DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted August 6, 2013 Something else to consider - is the channel that your wireless router broadcasts on shared by a bunch of other wireless networks too (neighbors)? If so, you might get increased wireless performance by switching to a less used channel. More reading: http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3357521/10-reasons-your-wi-fi-speed-stinks-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SFDevine7 0 Posted August 6, 2013 Something else to consider - is the channel that your wireless router broadcasts on shared by a bunch of other wireless networks too (neighbors)? If so, you might get increased wireless performance by switching to a less used channel. More reading: http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3357521/10-reasons-your-wi-fi-speed-stinks-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ This is huge. My school's library had this issue, all 15 Access Points were permanently broadcasting on the same channel making the internet almost useless Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted August 6, 2013 Something else to consider - is the channel that your wireless router broadcasts on shared by a bunch of other wireless networks too (neighbors)? If so, you might get increased wireless performance by switching to a less used channel. More reading: http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3357521/10-reasons-your-wi-fi-speed-stinks-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ That is a good question, how do I tell what channel other units might be on? I am in a residential area with fairly large homes and back onto country woods, so I don't think there are too many others that would even be within range, but worth a look. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted August 6, 2013 I agree, if you have a lot of space around your home then it's not likely you have congested channels. Anyway: I use "wifi analyzer" on an android phone: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer here's a similar PC application: http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted August 6, 2013 Thanks, I could only see two others and they have very weak signals and are on different channels with no overlap. I am on channel 1 and they are on channels 6 and 11. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
laabci 0 Posted August 6, 2013 I see what you mean, that is very sneaky. Do I really need the latest and greatest (and probably most expensive) or would that TL-WR1043ND do what I need? You can probably get by for now with the TL-WR1043ND. However, at some point down the road you will have to upgrade. Bandwidth and computing demands only go up. I believe it was Bill Gates who said: 'no one will ever need more than 640k of memory' An AC router will set you back around $200 but it should be good for the next 2-3 years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted August 6, 2013 OK after lots of searching I think I am going to get the Netgear WNDR4500 (N900) for $129 - someone tell me if this would be a bad choice please. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackDaWack 2,895 Posted August 7, 2013 I just picked up an Netgear r6300 for the house and the thing is a beast... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted August 7, 2013 I just picked up an Netgear r6300 for the house and the thing is a beast... I spent time in BestBuy looking them over, and looked in Costco. Then spent a bunch more time online, and just got more and more confused. So I decided to go with the 6300 too. It is "only" $199 at Staples and they just sent me a coupon for $25 off anything over $100 and you get 5% back if you are their rewards club. But then I searched online and found a new (non-refurbished) one from a networking outfit with 100% feedback on ebay and just ordered it for $139 +$5.99 shipping. Seemed like the best deal around, till they drop in price by 50% as soon as I get it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites