Linksys N-Router WRT310n...Why is the signal on my laptop not as strong as it was with my old router (WRT54G)?

Question

I bought the one router the guy at Circuit City said was the best for the money, the new WRT310n, and the signal keeps fluctuating between 2 and 5 bars on my Vista laptop and occasionally the network drops the internet connection and turns "Local Only." It was always 5 bars when I used the WRT54G. What gives? Anyone have this same problem? Is there something wrong with the router settings or my laptop? Thanks.

Answer 1

This is very strange, because N is allot faster than G

Answer 2

I bet you have something interferring on the channel that the WRT310N is set on.  

Go into the config file on the router via Internet Explorer and see if you can manully change it to 1, 6 or 11.  Those are the better ones to use because they dont overlap with your neighbors.

If that doesnt work.  Try using it without other things on such as cordless phones, cell phones, TVs, Microwaves, Fridges, Vacuums etc.  You might just have something jamming the signal.  Especially if its going up and down.

Next bet would be to replace the router.

Its NOT the router though.  Both routers use the same frequency spectrum that is called ISM.  Its in the 2.4Ghz that is slammed with usage in the "unlicensed" specturm.