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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => Routers / COVR => DIR-628 => Topic started by: Tomween1 on August 20, 2010, 03:18:44 PM

Title: Terrible range. please help
Post by: Tomween1 on August 20, 2010, 03:18:44 PM
My router is the DIR-628. It is without a doubt a wonderful router. I have run into a problem I cannot understand. I recently relocated the router to my basement. It is a finished area but is a vast open room. The router was on the same level as our main computer with great signal strength (between 94 - 97%), however the computers on the second level were in the 70 - 80% range. Since moving the router the signal has dropped to 65 - 74%, while the computer upstairs have increased to between 90 - 95%.

Why and how do I fix this. All wifi cards are also wireless n

Thanks, Tomween1
Title: Re: Terrible range. please help
Post by: !!!!clarkkent on August 24, 2010, 01:10:27 AM
Possible reasons:
1) Antenna position
2) Interference

Check if there are appliances that could interfere the signal.

By the way, the signal strength you mentioned on your computers are good. If you're not experiencing internet disconnection, then I think you're fine.
Title: Re: Terrible range. please help
Post by: smlunatick on August 30, 2010, 12:57:01 PM
It should also be noted that most "building materials" will also cause "interference."  Your "floors" have pipes, wires and isolation, which all can affect the signals.
Title: Re: Terrible range. please help
Post by: Tomween1 on August 30, 2010, 01:10:04 PM
Possible reasons:
1) Antenna position
2) Interference

Check if there are appliances that could interfere the signal.

By the way, the signal strength you mentioned on your computers are good. If you're not experiencing internet disconnection, then I think you're fine.

Good questions. 1) yes there is some interference from heating ducts. The router is also located within 3 feet of the circuit panel for the house. 2) I've moved the antennas every which way till sunday, with no change.

This having been said, let me clarify set up.

     Prior - Router in room in front left corner of house. Main desktop in next room separated by solid wall (aluminum duct work through wall) signal strength upper 90%. Upstairs 2 desktops and a laptop. Any one of these computers signal strength 50 - 73%. All three computers have wireless n cards, (a mix of manufacturers) These three upstairs are in separate rooms all directly above the routers location.

     Present - Router moved to basement directly below prior location. Big changes though with signal strengths. Now, on first floor desktop, signal has dropped to between 60 - 72% while the three on the next floor up have increased to the 90's.

I understand you feel this is still good however, things are noticeably slower.  I have the ability to get a second DIR-628, would it be beneficial to use the second one as a repeater?

Thanks, Tom
Title: Re: Terrible range. please help
Post by: !!!!clarkkent on September 01, 2010, 10:05:29 PM
DIR-628 could not be a wireless repeater, however, as my recommendation if you have a second DIR-628, you can run a cable from your first DIR-628 to the second DIR-628 placed on a different floor. That way, all wireless computers can have great wireless signal and speed.