topic Re: XL 100 Wireless signal strength problem in PCs & Accessories

XL 100 Wireless signal strength problem

argegno — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 15:41:41 GMT

The wireless signal strength that I get is "Low" or "Very-Low". However, my laptops, in the same vacinity, get "Very Good" or "Excellent".

Given that the XL100 comes with an external antenna I was expecting wireless reception to be excellent.

Any ideas why?

Re: XL 100 Wireless signal strength problem

HITS-UK — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 20:55:04 GMT

There is too little here to go by, but generally signal strength is proportional to distance and objects that 'block' the view of the transmission antenna.

Most 802.11b and g devices are good for about 300m in the clear. There are some that go further and there are a lot that go substantially lower, but this is a good figure to work with.

If your AccessPoint is mounted on an upper floor in somewhere such as a stairwell then you should be able to go around your house and pick up a reasonably good signal from anywhere. If, on the other hand, the AP is located in a cupboard under the stairs next to a CEGB power transformer, you may be lucky to get a signal standing on top of the thing.

The other thing to remember is that what one device reads as 'excellent' another may not be able to see it at all - it depends on what and who is doing the looking and where.

Hope this helps

Re: XL 100 Wireless signal strength problem

tonybeard — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 21:43:45 GMT

My wireless teckie mate has pointed out to me that if one or more of your neighbors have Sky Channel it broadcasts on a similar frequency of 2.40Hz and therefore needs to be turned off to get better wireless reception. By the same token other peoples wireless devices will also affect the reception. Using the wireless software go into advanced properties and change the channel remembering the original so you can switch back if it has no general improvement. UK is usually 1-13 for example.

Re: XL 100 Wireless signal strength problem

kee-lo_ — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 13:34:05 GMT

I've noticed when it's cloudy the reception is lower, not sure if this is a coincidence