I have recently upgraded my home network and now have a new router (Netgear DGN2200) and new desktop and laptop PCs. Having changed from Wireless-G to Wireless-N in the process, I now have a few queries!
Both PCs are HP, but with different WiFi adaptor modules. On the desktop the list of available wireless connections usually shows my LAN, my neighbour's and perhaps one other. However the laptop shows mine, my neighbours and at least six others (including a wireless printer and a 'phone). This difference occurs whether the two PCs are next to each other, or in different parts of the house. So...
Question 1: why should there be such a difference in what is detected - is this just due to the different models of adaptors?
The desktop WiFi works fine with a full signal strength. The laptop is normally used elsewhere in the house (further from the router) and signal strength is usually between 2 and 4 'bars' on the WiFi icon. Occasionally the laptop loses connection, but usually then reconnects automatically after a short while; however on one occasion it would not work again until both laptop and router had been re-booted and the WPS connection button pressed again. No such problem with the desktop. So...
Question 2: in the absence of any obvious reason/fault with the laptop, is this likely to be the result of some wireless interference from outside, and if so then how can I test for that?
The router selects a channel automatically and usually picks 1 or 6. I have tried selecting other channels manually, but it seems to make no difference. In case the problem comes from outside interference, then I wondered about putting a WiFi 'range extender' close to the laptop, but not knowing much about such items...
Question 3: would this in fact 'block out' any outside interference, and in any case would not the signal between the router and the extender still be subject to such interference?
Any advice please? Thanks!
Both PCs are HP, but with different WiFi adaptor modules. On the desktop the list of available wireless connections usually shows my LAN, my neighbour's and perhaps one other. However the laptop shows mine, my neighbours and at least six others (including a wireless printer and a 'phone). This difference occurs whether the two PCs are next to each other, or in different parts of the house. So...
Question 1: why should there be such a difference in what is detected - is this just due to the different models of adaptors?
The desktop WiFi works fine with a full signal strength. The laptop is normally used elsewhere in the house (further from the router) and signal strength is usually between 2 and 4 'bars' on the WiFi icon. Occasionally the laptop loses connection, but usually then reconnects automatically after a short while; however on one occasion it would not work again until both laptop and router had been re-booted and the WPS connection button pressed again. No such problem with the desktop. So...
Question 2: in the absence of any obvious reason/fault with the laptop, is this likely to be the result of some wireless interference from outside, and if so then how can I test for that?
The router selects a channel automatically and usually picks 1 or 6. I have tried selecting other channels manually, but it seems to make no difference. In case the problem comes from outside interference, then I wondered about putting a WiFi 'range extender' close to the laptop, but not knowing much about such items...
Question 3: would this in fact 'block out' any outside interference, and in any case would not the signal between the router and the extender still be subject to such interference?
Any advice please? Thanks!