wireless signal strength

Question

My son's laptop looses signal strength when he goes upstairs to his bedroom. He has a true mobile network card (external) and the router is downstairs in the basement.

Is there a way to boost the signal strength when he is at his desk in his bedroom?

johnallg · Answer

Move the router to the ceiling away from any metal.  Or if you have forced air, run a Cat5e cable to his desk up the air duct.

ryri · Answer

about running cable in ducts:

while typical cable should be just fine, they do make special cable for running in ducts and walls. It's supposed to resist heating much better and not give off toxic fumes when heated to high temperatures (something the other cables might do, but aren't required to do).

viper11885 · Answer

have you tried to change the channel number?? perhaps there may some interference.. if you change the channel number, it might prevent this..

other than that,i would also suggest that you try to move the router and place it in a more "better" spot... it'll dramatically help.

jsapyta · Answer

Try putting the router higher up, like on a bookshelf, or on a top of a deskshelf.. You be surprised what little elevation can do to a signal.

nages · Answer

how do i change the channel?  I have other desktops that are wireless into the same router as well

johnallg · Answer

Click on this link (http://my.router) and login.  There is a spot to change the channel.  The wireless computers should follow the channel change.

johnallg · Answer

A very good caution, which I knew, but didn't feel the heat in a home duct is all that high to worry about it.  Ryan is correct.

viper11885 · Answer

to change the wireless channel, you need to log into your wireless router and there will be a setting there for you to select what channel you want to use.. for more detailed instructions, you should check your wireless router's manual..

then, go to device manager > double click on your wireless card in the list under Network Adapters > under advanced tab > there should be a setting to select what channel you ware currently using for the router.. make sure that you select the right one and then do a restart.. it should be working properly after that.

phork · Answer

You might try placing the router upstairs instead of in the basement. The signal will be stronger up above than below. Essentially you will be reversing the process you already attempted. (That is if you trust your son with physical access to the router!)

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wireless signal strength

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