Wireless Network Speeds and access problems

LUCKYDAVE · December 28th, 2003, 07:00 AM

I have set up a peer-to-peer wireless network between 2 computers about 10 feet apart using 2 Belkin 54g PCI wireless cards, no router or access points are involved. The network was primarily to share the broadband connection on the main computer and to access the its printer.

The link works fine initially, reporting the advertised 54mbps and an excellent signal. However, this quickly drops to 1 Mbps whenever anything is passed between them and never rises above that figure. Internet access speeds are akin to to an old 56k modem. The Belkin utility shows that 54 b and g is supported on the network, which was setup using the Windows XP Home wizard.

A further problem arises in that although the main computer can access the shared folder on the remote computer, the remote cannot 'see' the shared folders or its printer on the main despite them being defined as shared.

My main query is: Is this as fast as my wireless network can be and what can be done to improve it?

I would be grateful for any advice on this partly successful Christmas gift !!!!!!!!!!!

**GroundZero3** · December 28th, 2003, 10:09 AM

"no router or access points"

are you using adhoc mode? Could you please give us alittle bit more info on your network and its setup?

Remember with Wireless you will never reach the advertise speeds, its all in theory.

LUCKYDAVE · December 28th, 2003, 01:47 PM

Thanks for responding, yes it is in ad-hoc mode as the other option did not seem to produce a connection.

I'm not sure what other information I can provide, each computer has a 54g wireless network card installed in the PCI slot, with latest drivers, and then the network was setup using the XP wizard.

This has resulted in a 1Mbps connection as registered on the Belkin utility that came with the cards, it could be less as the readout is in whole Mbps.

My main worry is that I should have used a router or access point, but the advice I received in the PC store was that I only required a card in each computer - was this bad advice?

As you can tell networking is new to me, so if there is any other info I can provide please let me know

.

excuzzzeme · December 28th, 2003, 02:16 PM

An access point for the most part does nothing more than extend your network. A router/switch handles the negotiating. I usually recommend the installation of a router especially when trying to share the internet. The advantages are better security and normally faster connectivity. Many of todays wireless routers have wire capabilty (which is more secure and faster). With your machines being 10ft apart, there should be no reason to be that slow unless there is signficant intereference. Is there a wall between the pc's? Is there a floor between them? Yes walls and/or flooring will have an impact. Sometimes severe. How close to electrical/telephone/cable supply are the machines?

LUCKYDAVE · December 28th, 2003, 02:53 PM

excuzzzeme,

Thanks for your response, the PCs are on different floors with electrical connections and a cordless phone nearby, not to mention the PCs own paraphanalia. Your comments on the router are interesting as I suspected I might need one but the salesman said that with only 2 PCs it would be unneccessary.

I'll try moving the PCs next to each other as a trial, 1Mbps seems along way from the advertised spec. Its not too late to return said items to the shop!

Again thanks.

excuzzzeme · December 28th, 2003, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LUCKYDAVE
excuzzzeme,

Your comments on the router are interesting as I suspected I might need one but the salesman said that with only 2 PCs it would be unneccessary.

Again thanks.

The "key" here is "NEED". The salseman was correct in stating you don't NEED a router. Wth machines being on different floors I don't think you will see much of an improvement in speed by adding a router. But.... ? I would suggest borrowing a friends if possible and see if it helps, then you can make a more informed decision. I have installed many wired/wireless networks and each one has had it's own unique set of problems. Have rarely had any two exactly alike (in spite of using same equipment) It all comes down to location, machines, and the uniqueness of each building.

LUCKYDAVE · December 28th, 2003, 04:34 PM

excuzzzeme,

Thanks for the help, I had hoped for better rates but I guess that 1mbps is it for a wireless network. What would a wired one produce?

excuzzzeme · December 28th, 2003, 05:20 PM

Wire runs @ 5,10.100,1000MBS depending on the hardware. The current norm is 100MBS using cat5 cable. This will be your network speed (between machines). Internet speed is determined by your ISP. 375k-5MB. Disadvantage- cost of wire and installing it (although wire cost has dropped dramatically). But I don't see that as being a real disadvantage, just a diffferent cost.

LUCKYDAVE · December 29th, 2003, 06:42 AM

Well I'm not sure what happened but the connection now reports 18 - 25 Mbps depending on signal strength. The only action I took was to use SIS Sandra (www.sisoftware.net) to benchmark the network and the rate improved significantly.

Has the benchmarking forced it to up the rate? Nevertheless, its certainly much better, thanks for the responses.