Getting a lot of interference but roommate isn't

Aguos

Reputable
Oct 19, 2014
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4,510
Ever since we moved into our new apartment I've been having a lot of issues with my wireless connection. I've narrowed it down to a couple things :

1. The distance between my computer and the router. Its about 15 feet away and has two walls between them.
2. Something is interfering with the signal. My roommate has his computer, a wireless adapter and a wireless mouse in his room which is pretty much in-between my computer and the router.
3. My wireless adapter isn't strong enough. I'm not sure if this is actually possible though.

I don't have the info for my wireless adapter on hand but if it could be the problem I can go dig it up. My roommate thinks that it's the distance but I myself think it's his computer interfering with my signal. What I'm asking is what are ways to test these things out to narrow it down even further and do any of these look more plausible then the rest?

Thanks for reading this long winded post but I'm just about fed up with this crappy connection.
 
Solution
Hello Aguos.

The distance between your computer and the router is probably not the problem. Depending on the router's make and model there will be some limitations but 15 feet should not be one of them. The two walls certainly can be a problem depending on their construction and contents (e.g. wiring, pipes). And what is in the space between those two walls - is it a kitchen, bath, furnace, AC, laundry?

I doubt that your roomate's wireless adapter and mouse are causing the problem. Wireless mice/keyboards have weak signals and are on different frequencies/channels. My wireless mouse and keyboard start losing function at about 6 feet from the receiver.

You can look at the specifications for your wireless adapter but those are...

Ralston18

Titan
Moderator
Hello Aguos.

The distance between your computer and the router is probably not the problem. Depending on the router's make and model there will be some limitations but 15 feet should not be one of them. The two walls certainly can be a problem depending on their construction and contents (e.g. wiring, pipes). And what is in the space between those two walls - is it a kitchen, bath, furnace, AC, laundry?

I doubt that your roomate's wireless adapter and mouse are causing the problem. Wireless mice/keyboards have weak signals and are on different frequencies/channels. My wireless mouse and keyboard start losing function at about 6 feet from the receiver.

You can look at the specifications for your wireless adapter but those are usually established under ideal circumstances. I would expect that the wireless adapter would not have any problems with 15' within most environments. Is your wireless adapter the same brand as the router? Should not matter if all is configured properly. However I have learned that most manufacturer's will quickly blame another manufacturer's product if there is a problem somewhere. I stay with one brand whenever possible.

My suggestions: (from easiest upward.....)

1 ) Try moving the router to another or preferably higher location. You may need longer cabling to do so but cables are fairly inexpensive if you need to purchase any.

2) Try moving your computer's wireless adapter to a higher location. Instead of attaching the USB wireless adapter directly to one of the computer's USB ports use a M-F USB extension cable to raise the adapter higher. Just a few feet can make a difference. Think in 3 dimensions - left and right may help as well. (I use a 10' USB extension for an upstairs system some 40+ feet away - being able to relocate the adapter higher greatly improved my wireless network performance.)

3) Borrow your roomate's wireless Adapter and see if that makes a difference. Or any other wireless adapter you can borrow for that matter.

4) This suggestion is a bit more complicated and mainly requires some deeper effort. First look for any other wireless networks nearby. You should be able to see any choices available provided they are broadcasting their SSID. Those networks could be causing the interference. You may need to select a different, less used, channel on the router. There are two or three freeware products available on the internet that can help identify competing networks and the channels they are using.

If the above suggestions do not work out please post what you were able to do and the corresponding results. Also include what router and wireless adapters you are using. There may be some configuration or firmware fluke or bug to be resolved.... I am sure that other's on this forum will have additional suggestions. Lots of good resources are available.

Good luck. Take care.
 
Solution