Weak signal on wireless network

Question

I posted earlier about suddenly having a weak signal on my wireless network. Possibly I have identified the problem. A couple of months ago I bought a handset for my Panasonic phone system. It is a 5.8 GHz phone. Someone on another board suggested that a weaker phone might be interfering with the connection because it was on the same frequency as the router. So I unplugged the new handset tonight and my connection is showing as Excellent again. So I'm thinking the phone might be causing the problem. Is there anything else I can do about this other than not plugging in the phone? TIA

volcano11 · Answer

Since wireless networks operate on the 2.4 Ghz range, it would seem strange that a 5.8 Ghz phone would interfere unless there is something else going on.  Nevertheless, you can minimize interference on the 2.4 Ghz range by changing the channel used by the router to one of the extreme channels (1 or 11).  Try that and report back what you find.   Steve

sooosally · Answer

How do I change the channel on the router?

I'm looking at the router at the moment and there is 1 2 3 4 on the front. Are those the channels? The 3 is illuminated. Occasionally it flashes. I've examined the router and I don't see any obvious place to change that. I'm kind of confused about the phone causing the problem as well because I thought that frequency should be okay. I'm going to plug it back in this morning and see if the problem returns.

dj_cool · Answer

You need to access the router configuration utility to change the channel number of the router. Since details about the router make & model number are not available here, the best thing to do would be log on to the manufacturer's website and look for 'support' section. They generally have detailed steps on how to change router settings. It shouldn't be a problem. However, in case you face difficulty, call the router manufacturer and let them know what you need to do and they will guide you.

sooosally · Answer

Thanks. I plugged the phone back in this morning and the connection says Excellent still. So, maybe it's not the phone after all. Very frustrating trying to figure these issues out.

enigma-2 · Answer

802.11a uses the 5Ghz band, 802.11a and 802.11g both use 2.4Ghz. Personally I thought phones interfered with the 2.4Ghz band.   Anyway, some routers accept connections from either b or a to remain compatible. Most laptops use b & g but some are equipped for 5Ghz service. Anyway, check your specs and see if you can switch service, I.E. from a to b etc. If your currently on 5Ghz, dropping to 2.4 has certain advantages and disadvantages. Never hurts to try.   The lights you see on the router are the LAN connections, your Ethernet cable is plugged into port #3; that's why it's blinking.

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