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Questions tagged [wireless-router]

A device that allows access to the Internet or computer network without the need for a wired connection.

2491 questions
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14 answers

Does it make sense to keep different SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks?

My router can have different SSIDs for 2.4 and 5 GHz and I'm not sure if it's better to have the same SSID or not. Initially I put the same network but I got confused when the MacBook Pro displayed me two networks with the same name, an I was not…
sorin
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Is it better to use a crowded 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channel 1, 6, 11 or "unused" 3, 4, 8, or 9?

I understand that 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channels overlap, and that the most popular non-overlapping set of channels in the US is 1, 6, and 11. Generally, my signal strength on channels 1, 6, and 11 are much stronger than my neighbors' on the same channel. …
Luke
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Why do WiFi routers do such a bad job of channel selection?

Wi-Fi congestion, especially in the 2.4GHz range, is a serious problem in some areas. It is widespread enough that there are many guides to choosing a less congested channel. E.g.…
insysion
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Does moving my router from 20MHz to 40 MHz increase my wireless speed?

I found out that my wireless access point supports dual band (LinkSys E3000), so I went to its settings and changed it from operating on 20MHz to 40MHz. Does this mean I get a faster WiFi connection now? Or have I misunderstood how this works?
Blake
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3 answers

Does a wireless-N (802.11n) network have poor performance when in b/g "mixed" mode?

It seems to be an "old" wives tale that, when using a wireless-N router in "mixed mode" to support legacy 802.11b or 802.11g devices, the performance of 802.11n clients will suffer. Some places claim that when running in mixed-mode, all (some?) N…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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7 answers

Why is the range of a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot shorter than that of a router?

There is something I would like to understand. A Wi-Fi router has a range of 30-40 meters (100-130 feet). A mobile hotspot (access point) generated by a smartphone has a range of +- 10 meters (30 feet). My question is, if a smartphone can only…
Greelings
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2 answers

Do different positions of the antenna on a wireless router make any difference?

Often, the antenna of a wireless router can be moved in many directions. Does it make a difference as to which way it points? Should it point toward the device(s) using it? Should multiple antennas (antennae?) be pointed in the same direction or…
Tim Lehner
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14 answers

What is best way to share wifi with a building next door?

After a lot of window shopping and reading, I'm confused about how to share my WiFi with a building next door. Should my router be able to broadcast powerfully enough? Or should I invest in some kind of auxiliary antenna for my wifi? Or should I put…
polaatx
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31
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5 answers

Which 5Ghz channel to use?

My "better" router has 5GHz channels - 36,40,44,48,149,153,157,161 My not so much better router has 5GHz channels 36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,100,104,108,112,116,132,136,149,153,157,161 I am confused as to why the least expensive one has more…
Aaron
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How can Internet speed be 10 times slower without a router than when using the same connection with a router?

I am trying to figure out what is the realistic "speed of service" that my Internet company provides to my house. Here are the test that I am running: Internet ↔ modem ↔ wireless router ↔ laptop: Internet speed (using an internet speedometer test):…
AlexeiOst
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27
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2 answers

Expanding wireless coverage: What are the differences between LAN to LAN and LAN to WAN when it comes to connecting two wireless routers?

I'm trying to link two wireless routers with an Ethernet cable in order to expand my wireless network. Both routers need to provide wired and wireless Internet access. I'd like to know the differences between the "LAN to LAN" and "LAN to WAN"…
User X
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27
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9 answers

MacBook Air constantly drops wifi connection

My MacBook Air keeps dropping wifi connection on my home network. When I connect to my network, it remains connected for a few minutes, then it drops the connection. I have no idea what's the problem. I found several forums on the internet…
notadam
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24
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How to identify from a Windows computer the wireless device that is poisoning router?

I live in a house with various other people who all swear that there is nothing wrong with any of their devices. The problem being is that when wireless is enabled on the router, ping sky-rockets and all-round internet performance drops off the face…
Declan Greally
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24
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7 answers

How to disable internet access at night on the router?

I have an internet connection that I'd like to be enabled only during the day. With multiple household internet devices, this would need to be something disabled at the level of the router. I don't believe the router offers this sort of…
izb
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3 answers

Wireless Router Signal Strength Stats

When shopping around for wireless routers, they all seem to have the claim of "great" or "excellent" signal strength. Of course, such marketing words do absolutely nothing to let me compare the signal strengths of various routers. So, what are the…
yydl
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