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[Muse2U]

I have had Dir-655 A3 Gigabit router for several years. It is currently running 1.34AN code. I have been using Apple iPod touch Gen 3 wireless (802.11 g) successfully for several years. I recently upgraded to touch Gen 4 iOS5 (802.11n). The performance of the new touch using wireless n with this router has degraded. I am currently troubleshooting to determine if the problem is the touch implementation of 802.11 n or the signal strength of the Dir-655. This has me asking a few questions.

1. When I purchased the Dir-655, the 802.11n protocol had not been ratified. It is now ratified. Does the 1.32AN code implement the ratification accurately now? I recognize the Dir-655 does not implement the multibandwith portion of the protocol, but other than that is 1.34AN compatible with the 802.11 n implementation.

2. What is the difference between the three router external antennas? I have seen a D-link support document for the recommended orientation of the three antennas in either a horizontal of vertical oriented router that would suggest to me that the antennas send out the same signal but allow for three different antenna orientations to optimize the signal 'spread'.

    Using the recommendation of the tech doc, I have the router oriented in a vertical position with the bottom antenna oriented to the left, the middle antenna to the right, and the top antenna pointing up.
The router is located on the main floor in one corner of the house and has provided a strong 802.11 g signal as far as the opposite corner of the house 9 M away and into the basement, passing through several wood/plaster walls. The signal has been strong and constant.
    Turning on the 802.11n has resulted in a weaker fluctuating signal. Because of the multi-directional signal of the existing antennas my neighbor is probably getting a better wi-fi signal from the current placement of the router than I am getting at the other end of the house. The most logical thing would be to mover the router to a central location in the house. Unfortunately, the majority of my network devices require the high speed gigabit wired connection and are located near the router.

    I have considered other alternatives, wi-fi extenders/repeaters including through the AC/DC power lines in the house. The least cost alternative was to replace one or more of the router's external multi-directional antennas with one or more uni-directional antennas.

    3. If there is a difference between the three antennas and I want to replace one of them with a uni-directional antenna, which one should I replace? If the antennas are actually sending the same signal, which of the antenna orientations (left, right, or up) is the most likely to be enhanced by replacing with the uni-directional antenna.

    My router is currently located at floor level. With the existing multi-directional antennas, the signal is strong in both the horizontal direction 9 M and 2 M vertically up and down.

4. I have seen a diagram of the horizontal signal spread of a uni direction antenna and there is a large elongated circular pattern in front and a similar much smaller spread in back of the antenna, but I have never seen a vertical spread of the signal. Will the vertical position of the uni-directional antenna become a factor?

5. The Dir-655 setup guide suggests setting the channel width to Auto 20/40 when 802.11 N devices are supported. I have read elsewhere that iPod devices don't support the 40 channel width and that turning on the 40 width could result in wireless conflicts with other devices in the house that ultimately will result in deteriorating the 802.11 N communication. I have tried the setting at both 20 and  auto 20/40 with no apparent improvement or deterioration of the signal. Any comments?  

[FurryNutz]

What wireless mode is the 655 set for currently? Mixed all? Try single mode G or Mixed G and N and test.

Also is there other Wifi routers in the near by vicinity?

[Muse2U]

The router is currently set to support n g and b. I think you have made a good suggestion to try running the 802.11n iPod and forcing it to run 802.11 g. And see what happens. I was hoping to take advantage of the higher connect speed of 802.11, but it might be better in the long run to have a slower data rate with less router disconnects.

The closest router that is broadcasting ssid is my neighbour. If he is interfering with my signal it is at the 802.11N level.

I forgot to mention that I currently have three generations of touches in the house being used at the same time by different members of the family, Gen 2, 3 and 4. The Gen 2 and 3 are running 802.11g and are not affected by any other wireless interference including my neighbor. The only one that has a deteriorated signal is the Gen 4.

[FurryNutz]

Yes, if you don't need A or B modes, try single mode G first and test then try Mixed G and N if you need N mode. A and B modes aren't used much anymore and are the slowest connections so really not much call for using them. Turing them off will strengthen your signal over all.