wi-fi problem ?

[tontraveller]

Lately I have some problems regarding wireless connection...

My router used to give me signal even when I stayed at the pool, some 40 meters away from my condo.

But now sometimes I have wi-fi connection in my condo, and hardly or even no connection at all outside.

Is that a router problem? Brandname Zyxel and only one year in use..

Anyone who can enlighten me on this?

Thanks in advance..

[patsfangr]

Apologies to tontraveller for "piggybacking" on this; but I have a related question, the answer to which may also help him.

Is there a way to check the operating power/efficiency of a used modem? I've had problems with my signal getting slower, and having frequent breaks in service. I have suspected that it's due to 3BB adding many more users in my area, thereby weakening the signal. The 3BB techs come over, and said that the line to my house is OK, and the problem may be the modem. But they gave me no clue as to how to check on that. They also suggested that the poor video quality that I now often get is probably due to the video card in my laptop. Again it's "the equipment", and not a problem with the 3BB signal strength.

Needless to say, I'm skeptical on both points; but I have no idea how to check the condition of either my modem or my laptop video card; if there is even a means to do so.

Any expert opinions on either or both of these issues will be most appreciated.

[KittenKong]

Is there a way to check the operating power/efficiency of a used modem? I've had problems with my signal getting slower, and having frequent breaks in service. I have suspected that it's due to 3BB adding many more users in my area, thereby weakening the signal. The 3BB techs come over, and said that the line to my house is OK, and the problem may be the modem. But they gave me no clue as to how to check on that. They also suggested that the poor video quality that I now often get is probably due to the video card in my laptop. Again it's "the equipment", and not a problem with the 3BB signal strength.

You can use a speedtest like this one http://www.speedtest.net/ to give you an idea of the quality of your broadband service. You should test using servers both inside and outside of Thailand and you will probably note a huge difference in the speed reported between the two. If the speed to servers in the country to which you connect for viewing video (assuming that you do actually do this) is poor then you can expect a lot of buffering and/or poor image quality.

Actual DSL disconnections can usually be monitored via the LEDs on the modem.

What exactly is wrong with the video quality? Do you have the same problem when viewing locally stored video files? (If you dont then there is no problem with your video card. This would be unlikely anyway.)

[WaywardWind]

I had a similar problem early this year, and replaced the router on the advice of the techie from BTV.

Old one was an ASUS RT-N10, and the new one is a Tenda 309R.

The improvement was remarkable.

[moonseeker]

Change WIFI channel first. Might be some interference.

Excellent program to help out with such issues here free: http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

MS>

[NanLaew]

Yes, channel congestion can make a wifi signal deteriorate so try that first.

You may also find re positioning the router may restore the signal strength as ultra high frequencies can be disturbed by environmental things such as new potted palm or big umbrella beside the pool, etc.

You can use the handy utility mentioned by moonseeker, really handy on a smartphone.

All routers have a utility to access their configuration and setup so selecting another channel is quite easy.

Finally, it's not unknown for wifi routers to go bad but if it does look like your signal strength is weak 'at source', try a total modem/router factory reset. I have seen that work and get a glitchy wifi back as new. Make sure that you have saved a copy of the working setup that the ISP provided before you reset so you can reconfigure it again or else you will end up with great signal strength but no internet at all.

[GirlDrinkDrunk]

install inssider, find a clear channel first.

[Phil Conners]

Not local to Pattaya, moving to Internet forum.