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[davidmt]

Hello, I've been desperately trying to understand what is happening with my router.
I have not changed anything (no config changes and no new devices connected), but somehow I have seen a dramatic decrease in signal strength on my DGL-4500.  It has been like this for about the last 10 days or so.  I have a computer about 20 feet from the router and signal strength is now at 40% (used to be 80%).  A computer upstairs is hovering around 10% (used to be around 50%).

I have tried the following:
Changed to random channels (currently on 9 which gives me the best signal)
Reset all settings to default (temporarily)
Re-uploaded firmware 1.15
Changed security (WPA to WEP to No Security)

I also moved the router to an outlet 10 feet from my primary computer.  I reset everything to the default and there was no internet signal feeding into the unit.  The DGL-4500 config page showed a small strength jump to 43% with the computer just 10 feet away.

Nothing I have tried has made a difference.  Even the "out of the box" default settings give me the same poor strength.

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Dave

[anon]

Try a hard restart?

[arod]

What wireless adapters are you using? Check to see if you have the latest drivers as well.

[davidmt]

I tried the hard reset today - nada.
I'm using a iMac and a Dell with a DWA-140 USB.  I don't think there are any upgrades to the 140, plus I've not had any problems up until recently (it has been working fine up until now).

[Lycan]

Are there any 2.4ghz cordless devices in the area?

[davidmt]

Nope, I do not even have a landline anymore.

I learned a little more.
I am finding that the computers are actually showing a good signal, but the Status/Wireless page on the router shows a much lower rate. Why would this be?

IP Address         / Mode / Rate (Mbps) / Signal (%)
192.168.0.100    802.11n    78    40
192.168.0.110    802.11g    54    24
192.168.0.101    802.11n    81    18

For example, IP 192.168.0.101 shows ~55% from the computer's wireless utility, but on the router status page shows 18%. The router page was what I've been focusing on -- these numbers USED to be much higher. Can anyone explain?

I put my iPhone right next to the router, and according to the Status page, it won't go past 80% signal strength. I would expect it to be around 100%, right?

What is the true signal, what the router shows or what the PC shows?

[Lycan]

PC is more accurate. The router is just a estimation based on attempted throughput.

[Kakashi::.]

Has the overall wireless experience change?  or are you still downloading and uploading just like you did before?

Lycan is right... the PC's adapter has the more accurate reading.  Try moving files between 2 PC's and see how that goes.

Do a complete scan using your wireless utility or some other wireless network program like Net Stumbler http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/, maybe one of your neighbors has set up a new AP or wireless router that may be stepping on your signal, if that is the case, you should try changing channels.

[LaneLander]

I must point out that signal strength has nothing to do with bandwith.  Besids what you want is throughput.  Do some tests with netstumbler.  I do not rely on either of the figures listed on my network from router to the computer.