Wireless Network (ARGH)

[Kwanza]

I've got a wireless network running in my house. The Linksys NRTWSGV4 router is running upstairs, with both my brother and my computer in the basement. The router is about 4 years old.

Now, recently, the router connection has been utter shit. We try changing around the channels to get a good connection, we give up when we hit 4 bars. When we finally hit 4 bars, about an hour later it drops to 3 bars. 2 hours later it drops out completely.

That's right. We have to change the channel at least 2 times a day on average. It's really fucking annoying, and it's shit that I can never get above 4 bars of wireless connection.

Plus, when I have 4 bars, that means my 360 usually gets about 2-3 bars, and then the NAT isn't open so I can't play worth shit. The NAT opens randomly on certain channels, can't figure it out.

Anybody have any sort of advice, or if I'm SOL and have to buy a new router, what would be the best choice?

SIDENOTES:
My computer has a Belkin Wireless-G Network Card, my brother's has a built in one that came with his laptop, probably Intel.

[Beefynick]

I think you are pretty much screwed and have to get a new router. I have a Belkin Wireless Plus G (http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Wireless-G-Plus-Router/dp/B0002ED4PM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207429938&sr=8-3) router. I never have any connection problems and I usually have my laptop connected to it at all times and occasionally my xbox 360.

[SODA]

You could possibly check the manufacturers site for a firmware upgrade, but if the hardware itself is faulty you are better off getting a new one.

[Sarge51]

Try having your internet connection cut out in the middle of downloading. Mine cuts out frequently, and my mom has the worst on her laptop. It's killer. Linksys, I love your easiness, but please, WORK sometimes.

I'd say upgrade your wireless cards and your wireless router and see if that helps. In that case, just hope someone around you has good wireless connection. I love mooching off of available networks.

[devilsgunner]

Chances are it's the hardware. I was having similar problems a while back with my router, tried everything to get it going again. In the end I just coughed up the money for a new one, no problems since.

Most routers start to shit out at about 3 or 4 years old anyway, often a couple of years of mild overheating, dust buildup, and just general overuse can destroy them pretty well.

[redbayredneck]

If you do end up getting a new router, I have a netgear wireless router and it works awesome. I'd highly recommend it.

[opn4bzns]

My routers have all crapped out after a few years, so you may just have to buy a new one, irritating though it is. I have a D-Link at the moment, and I would recommend it. It was extremely easy to set up, I basically just plugged it in and configured a few wireless settings and it worked. It hasn't really had any issues. I've heard that Belkins are pretty awful, though, so I'd steer clear of them if you do buy a new one.

[HappinessMan]

Do not get Netgear. I cannot stress this enough, if you must replace your router Kwanza, do not buy a Netgear router. They have a nice habit of freezing while updating, which then wipes your router and makes it a brick. Stick with Linksys, and even if you have to shell out alot of money, the more expensive ones are actually worth it. I have a wireless N router, and it works great with all the traffic my household has.

[CharlieH]

Buy a long Ethernet Cable. They are available. I have a 30M one that i bought so i could get my PS2 online.

[Spastic]

If you are looking for a wireless router I'd go with Belkin, I have used the same one for about two years now and have relatively no problems. The only thing that sucks is if the power goes out I have to reset it, but I get good speeds all the time.

[SODA]

Buy a long Ethernet Cable. They are available. I have a 30M one that i bought so i could get my PS2 online.

Are you serious?

[InTransit]

If you are looking for a wireless router I'd go with Belkin, I have used the same one for about two years now and have relatively no problems. The only thing that sucks is if the power goes out I have to reset it, but I get good speeds all the time.

I second this. Ours is about 3 years old now and still going brilliantly. We've had up to 4 computers (2 of them being used for gaming) connected and had no difference in connection to when just 1 computer's on.

[Kwanza]

I'm thinking that'd be a good choice, my network card is Belkin afterall. I want to try and match the brands best I can, not sure if it makes a real difference or not.

[Spastic]

I don't think it matters so much for wireless cards and routers, but try and pick up a 54G router, they work flawlessly.

[Sarge51]

Buy a long Ethernet Cable. They are available. I have a 30M one that i bought so i could get my PS2 online.

In some cases you would have to drill holes in the walls to run that cable into other rooms. Though, I actually recommend this if you can do it, because you get a more stable connection and it's generally faster. I would do this to my computer if I hadn't already used our last cable for the Xbox360.

[Beefynick]

I'm thinking that'd be a good choice, my network card is Belkin afterall. I want to try and match the brands best I can, not sure if it makes a real difference or not.

It does make a difference. A manufacturer's parts are more likely to work together than with parts of another manufacturer. They all meet the same basic standards that the FCC or whoever requires of them, but I find that if you have a router and wireless card of the same brand your connection will be more stable.