I'm running Embarq DSL which leaves a lot to be desired but it's the only thing I can get in my area. I don't have the best service but I'm going to be calling to inquire about switching to something better.

I'm running a LinkSys 2.4 GhZ Wireless Router, like this one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124010
However, there's often 3 computers using the internet. Sometimes streaming video, playing games etc and it really slows the internet down or it's even non existent. I'm actually even having a problem, with no other computers running, connecting to the internet with a very weak signal. I'm guessing it's because my computer is pretty far away from the wireless router. I'm going to hard wire my desktop in within the next few days so I'm sure that'll increase speed. But, would upgrading to a different wireless router help when the other computers are online? .. and if so, which one? I need some help because this crap is getting really annoying.

 

I ma not a pc expert but I kinda doubt that it will make that much differance. I kinda doubt that the router is yr problem. We have 3 pc's hooked up through a router and even though only one of us may be online it can still be slow at times. If the pc's are downloading large files etc it will affect everyone else to some degree, you may also find that there is a limit on yr bandwidth. I have a friend in Toronto and sometimes if I send him a e-mail it gets returned as he has insufficient bandwith to receive it, so I send it later. Make sure that your hard drive is defragged regularly and that you delete files that are not used, I always try to keep my h/d's as clutter free as possible, use a program like CCCleaner if necessary.

 

If you hardwire everything, then you will be doing way better in terms of connection from the router to the modem but if it doesn't get better than that than maybe your outside wires and stuff need to be upgraded or checked out. Also, I have that wireless router and it has the wired ports in the back for your PC or gaming consoles. Thats how mine is rigged up, from the modem to the router, hard wired to my pc and xbox and the wireless for laptops and PSP.

 

I have issues with my provider also and was having minor issues with my Netgear router. I changed to a Linksys and it wouldn't even work at all. My provider did some tweaking and the Netgear is working great. You might try a different brand to see if anything changes.

 

my linksys router is the best i have ever had.

 

Well mine is from my modem to my router, (linksys) and i have my laptop, ps3,psp, pc in the living room and another pc in a diff room, my connection is really good, i tried my cousins router,(D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655) not much of a difference,

 

I have that same router and trust me, it's not going to make a difference if you switch. It's either connectivity problems or it's just that your internet is slow. I have that same router and I have four computers connected to it, my Xbox 360 bridged off my computer, and two laptops that use the wireless. Not once have I had load issues with it.

 

Are you running a "G" series router? I would look into a "N" series and get a N series card for your pc. The signal is sooo much stronger and will stream much easier. I use a D-Link N series router and card in my systems and they run great!

 

Start with the basics & work up. Go to www.winguides.com follow the information for modems,etc. What version of DSL did you have installed(upload.download speeds). A linksys wireless router is about as simple as it gets. Do you have security enabled on the wireless portion ?(your neighbors could be riding the web on your nickel).

 

Depending on the exact version, you may be able to use 3rd party firmware in that Linksys which will allow you to crank up the wireless power to increase range. There are at least 8 different versions of that WRT54G.

 

I've had the Linksys Wireless Router for a while so it's a older version. I'm in the process of hard wiring it but the house is 3200 sq ft and the router is on the completely opposite side of the house so maybe that's a problem. I think I should upgrade to the N router and finish hard wiring it, what do you think? The N router will be fine for all of the laptops right? It'll connect fine?

 

What version is it? It will say on the label on the bottom.

You could run a hardwire to the other side of the house and hook up a dedicated wireless access point such as a Linksys WAP54G to give you coverage over on that side.

 

I had a location problem for a while - too much mass of building to get through for the wireless signal. I moved it to a more open area, and it is working much better. This is a Linksys, fairly new. The real problems always seem to be the provider though.

 

STAY AWARE FROM THE N SERIES !!! They still have not ratified it to be the new standard.

If you really have that big of an issue, you may want to look into seeing if you Linksys Router can be configured with DD-WRT open-source firmware. You can boost your wireless signal up over 100mW which is huge !!

 

That's what I was leading up to, which is why I asked the version. However, if you run it over 70mW it starts getting electrically noisy and will actually perform worse. You can also fry it this way. I'm running a WRT54G version 2 with DD-WRT and I'm at 70mW. Stock, it runs 28mW.

I would not try DD-WRT on any version newer than 4. They changed from Linux to VXWorks, which is garbage. Linksys had a great router, and starting with version 5, they cheapened it and it's getting worse, not better.

Even with a new router, you may need an additional AP at the other end of the house for decent coverage. Thats a pretty bigass house.