Really easy internet connection question?

[Andy]

So I pay for a 10mbs download speed from Cogeco Cable, and most of the time that is what I get. However, at times I can be around 1mbs while my brother's computer only 7 metres away is still at 10mbs.

The problem must obviously be that my wireless connection to the router is screwing up my internet speeds when something interferes with the signal. My brother with the older and worse computer has a consistent 10mbs download speed all the time- because he is hooked up to the router.
Also, It can't be my router, I recently bought a 750mbs Dual-band D-Link- it's great.

My question is, is my only option to get rid of the wireless connection and set up a connection to the router? If so, how do I go about doing that?

Also, why are computers sold with a wireless router connection when it's so inferior to a cable connection?

[Smokies Hiker]

In reality, you usually are better off with a wired connection to the router than a wireless connection. Take a look at this link that has some suggestions for the settings needed in the wireless router for a better connection for those not wired into the router. Hopefully you can find some information to help you get a better wireless connection.

http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-...-and-range

[slin100]

I wouldn't rule out the router. Even new routers can have problems. I bought a "screaming fast" Netgear 802.1AC router a month ago and its Wi-Fi interfaces couldn't stay up reliably. It turned out to be bugs in their firmware. They just released an update and now the router is rock solid.

Check D-Link's forum for news about your model.

Another thing to try is to download and run a Wi-Fi surveying tool on your computer. This will give you an idea about the Wi-Fi signal strength coming from your router as well as information about other Wi-Fi signals in the vicinity. If you live in a dense neighborhood, then it's possible that the Wi-Fi spectrum is crowded with too many signals. If your router is configured to use a specific Wi-Fi channel, try switching to auto-channel selection or an unused channel. The surveying tool can provide information about which channels are available. Do a web search for 'stumbler windows' to find some popular tools.

See if you can correlate the loss of internet speed with an event. Microwave ovens can severely disrupt Wi-Fi transmissions. So can Bluetooth devices, fluorescent lights or anything that emits radio signals in the 2.4 GHz range.

Wireless may be less reliable than wired but it's hard to beat the convenience factor of mobility.