Wireless Adapter Issues & Questions

GreenLeafy · September 4, 2014

Okay so I love building computers and PCs in general but the one area I am really lacking is in Networking and that's why I'm here to ask a few questions I have and also to get some recommendations from the community.

I've got a Trendnet TEW-726EC N600 in my PC and a CGN3 downstairs (Advertised by Rogers as "Advanced Wifi Modem") (I'm on the top floor of my house while the CGN3 is one floor below). The first time I upgraded to a new plan (advertised 150mbps down, 15up), I managed occasionally to pull off 80 or 90mbps down on my PC running on the Wifi while always getting the advertised upload or higher (This is upstairs). I thought this was a reasonable speed for Wifi, but then again, what do I know? However, with a laptop right next to the CGN3, the speedtest results are consistently 200mbps down (With speedboost) and rarely dips below 150 (Without speedboost). So, I am definitely getting my advertised speeds.

However, my adapter randomly disconnects from the internet. When this happens, it is connected to the network but there isn't an internet connection. After resetting the adapter, it works instantly once again. I have to do this once a day or once every few days if I'm lucky. On top of this, I've never seen a result over 60mbps for quite a long time, I usually get 40-50 now and the results fluctuate wildly. The connection has to go through a few walls to get to my adapter but that doesn't give it an excuse to disconnect frequently.

(Windows shows 4 or 5 Bars of strength consistently when connected)

I realize the best option to get the best speed and reliability would be to run directly an Ethernet cable but that really isn't the best idea because I'd need to run it from downstairs all the way up across a flight of stairs and the wire would cross directly in front of entrances to many rooms in my house.

I've thought about powerline but I'm not really sure exactly how that works or if it would be the best option. I've been thinking if it's possible to get a replacement from Trendnet and that may possibly fix the disconnecting issue and possibly improve speed but I'm not sure.

1. Should I get a new wireless adapter (If so, recommendations are welcome)?

2. Should I go for Powerline (recommendations for products welcome)?

3. Should I try and get a replacement adapter (same model)?

4. What speeds should I realistically expect from my Wifi one floor up?

Essentially what I am asking is... What should I do?

If you need any more information, just ask. I really don't know what I should do but I don't think I'll be sticking with this adapter that likes to crap out once a day.

elkenrod · September 4, 2014

First thing is to check for sources of interference. Second thing is to check your antenna(s). Antenna quality and placement can greatly affect your results, especially if you are on the second floor and your router is on the first.

Are you on 2.4 or 5ghz?

you can use programs such as Linssid to check what type of wireless networks are in your area and if they are overlapping.

GreenLeafy · September 7, 2014

First thing is to check for sources of interference. Second thing is to check your antenna(s). Antenna quality and placement can greatly affect your results, especially if you are on the second floor and your router is on the first.

Are you on 2.4 or 5ghz?

you can use programs such as Linssid to check what type of wireless networks are in your area and if they are overlapping.

Thanks for your suggestions but I just gave up and moved my router upstairs. I now get my 200mbps down.. Thanks.