My Internet Connection Speed @ 1Mbps! Help!

[NightRise420]

Well...the title saids it. After moving the computer to upstairs, the rate dropped from 2mbps to 1mbps and the connection drops sometimes. I have the Linksys Wireless-B (802.11b) Router and on my computer.... i think and i have the Belkin Corporation Wireless adaptor that receives the signal. I thought the wireless signal can be reached far away and im wondering why the speed has dropped significantly. I'm wondering if its the crappy wireless receiver. Will it help if i get a Linksys USB Bluetooth or get a Linksys PCI adaptor? I need help plz =)

[PC TECH250]

Distance has to be considered here without knowing the actual range limitations on the
wireless setup you have. The materials inbetween can also have a bearing. The materials in
the walls and floor as well as any large appliances can reduce signal strength regardless of
the make and model router you are using. You could go out and spend twice as much on a
totally different setup only to see the same thing happen again.

[GroundZero3]

what electronics do you have around the router and the computer?

Do you have the latest firmware for the router?

[NightRise420]

Around the computer, i have a printer, around the router, its in a small office room surrounded by walls, lamp. Whats a firmware?

[paul9]

Firmware is the operating system built into a device. Like the BIOS on the PC, it can be updated to cure some problems, and possibly cause new problems.

[NightRise420]

even tho the signal is low, why isnt my speed at 11mbps?

[vikeor]

11mbps? now are you talking about ur network speed or internet speed?

[paul9]

even tho the signal is low, why isnt my speed at 11mbps?

Because radio signal strength drops greatly over distance, and the walls etc. are like even more added distance, the data has to be constantly retransmitted or transmitted at lower speed in the first place to be recognised at the recieving end. Aftermarket antenna are available for some transmitters, and can make a lot of difference.

[NightRise420]

11mbps? now are you talking about ur network speed or internet speed?

I'm talking about my network speed where it saids Speed: 1Mbps.

[NightRise420]

Because radio signal strength drops greatly over distance, and the walls etc. are like even more added distance, the data has to be constantly retransmitted or transmitted at lower speed in the first place to be recognised at the recieving end. Aftermarket antenna are available for some transmitters, and can make a lot of difference.

Can u find me some Antennas for my Linksys BEFW11SR Broadband router? I'm hoping this will make my signals better.

[NightRise420]

also whats TNC and SMC?

[paul9]

Is the current antenna on a BNC plug or similar?
Try http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

[NightRise420]

will adding a high gain antenna make my network speed higher?

[paul9]

If the signal path improves, then it should make a fair bit of difference. However, you will probably need a decent antenna at both ends.

[PC TECH250]

You will definitely have to have a boost at both ends to see any good results there. A loss
of signal strength has already been the main reason why your speed has dropped. Boost a
living heck at both ends may see some much needed improvement. Do you remember those
old cd radios with directional antennas? What happened when you moved away from this or
that contact to speak to another? The answer is obvious. Boost reception and transmission
at both ends to get improved results.

[NightRise420]

I have a linksys Broadband router.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833164109
is that a good antenna?
or this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124155
the second one seems to have a bad review on it....

[NightRise420]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156010
oh that one seems good for the price

[paul9]

Personally, I'd give GroundZero a nudge, as he likes to do a bit wireless work.

[NightRise420]

i guess ill have to wait for someone to recommend me an antenna

[DanU]

also whats TNC and SMC?

I think you mean SMA instead of SMC? SMC is a company that makes networking equipment .

TNC and SMA are types of RF connectors, similar to the "F" connector used for TV coax cable and the BNC connector used on certain monitors. Most routers use the "reverse" SMA connector. Whichever one your router uses, you'll want to make sure that any antenna you buy uses the same, otherwise you'll need some kind of adapter.

First of all, have you tried reorienting the antennas on your router? Dipole antennas work best when they are oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel. A simple reorienting may boost your signal enough to establish a solid connection.

If this doesn't help, THEN you can try buying higher gain antennas. Generally, the higher the gain, the stronger your signal will be, but the narrower the "beam" will be. Any points located outside the beam will see weaker signal (which is often a good thing). Since you already have some signal then you may just need a few dB of gain. A pair of replacement high gain antennas could be the thing you need:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124156
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124155

[edit]
I forgot that you moved your computer upstairs. These antennas will have a narrower beamwidth so orienting the antennas will be more critical. If you don't do it right, your signal strength will decrease!