Re: Adding Computers to an Existing Wireless Network / Speed and Reliability Issues

On 11 Feb 2007 16:53:55 -0800, "ilan" <ilangutman@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
<1171241635.436860.318650@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

No real way to tell unless you can be more specific about how your
existing wireless network is set up. Is it Infrastructure or Ad Hoc?
Is the main computer a gateway or a client? Are you running ICS on the
main computer? What is the Internet connection type and speed? What
Internet apps are you using?

Unfortunately, I cannot answer most of these questions.

Unfortunately then, I cannot really do a good job of helping you.

Initially, we
had one computer which was running cable internet (this will be
changed to DSL as we have recently moved). We then purchased another
computer, and wanted to network them wirelessly. We had someone
install the network for us,

Who was the someone? Didn't that someone write anything down? Can't
that someone fix this problem?

but as far as I can recall, it involved
installing the router on the main computer, and what I believe must be
a NIC to communicate with the router.

What kind of cable connects the "main computer" to the router? What
does it plug into on the main computer? What is the label next to where
it plugs into on the router?

I don't know about
Infrastructure or Ad Hoc, gateway or client, or whether we are running
ICS.

That's essential information.

It would essentailly whatever came out of the box... ...

No, it would be however that someone set it up.

What does "drop out" mean? It shouldn't be doing anything like that at
all.

By "drop out", I mean that the wireless connection will disconnect
momentarily, and then reconnect.

How do you know that? Are there messages? If so, what are they
(exactly, repeat, exactly)?

I initially believed that it was
because of the distance between the two computers and walls which were
making the signal very weak, although then I noticed that is happened
MUCH less when nobody was using the other computer, which leads me to
believe that it is a problem that can/should be fixed.

That means nothing. Wireless errors only occur when the wireless is
actually being used.

How much distance and how many walls? Do you still have the problem if
you bring the other computer into the same room as the wireless router?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SUPPORT [Based on a true story]

HOTLINE: Cut-rate Computers -- we cut corners to give you cut-rate
prices -- how may I help you?

CALLER: My computer won't work!

HOTLINE: What seems to be the problem?

CALLER: It won't work.

HOTLINE: What do you see on your screen?

CALLER: Nothing.

HOTLINE: Is the screen dark?

CALLER: No.

HOTLINE: What does it look like?

CALLER: Black.

HOTLINE: OK -- are there any lights on the front of the system unit?

CALLER: I have no idea.

HOTLINE: Why not?

CALLER: What's a system unit?

HOTLINE: That's the other big box that you got from the computer store.
Are there any lights?

CALLER: No.

HOTLINE: Try pushing the power button. That's the round button right in
the middle.

CALLER: Nothing.

HOTLINE: Are you sure it's plugged in?

CALLER: Of course I am -- what do you take me for?

HOTLINE: Calm down, sir. Please humor me just to be sure.

CALLER: I can't tell for sure.

HOTLINE: Why not?

CALLER: I can't tell.

HOTLINE: Look around behind the system unit -- er, the big box -- and
see if there's a cord plugged into the wall.

CALLER: I still can't tell.

HOTLINE: Why not?

CALLER: It's too dark.

HOTLINE: Turn on a light.

CALLER: Can't do that.

HOTLINE: Why not?

CALLER: The power has been out for over an hour.

[long silence]

<<>>
--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>
.