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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => Routers / COVR => DIR-655 => Topic started by: DJROD on March 10, 2012, 12:19:09 PM

Title: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 10, 2012, 12:19:09 PM
I noticed this twice now. When i had my WBR 2310 router with only 1 antenna..i use to be able to go across the hall to my sisters apartment with my laptop...and still have 2 strong bars of signal.

But twice..on my new laptop using the DIR 655 on Wireless N...when i go there...the signal drops completely...no internet. The bars at the bottom would show 5 bars strong.....but the internet would go out. Seriously...why is this? Doesn't make sense. This router HAS TO be more stronger signal wise then my WBR.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 10, 2012, 05:29:49 PM
Was it the same laptop used with both routers?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 10, 2012, 05:41:23 PM
No...a newer Laptop. Actually a better laptop with Wireless N.

Its the HP G7-1365DX. Has Wireless b/g/n. The other one had only wireless b/g. Can't see why the signal would drop. This router is rock solid when im in my room. And when its wired to my desktop..ive been on AIM for 9days with no drop. Wireless doent drop either in my room. But when i take it across to my sis...internet is gone. Cant figure this out.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 10, 2012, 11:24:45 PM
Just because its newer doesn't mean the antenna inside is better.  The older laptops had an antenna that wrapped around the whole frame of the LCD panel.  Some of the newer ones don't they have smaller cheaper antennas.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 11, 2012, 09:13:10 AM
My older one was a HP also. Wasnt toooo old. I dont know know why...i doubt its that. What else can it be? These routers have 3 Antennas. Plus like i said...the bars are 5 full.

Plus...how can i test it to know exactly what it is? How can i test it to see if its actually the inside antenna? I mean yea..my WBR is still hooked up. I could switch it..which i dont feel like doing an see if the signal stays. But what else?

Im waiting for a email from D Link also about this.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 11, 2012, 10:49:09 AM
Not sure if the Older WBR/EBRs had good neighbor policies installed either. Most routers with in, say 5years resent or so, have the policy now days.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 11, 2012, 10:56:57 AM
What are you saying Furry..i didnt understand that too clearly. But was waiting on YOUR reply tho.

Is there something i could do? Something i could check? I mean....its a good new 2012 laptop...the router has 3 Antennas. The bars at the bottom is 5 full at her apartment. But the internet just goes. What does that sound like to u?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 11, 2012, 12:09:50 PM
To double check, log into the routers admin pages and click the Status > Wierless Page.  The walk over to your Sister's Apatment and watch what the numbers do there.

Good Neighbor Policy is part of the Wi-Fi standard.  If your router senses other routers in the are that are running B or G it will reduce the channel width it uses to keep from interfering with the other routers.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 11, 2012, 01:22:13 PM
Wow...so the WBR didnt do that then? I mean..even if it reduces it....i should still be able to have internet. I mean..my bars are 5 strong. If what ur saying is true...what can be done for my situation? There HAS TO be something. This is like...a big time router. Specially compared to my WBR 2310. Which worked fine when i go across the hall to my sisters apartment.

Makes me this this should to. What can i do to stop this from happening then? Im gonna text more. In my living room...im still good internet wise. When i go out my door..still good..into my sisters which is not even far from my front door...internet is gone...but signal strong.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 11, 2012, 03:51:01 PM
The bars may lie to you, thats why I suggested looking at the actual router listing of the wireless connection numbers.  It may be as simple as turning the laptop in a certain direction to get a better signal, also use something like INSSIDER (http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/) to see if you are getting interference from something else whan at your sister's apartment.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 11, 2012, 08:56:13 PM
Funny...i have INSSSIDER on my laptop. But how can i tell from that? Gimme some pointers that if i see a certain thing it means interference or if i see something else..it means ok. But man....my WBR...i would be in her living room with 2 full bars and the internet good no matter how i turn the laptop. An this router has 3 antennas.

So...stranges. Ill do the best i can. To see whats going on. Thanks for the help. Continue to help me if you get any new ideas.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 12, 2012, 04:31:05 AM
INSSIDER will show you what traffic is floating in the air around you.  All of it is competing for the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, so if you see a lot of networks that are on the same channel you can change the channel of the router.  I would NOT look at just the router, go over all the settings on your Wireless card in the notebook, most have many settings on them that can be adjusted.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 12, 2012, 08:12:02 AM
Iuse to know....but forgot. Where are the settings in the notebook exactly...walk me thru. I see 4 or 5 other routers in there. Mine say channel 6-2...guess that means 6 or 2. I see 1 more other 6.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 12, 2012, 08:37:16 AM
Most of the settings are access through the Device Manager.  Right Click the wireless card and select Properties.  There is usually an advanced tab that has all the settings.   Most of the settings are pretty basic either on or off, there may be a few that have values to them that can be adjusted.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 12, 2012, 08:59:12 AM
Maybe dumb question cause it might be different for different laptops or signals. But..can you give me some good settings that may work? Or...could this be the reason why the signal goes out at my sis? Because of these settings?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 12, 2012, 11:12:50 AM
Did you check the numbers from the Routers > Status  > Wireless page as you walk to the other apartment?  This would be the first thing to do

As for each individual setting the best thing to do is see if the manufacturer has a forum like this that you can bounce questions off people that have the same laptop.  If they don't Google would be the best route to go, write down the setting name and see what turns up.

I would look at some of the power savings options as you are probablly plugged in when at home and on battery when moving around.  In Windows 7 I know there is a power reduction to the wireless adapter when using Battery to power the unit.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 12, 2012, 07:40:10 PM
Router>Status>wireless..in my room..its 135 mbps and a 92% signal. Should be 100%. The router is a few feet away...tsk tsk. When i walked over there just now....the signal dropped to 58%....the rate drops to 108...the to 68 when i walked in my door. Now im in my room again....thats on battery. My rate is showing 40 in my room now. Hmmm. Signal 94%.

Why is the rate at 40 down from 135in my room? Going up to 54 now. Man i swear....something has to be up. My WBR kept signal going over there. What tweaks can i make that you KNOW for SURE could help. Rate is going up slowly...at 81 in my room now plugged in.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 12, 2012, 07:41:59 PM
By the way...i have the DIR 655 on top of the WBR. Thats as of 5 minutes ago. It was in front of it before. Just a lil info. With my comcast modem right behind it. And my 20 inch computer monitor on the side of it.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 12, 2012, 09:57:45 PM
Router>Status>wireless..in my room..its 135 mbps and a 92% signal. Should be 100%. The router is a few feet away...tsk tsk. When i walked over there just now....the signal dropped to 58%....the rate drops to 108...the to 68 when i walked in my door. Now im in my room again....thats on battery. My rate is showing 40 in my room now. Hmmm. Signal 94%.

Why is the rate at 40 down from 135in my room? Going up to 54 now. Man i swear....something has to be up. My WBR kept signal going over there. What tweaks can i make that you KNOW for SURE could help. Rate is going up slowly...at 81 in my room now plugged in.

That's kind of demanding of you, I hae no idea what you have for a system or what needs to be done with it for you, you just need to try stuff and see what happens.  Write down your current settings so you have a base of information and start playing with the settings.  Like I said earlier, go to the manufacturer's website and get on there forums to see what others have their laptops set at.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: marmoduke on March 13, 2012, 05:58:04 AM
On another note, the problems may be caused by:

Router near other electrical items is a very bad idea due to heat and magnetic fields.

Signal from your router may be too STRONG and distortion is knocking your performance down.  Turn down the transmitter in your router and see if things get better.  I would rather have three or four bars and constant, clean, signal than five bars and overdriving, distorting, signal.

Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 08:02:18 AM
Maybe that will work Marmoduke. Not sure how to turn down the Transmitter tho. If you know....let me know ill try that.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 08:03:52 AM
Theres a Power setting under Advanced/Adv Wireless.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 08:14:18 AM
I see it..it's set to HIGH right now...lowering that may help? Thought high would be good. I see a High....Medium...and Low. When i tried to click it for Medium...it said Wireless Connection will now be disconnected. So i left it alone for now to ask on here real fast.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 08:39:48 AM
Yes you can test each power setting out and see how it works and yes, wireless clients will be disconnected temporarily.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 08:45:36 AM
Im gonna try it now....but doubt my sister is awake to test it. In your thoughts furry..you think it may be this from all the stuff i posted? I cant understand why there isnt a connection when i go over there. Specially using THIS router. My WBR with 1 antenna did the job.

Not that i NEED to go over there...but sometimes i show her things on the net on my laptop. The D Link email i got this morning told me to reset the router an start fresh. I DONT wanna do that. I doubt it will work. Dont wanna put all my port forwards for my Videophone back in.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 08:55:37 AM
I would review what duke said. Having all these hardware hear each other could be causing some additional distortion and signal lose. I would move the DIR and WBR away from each other. Try setting up the WBR in a different room or near where it's actually needed.

The other problem is that if you do have other wifi 2.4Ghz routers, this is going to be a problem, especially when there are more than just a few, taking up all the channels and each router is having to maintain, stop and rescan for a clear channel.

How far away is your sisters apt from the DIR router?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 09:08:02 AM
Its not too far. Its next door. When i open my front door...take 3 steps....im at my sisters apartment. But the thing that freaks me out is..the WBR with the 1 antenna...worked perfect when i went over there. Isnt this DIR router suppose to go...lets see....6x farther...an be 14x faster? You know. 3 antennas to.

I cant really put the other router in the another room...so thats out of it. Its all on my computer desk. As of just last night...i put the DIR on top of the WBR....ill move it back somewhere else. When i look on INSSIDER..im the only one with a router that goes to 300mbps. The others show 54 max. My router is showing 6+2 channel on the INSSIDER...my WBR is showing 6. All the other 4 royuters i see are on diff channels.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 09:15:13 AM
Is your DIR running single mode N or mixed G and N?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 09:18:50 AM
Its running single mode...just for my Wireless N laptop. I have the WBR coming out of it for my nephew in the next room...with Wireless G for him.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 09:27:52 AM
Turn OFF the WBR and set the DIR for single mode G and see what you get at your sisters.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 09:40:43 AM
Ok..when i go into wireless on my  DIR..it shows the Auto setup then the manual setup...but it says if i click the manual setup....It says this:

If your wireless network is already set up with Wi-Fi Protected Setup, manual confguration of the wireless network will destroy the existing wireless network. If you would like to configure the wireless settings of your new D-Link Systems Router manually, then click on the Manual Wireless Network Setup button below.


Dont wanna start over...just wanna open it when the settings and channels are. How do i get to that? On the WBR..its right there when i open wireless.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 09:43:32 AM
Use the Manual settings to change the modes.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 09:52:24 AM
WOW..it was on N G and b. I didnt do that. It was on N mode before. When i put it on N..a message pops up and says Can' choose TKIP when 802.11n only? Whats that? How do i fix that? So it was on all 3 before....ill try N only 1st if possible..the G n N.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 10:50:45 AM
Single mode N only support AES encryption.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 10:58:58 AM
So if i put it on N +G..and only have a Wireless N laptop on the DIR router..will the laptop be N and not fall down to G? D Link had emailed and said it will use G.

So by what you just said...what should i do..use single mode N or use the G + N? Its on G + N now..im gonna go test the connection. Plus...when i click status on the router right now...it shows Mode 802.11n. So i guess that means while on G + N its still using N on my laptop correct? Which would mean the D Link support was wrong. But how can they not know about there own router lol.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 11:03:14 AM
How many other devices support N and G? Can you use the WBR for G devices and set the 655 up for single mode N?

I tested the fall back theory out and on my 655, my devices stay connected when I connected a iphone 2G which only supports G mode. I posted a screen capture of it.  ;)
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 11:52:35 AM
Ok here it is:


I put the transmitter back on HIGH.

I set it to Wireless G only. And my laptop seems to work fine at my sisters house now. But i mean...dang....i have a Wireless 'N" laptop...an this kool router with Xtreme N....i mean...i wanna use THAT. You know...i see in the status on my router now says 54mbps. I mean..i dont do anything serious on the net anyway. But dang..isnt it suppose to work tho? WITH my Wireless N. I should be able to go as far as i do with the WBR right?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 12:08:49 PM
When you on Single mode G, your connection speed will only be 54Mb.
Now what happens if you set it up for Single mode N and go to your sisters?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 12:17:29 PM
Right...single mode G is only 54. That i knew. But when i setup Single N...and go there...connection drops. No internet. But the bars at the bottom stay full.

Man,....its making me mad that i can't figure out why its doing this. I hope me...you and Dave on here can break it down and figure it out. Its working now fine on G mode though.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 12:28:03 PM
wonder if you LT wireless is the issue here. I might try a add on card or USB WIFI like a DWA model connected to the 655 and test single mode N.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 12:40:20 PM
You mean the adapter inside the laptop? How can i tweak it in the device manager? What is some good settings that you may know i could try or put it in the device manager? Man...brand new laptop to. 2012 model.

What other options would you suggest i try? Some tweaks or something that just may work?
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 12:47:50 PM
Try a DWA-160 or a DWA USB model that supports connecting at N speeds. I have 2 of the 160s and they are great with the 655.

You need to test something other than whats on the LT to determine if it's the Router, built in WiFi on the LT or something else. I bet the DWA will work as expected.

Windows 7 on the LT?

I suppose it's doesn't have to be a DLink product either, Just try something other that the built in WiFi to test.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 12:58:43 PM
Ok..i see them on ebay. 26.00. Not bad. But does that go into the USB port on the laptop to use or? Where do you put the DWA 160? I didnt read further.

My gut is telling me...if i buy this it STILL wont connect at my sis. I feel its some kind of tweak i am missing. I mean...man...this router...an my new Laptop. Has to work somehow. Works perfect on N in my room or anywhere in my apartment until i go over there.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 01:01:15 PM
USB port on the LT. Might be also due to building materials in the apt complex too. Distance will effect connection speed as well.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 04:46:07 PM
Man...i think i may just use it on G. I doubt that adapter will work. Then ill buy it for nothing. As long as my signal is strong on G...i guess im good. Ill just never know why this happens why i try to use N.


Thanks for the help both of you. Im not giving up though. Ill keep messing around with it from time to time.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: FurryNutz on March 13, 2012, 04:59:19 PM
Do you have a best buy or Frys or anything like that? I would check out any USB WiFi adapter from a place that as a refund policy and see if a different adapter works better then the built in one on the LT. Would be worth a try.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 06:59:57 PM
Very true. But i dont want that adapter thing sticking out of my laptop. Imagine..i have a new 2012 HP Laptop. This thing is suppose to do its job...you know. Im not even going very far for the connection to drop like this.

I feel in my gut its a matter of messing with something. Some kind of tweak then BOOM..it will work. I just cant figure out what. Maybe the channel? Change to change 8 or something? Also...all this stuff near the router like my monitor and modem an other router. BUT...the same things were near when i had the WBR...thats the only thing thats weird. And this router is supppose to be superior to the WBR in almost every way.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 13, 2012, 09:21:01 PM
The new router was not near the WBR when you had your original setup.  If you have two objects emitting radio frequencies right near each other there will be extra interference.  Especially with the way the WI-FI N specs work, the 655 will always degrade its transmission when near another source that is transmitting a "G" signal.  Best to set up the 655 as a G and N broadcast and power down the other router.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 13, 2012, 09:30:29 PM
Well..the WBR was always right behind it on the desk. Inches away. Right now..i have it as G only...and when i go to my sis....the internet is working. I have 54mbps tho. Was 135 before on N. I mean...i know i shouldnt worry about going there. Its not like i HAVE TO even take my laptop over there. The N works perfect in my room and anywhere inside MY apartment.

It just bothers my brain i guess...because i took it over there when i use to use the WBR...worked good. Guess the DIR is super sensitive with alot of stuff then the WBR was.

Every once in a while..i run over there with my laptop to show her something on the net that im looking at. Stuff like that. I refuse to think its my wireless N in my laptop that sucks. But it could be just that. Brand new laptop and all.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: davevt31 on March 14, 2012, 04:34:21 AM
I am not refering to the physical location of the WBR, I am talking about having 2 routers running right next to each other. Think of it has having two TVs on right next to each other on deifferent channels which one are you going to be able to hear.    It's not that the 655 is super sensitive, its part of the IEEE specifications for Wireless N that the N router MUST not interfere with any G or older specs, it will reduce it's Channel Width and thus its overall speed.

Remember on Laptops , they use the cheapest stuff that they can get their hands on.  I have taken apart many laptops over the years, and the wire that they use for the antennas has gotten thinner and thinner as the display screens has gotten larger.
Title: Re: DIR 655 Signal Strength..........
Post by: DJROD on March 14, 2012, 09:29:49 AM
Ahh i see. So that must be it. I mean..the N laptop doesnt interfere when its in my room or anywhere in my apartment. It has a strong signal even at my front door. Even with some G's around. Its when i step to my sis.

So for the N...its maybe going thru those certain walls. Its on G now...if i take it there....it works fine and has 4 bars of signal. Don't know why...my gut is telling me its gonna work somehow with alot of messing around with it and finding the right everything. By the way...its a Realtek Wireless Adapter in this laptop.