monitor what's coming in and going out. Check into that and pull their plug, if that's the case.
2007-06-01 11:19:12 · answer #2 · answered by rann_georgia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well generally when you see the connection speed changing its because of noise or interferance. If the signal is constant interferance is the most likely reason for a drop in wireless speed. All that said.. try different chanel.. If you are one the default channels 1, 6, 11 try 4 , 8,9 etc see if you find one that works more consistantly.
If you are worried about "guests" just make sure you are using WPA security Not wep.. and change your SSID to something odd then dont broadcast it!!! You will have to enter the SSID and your password to make it work. those who dont know the SSID cant connect, if they were to guess that they still would need your passphrase.
PS.. your wired connection will always be faster period.. no contest.
2007-06-01 11:07:55 · answer #3 · answered by Tracy L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a router is is somewhat like the backside station for a cordless telephone. it is barely a gadget that sends out a sign. considering the fact which you have already got Cable internet, and your Ibook comes with an Airport card, all you ought to do is purchase a instant router and hook it up on your cable modem. From there, instructions that incorporate the router will handbook you in a thank you to connect. it is no longer a confusing technique, so don't be apprehensive. Routers can run everywhere from $40 to $100US, and could assist you apply your internet everywhere on your place and around your backyard. commonly interior of 100ft from the router.
2016-11-03 08:38:48 · answer #4 · answered by manikas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn on the wireless security in your wireless router. Enable WEP or WAP security and input the security code, called a key. Then when someone tries to connect to your wireless network they will be prompted to input the security key. Since they dont know it then they will not beable to connect to your wireless network.
The manual for your router should tell you exactly how to do this.
2007-06-01 11:08:28 · answer #5 · answered by Taba 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change your password. If you dont have one figure it out.
2007-06-01 10:56:31 · answer #6 · answered by sivart7555 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
change your network password
2007-06-01 10:54:46 · answer #7 · answered by saint 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋