Router signal and security questions - HELP PLEASE!?

Question

2 questions please! OK, I set up a wireless network a few months ago, but I am not very tech savvy. Lately, my signal appears to be going in and out (Even though my D-link shows my signal as low but connected, I keep loosing my internet access). Moving the router is NOT an option. What settings can I change on the router to possibly strengthen the signal? Do they sell antennas to pick up better clarity? Please explain how I would change settings on my router very specifically, as I am not familiar with network settings. Thank you.

Also, I have my wireless network currently open. I will be conducting business online, and need to secure my network, so that other people can't access it without a password. How do I go about doing this?

Thank you very much for any info. My router is a D-Link wireless G520 adapter.

Yes, it is definitely my router. It is a D-Link Airplus Extreme G Wireless Router. I left it as open access because my nephew lives across the street from me, and can connect his Nintendo DS to my network to play online. But I will be entering private info, and need to make sure no one else sees it. Thanks.

Answer 1

Additional Details:

Then if thats the router you have its model number is DI-624.
Here are links to all the info on your router that you will need.

Link to Firmware Upgrades, User and Install Guides and F.A.Q.
http://support.dlink.com/products/revision.asp?productId=DI-624





Ok, lets start off with the last part of your words up there. Your router is not a D-Link G520. A G520 is a wireless PCI card you plug into the desktop computer.

The G520 is what your computer uses to talk to the router using RF signals.

That said I have a question for you. Do you actually have a router or are you leeching off a neighbors router signal. If that is the case there is nothing you can really do as you wont have access to the actual router and could be a reason why you cant move the router as you stated.

But lets assume you do have a router and everything is lagit.

There could be a number of things causing bad signal reception.

1) Other wireless networks in the area are on your same freq, channel and interfering with your reception. Ifyou tell me what model router you have ill give you step by step instructions on how to change your channel.
2) Other devices such as microwaves, radios, cell phones and cordless phone are located to close to the router and/or computer. Move these devices atleast 6 feet away.
3) The material of the walls in your home. Concrete is very bad for passing RF through, and many waLLS BETWEEN THE ROUTER AND COMPUTER ARE BAD ALSO. Nothing you can do about this.
4) The location of the router itself. Try placing the router as high as you can in a room, atleast 6 feet above the ground is best.

There are Hi gain omni directional antena's you can purchase also to install on the router and your Computers PCI adapter. Check the following link for a dlink antenna you could use. http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=416

As for setting up security, again tell me what model router you have and ill give you step by step instructions....

Answer 2

You need to follow the instructions in the router manual to set encryption, while in there also change the ssid of the router and it's channel. It may be someone near you has installed a similar machine which is screening yours. Your router is not the same s your adapter.

Answer 3

you will have to examine if there may be an interupption in the course of your connections. different procedures might potentially intercept your connection. or name your web carrier supplier and ask them for one other router and examine the sign.