A device that allows access to the Internet or computer network without the need for a wired connection.
Questions tagged [wireless-router]
2558 questions
239
votes
15 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
- 12,189
136
votes
8 answers
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
- 1,673
96
votes
6 answers
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
- 949
92
votes
3 answers
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
- 1,589
64
votes
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…
48
votes
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
- 723
- 1
- 6
- 12
34
votes
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
- 664
33
votes
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
- 445
32
votes
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
- 609
28
votes
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
- 291
28
votes
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
- 728
28
votes
9 answers
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
- 389
25
votes
4 answers
Using two wireless NICs at the same time on Windows 10 desktop PC
I have read similar questions in the past (i.e. How do I use my dual band Wi-Fi card to connect to 5GHz and 2.4GHz simultaneously on Windows? and Connect multiple WiFi networks simultaneously), however they don't address my question adequately.
I am…
Shackrock
- 830
24
votes
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
- 1,224
24
votes
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
- 353