Super weak WLAN connection at home

I got a brand spankin' new WLAN router from Telekom not too long ago, but its connection is shockingly weak. I have a 60 qm apartment, have the router in the bedroom and the connection is always "low" in the larger room. Why is that and what should I do? I paid 100 € for the fkn thing.. do I need to get a new one? Would DT send me a new one if I complain?

Thanks in advance.

Moi

Sounds a bit iffy. Are you sure you are connecting to your own and not the neighbours? We also have one from Telekom (Speedport) and it has no problem over 4 floors...

edit: Actually it sits on first floor and so has max 2 floors to the cellar and 1 to top-floor.

The problem is more likely the construction of the apartment than the modem. "Modern" German blocks use steel reinforced high density concrete which kills a WiFi signal dead in its tracks. Try relocating the router, adjusting the antenna or change WiFi channel (in case you have conflicts with other nearby routers) to improve the outgoing signal. If the router has a standard antenna connection you might be able to gain more signal with a replacement hi-gain antenna which cost around €20. I extended my WLAN coverage to almost 500m this way to boost my public WiFi signal on a standard domestic access point

Yes. YorkshireLad6 came quicker than expected.

If I go into Saturn Hansa, that's what I ask for? A "Hi-Gain Antenna?" Or is there a certain brand you can reccommend?

There is no interference with other connections - my apartment is made out of concrete for sure. Moving the router is also not possible, unfortunately.

Thanks a lot

Yeah... it's a failing I've had to learn to live with. Thank God I have the girth to make it worthwhile.

Firstly check the antenna on your router are removable. It (they) either unscrew or unclip. Best then to take one to a store and ask for a high-gain replacement. 5-6dB additional gain is typical. With a little one in your hand simply tell the salesperson you want a larger equivalent, and hope he does not come quicker than you expect.

Or simply Google for "high gain wifi antenna" to get some ideas.

Complain and get a new one. Through one wall, there should not be a problem. I am sitting in the basement and my Fritz is three floors above and I have only a slight reduction in speed.

Have a fight with your wife?

Why do you think that Fritz is his wife? Isn't that a krout boy-name?

Also might want to check in the Routers settings that the WIFI radio is running at full signal power.
Normally its set low-med.. Try increasing the signal/power output.

Well you know, wife is an open term these days...

I'm assuming you have placed the WLAN router free from obstructions...and in a good position? Eg on top of a cupboard or desk.

Some other tips here:
Wi-Fi Tip: Optimal position for WLAN router

Only in prison man, only in prison. Then you get a pass. Otherwise, noooooo...

It could also be that you have some strong radio interference on a similar frequency.

You might be able to get a kajigger that will detect the source of the interference.

Kajigger

Interesting article about WiFi access point placing, but the author missed a very important point - although line of sight obstructions will generally degrade a radio signal there's a certain black magic about radio waves, and sometimes small movements of a device can have dramatic impact. It's worth moving things around a few cm, especially in proximity to walls, before taking more dramatic and expensive measures. Radio waves do reflect off walls and have high and low intensity areas, which can be used to your advantage. There's a science but it's complicated, best viewed as a dark art...

So move the router away from the wall?

Thanks a lot for your replies!

Get a 600mW card

http://www.netgate.com/product_info.php?cP...products_id=474

(note: these are not legal in europe!)

Maybe, or maybe closer... It depends how the radio waves reflect and interfere with each other in your set up, but if you can find something that accurately and quickly measures the signal strength at a receiver it's worth 10 mins of fiddling. At home place I have a fixed internet radio player at the limit of reception range and it only works when placed about 20cm from the wall, any closer or further away and the signal is too weak, and the access point must also be carefully placed, similarly by trial and error. Obviously for stuff that moves around, like laptops, only movements of the access point are practical, but it works both ways.

Corcaigh! Are you proffering help or just boashting (Niall Tóibín) about the size of your house?

huh! I changed the channel and suddenly I have a very good connection here! Fuck yeah!

Thanks a lot for your help..

You heard it here first. Sounds like co-channel interference was the problem.

Always happens with co-co-channel no.5

Sorry.

believe me mr man out east, in that block of flats that is definately not the problem

so you have got something u need to improve the strength on, well u could do like most american athletes and use steroids.
Or
Try moving it to higher ground, i had one that was absolutley crap downstairs, so i moved it upstairs and its works fine i can know sit in the garden and use it as well.