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[zippoking]

So after having this router for almost 2 years and never updating from the v1.14 it came with, I finally thought what the heck I'm gonna do it, since there doesn't seem to be much hoopla about the latest version.  I've read more than I care to remember from Furry and Eyes and Harry (?) and the rest of the regulars on here, so I thought I was ready.  Also, I have my computer much farther from the router now and sometimes have low speed connection if not drops.  While I know the connection isn't physically any better from a firmware update, I was perhaps hoping that the way things are handled internally with software might be improved, although there seems to be no mention of this in the updates.  But I know from being one that engineers like to make things better when they can and don't care much for documentation, because that's boring.  I just did the update a few hours back and so far it seems like from the connection status window the speed is higher.  I know this isn't really the best measurement and it's not accurate always, but I also know that my internet sucks when it shows 1.0Mbps, so its at least a good indicator.  I have 2.4GHz N/G set, and this computer has a Netgear N-adapter that never had Netgear drivers made for win7x64, but the default Broadcom ones always worked for everyone in this situation.  I also coincidentally ordered the D-Link ANT24-0230 Xtreme N 2.4GHZ Indoor Antenna today, and if that gives me some better results from a better antenna placement I'll surely write about it here.  Although I was surprised that I just randomly found this today despite frequently reading this forum, I've not myself seen a mention of it. 

Anywho, the point of my ramblings here is that if you're like I was and unsure if you should bother updating, go for it.  If something fails well get a router that's not from 2008!

(also for the record I had absolutely no issues saving settings, updating, loading settings, and not having to fiddle with a thing, I've read others have stumbled in the process)

-zk

[Hard Harry]

The connection rate is directionally proportionate to the signal level. It has to do with what is called the spartial streams, which is determined at the handshake and every beacon period (I think?). The router starts at 1 and then increases the amount until the client's(Laptop) return signal can not carry them. Then it stops and sets the connection rate. Usually the connection rate will only be confirmed at beacon, so if your signal level improves, you might still be locked at a lower rate. Thats why sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting from the network can help. Theres so much other stuff that goes on behind the scenes , but FYI.

[zippoking]

Actually, I forgot since it's been so long since I first set this up what some of the settings are useful for, changing back from 20/40 auto to just 20MHz does help my case of not the best signal strength.  Can't ever get over 130Mbps but it's usually higher than what it is in 20/40.  I would think 40MHz has a harder time with penetrating walls and such, due to permeability.  Still I'm interested to see what the new antenna will do.

[LookIntoMyEyees]

Hey, Zippoking

Its been a while since we last saw you posting on the forums, nice to see you back. H harry always showing off Smart cookie lol...  I won't go into your issue well because I don't have time. Have a great day

--
Chris

[XS]

Anymore feedback on this firmware?

[FurryNutz]

What are you curious about?

[XS]

Wireless and performance, I know I know if it aint broke don't fix it.  Anyway, I noticed the wireless signal is not very strong.  I have it set to 20/40Mhz and N/G wireless.
I know I could install a booster but I would like to avoid this, no biggie just wondering.

[FurryNutz]

depends on your distances your from the router and whats in between man. FW updates don't fix performance on the WiFi if there are other things in the way or distances. How far are you away and whats in between? Any other WiFi routers around?

[XS]

My next door neighbor has wifi and its about 40-50' with a the kitchen wall in between consisting of cabinets, drywall, insulation, sheering and then one more piece of drywall.

[FurryNutz]

Are you service your neighbor or he servicing you? How far away are your devices the the router?

[kargo27]

Are you service your neighbor or he servicing you? How far away are your devices the the router?

Whoa whoa whoa!  What's all this talk about servicing your neighbor!?

[FurryNutz]

Shush it Karl, nothing wrong with servicing your neighbor. Hehe.

Whoa whoa whoa!  What's all this talk about servicing your neighbor!?

[XS]

Oh no, lol.  His WIFI just shows up when I do a wireless scan, it is secured so no one is servicing anyone, lol.
He must have a serious router since, it has travel through his walls, the brick out side wall and then my exterior wall.

[kargo27]

Oh no, lol.  His WIFI just shows up when I do a wireless scan, it is secured so no one is servicing anyone, lol.
He must have a serious router since, it has travel through his walls, the brick out side wall and then my exterior wall.

[Kamikazi2142]

i've connected to a wifi a long time ago from someone down the street from me, on the opposite side of the house i was in, Wifi is effected by echo harmonics.  chain link fences bounce Wifi pretty well too.

Unless you've been in his house and seen his router and know for a fact it is his you are picking up in your site survey, it could just be from an echo.

to inform all of you, whom seem to not know the drastic changes from the original FW and the new set of FW, the wifi is weaker, the settings for the radios were messed up, and the signal is therefore weaker.  my router never got much N use was always G, i had 3 HawkinTech antenna's on it and i never really noticed the drop until i got a roommate with N, where i had to switch back to my stock antenna's to serve his device. it was Wifi 802.11N he had that PCI Linksys N adapter (i hate Linksys) on 5GHz he had 4mbps on 2.4GHz he had 105Mbps, on 802.11a he had 120Mbps.

nothing made sense.

but yes, the new FW has mucked up the routers settings that are unchangeable by the user.  now, you have to have DLink adapters to ever see 300Mbps over N.