Better threwput with wireless B??

[robbie]

Is there a way that I can increase the throughput of a wireless B network?!?! During online game play I sometimes get some really bad lag.

The signal strength is very good, but the lagging is a hit and miss. So far only ONE computer is on using it right now.
Rob

[Áedán]

Wireless LANs don't handle small packets very well. However, don't look at the signal strength, look at the signal quality. This gives an idea about how badly the signal has degraded due to reflections and the like.

Also, does it make an difference if you use a wired connection - don't assume it's the wireless connection, as it could be your ISP instead.

[robbie]

Well I use teamspeak and play BF1942 at the same time. After I switched over to wireless I noticed that I started getting connection probs and some breaking up on teamspeak.

I didn't have this when I was "wired" and the router is only ten feet away. (maybe 7 feet)
Rob

[Áedán]

You're using an access point, ya? Be aware that WiFi really doesn't like sending lots of small packets, but is much happier sending larger ones. This isn't something you can change unfortunately.

Additionally, are the wireless and headset running over USB?

[robbie]

Naw, the headset is plugged into the sound card.(SB live)
And it's a Dlink PCI 520+ wireless B card. Linksys router
Rob

[Áedán]

Does it make any diff if you don't use teamspeak?

Running flat out with large packets, you should see around 5 to 7Mbit/sec for WiFi (802.11b). With small packets, you should see around 1.5-2Mbit/sec, all of which should be fine for playing.

Another alternative is that there's interference on the channel (IE, someone else has an access point on the same channel), and your computer has to wait to transmit.

I presume the drivers for the WiFi adapter are up to date?

[robbie]

Hey Aedan,

There is a program that will force XP (and 98 and other versions of windows) to send larger packets over the network. Will this program do the same or will the wireless protocals override that?!?!
Rob

[Áedán]

No, 802.11b works exactly the same way as standard ethernet. If you tell TCP/IP to use larger packets, it will.

My gut feeling suggests that it might be a problem with a driver, as even with small packets you'll have enough bandwidth to play BF1942 and run teamspeak.

[robbie]

Well, it seems as though it was just the ISP or it could have been the driver. I updated the driver from Dlinks site.

I haven't had the problem again though before I even updated the driver. So it was probably the ISP.

Thanks for the advice,
Rob

[Áedán]

Those darn ISPs eh? Always trying to confuse you.

[robbie]

Yeah, well I"m a little new to wireless and was a little worried I was hitting the bandwidth limit. So I would be kicking myself in the corner for NOT getting the G. I figured that the B would be enough todo what I wanted. I guess I was right.

Rob

[robbie]

I must admit I LOVE wireless!!! NO MORE cables running all over the floor!!!! Or stapled to the wall or holes drilled in the wall.

I did it all for under $150. If you can I recomend that you do!!
Rob

[Áedán]

Having two laptops in the house normally, AND having my GF come visit with her laptop, AND having an AIBO with a wireless card, I find wireless rather handy.

I also set up a wireless system in my GF's student house, as this saves having to run wires in awkward places. I used the same settings for her AP as mine (IE, WEP encryption, MAC address filtering, no SSID broadcasts). That means she just comes down to my place, turns her laptop on, and she's on the network.

The only thing I don't use the wireless for is when I'm transfering large files. Wireless is just too slow then, so it goes back to being wired. Fortunately all the laptops have ethernet, so it's no big deal to do it.

[Áedán]

I do recommend setting up the AP with some level of security however. Enabling WEP with 128bit keys is a good start, along with setting up MAC address filtering.

I also disable the SSID broadcast on my APs, but this break's XP's autodetection of the wireless network. For me, that's cool, as I don't want other people autodetecting my networks!

[robbie]

I tried setting up 64bit WEP on mine and all of a sudden I couldn't get on the web!!! I mean they would connect but I just couldn't get on.

Maybe one day you and I will walk threw it over an IM.
Rob

[robbie]

Ok I need some help. I need to know if this is my two computers on my DHCP Client table. Or are they someone else trying to use my wireless connection?!??!
Rob

[Áedán]

Best way to check is via the MAC addresses. If they match your machines, then it's probably your machines. If they're different, then they're probably someone else's computer!

If you on WinNT/2K/XP you can find out the mac address using IPCONFIG (it's called hardware address)

Win 9x requires you to use WINIPCFG instead.

Alternatively, it might well be written on the cards themselves.

[robbie]

Ok, I've deleted the two computers that were in the table but I'm still able to browse the internet (ie this post) I've clicked on refresh in the active dhcp table and don't see any computer connected. ???

Maybe I have to restart my machine or the router?!?! I'll be sure to double check the Mac addresses when they show back up on the table again. Both boxes are running XP. As well as the new one when I get it up and running.

I'm working on (right now) getting all the old save game files off the old computer so I can get the new computer (one I won from Kat) up and running. (ie installing the OS) I put a little bit better heat sync on the one that I got from him cuz the Athlon 1.4's put out alot of heat!!

So I'll keep ya guys in the know. I'm temped to install zone alarm and I've already turned logging ON in the router settings.
Rob

[robbie]

For better security maybe I should just setup the computers to use a static IP and shut off DHCP.

We'll see,
Rob