Too Many WiFi Networks = Interference?

Question

Howdy All,

I am using an adaptec wifi card and an adaptec wifi router (who know they made those things, eh?). The card is being used on my Inspiron 8200.

I live in an apartment and for the past year the wifi network has worked without a hitch. It uses WEP.

The problem is for the past two days it has had trouble trying to stay connected. I would be on for 10-20 minutes and all of a suddden, it drops and my WinXp cannot even find it. After a few minutes, it finds it again and logs on.

I havent changed anything and the only difference I see is that there are more wifi networks in my range (from 3 to 8). Could there be some sort of interference? Any chance of someone sniffing in on my network causing problems?

I really dont know much about this so any hits on how to troubleshoot would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Daniel

jmwills · Answer

Chnages the Channel on your router and go to the extreme, like Channel 11 or 1.  Six is the default and it suunds like two 6 channels are competing for your availability.

johnallg · Answer

Also employ all the usual security methods - MAC filtering, WEP key, SSID suppression, WAN ping answer disabled, limit the DHCP IP address range to the number of computers you have/want on your network, etc.

Daniel_Riveong · Answer

Hi All, Thanks a lot for your help, I realized how a noob of a question I have asked. Guess we all have to start somewhere. I changed the channel and its working fine now.   Thanks!   Daniel

johnallg · Answer

With all those wireless networks close to you, remember they can see you also and you need to take security measures to protect your network, and definately turn off sharing on your computers.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Too Many WiFi Networks = Interference?

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