Massive Wireless Interference

[Boris71]

Hi, I wasn't sure which forum to put this in, so apologies if it's the wrong one.

I've been trawling the boards for an answer, but with no luck, so having been helped by this forum recently, wondered if someone would be able to offer some advice?

I've got a Vaio FS 415B wireless laptop and a Netgear DG384G v2 - I had wireless connectivity fine up until a couple of weeks ago, but suddenly it's gone!
I can connect to the Internet fine using the router via an ethernet cable, and very occasionally I can 'see' the router's wireless signal on my laptop, whilst even more rarely I can connect to it, only for it to lose the connection again a very short while later.

A further bit of background is that I also have a couple of sets of Philips Video Senders - to transmit Sky to TV's in other parts of the house - (please bear with me) - these also worked fine (alongside the wireless internet) until a couple of weeks ago, but now seem to get a huge amount of interference - which is why I THINK that there is something interfering with the wireless internet connection.
On top of all this, my PSP which worked fine off of the router, is also not able to connect now.
Can anyone offer any advice - I've tried changing the channel, from 11 to 1 and then 6, to no avail.
I'm a little caught with where I locate the router, as there's only one access point for it, so changing that isn't really an option - but in fairness, even when I try linking wirelessly whilst sat right next to the router, it's still a very hit and (predominantly) miss affair.
Would a larger antenna be any good? Anything else?

Thanks in advance.

Boris.

[Blencogo]

Hi Boris,

Sounds like something new is interfering with the signal - have you bought anything new like a cordless/mobile phone?

Have you tried finding a firmware upgrade for the DG834G on the Netgear site?

Have you tried finding updated drivers for your wireless card? I'm not sure what WiFi card your Vaio has - have a look in Device Manager. The manufacturer's site will often have new drivers.

While you are in Device Manager, double-click on the card and look in Advanced or Power Options - there is usually an option to turn up the power of the card to MAX.

[Boris71]

Hi Blencogo,

That's the conclusion I'd come to - but it's nothing I've bought - I'm guessing someone nearby has introduced something (checked with one neighbour and although they have wireless apps operating, they've been doing so for the last 5 months - haven't managed to check the other side yet).
Would someone elses signal, outside of my house, affect my syetems?

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I'd upgraded to the latest Netgear Firmware - still no good.

I've not tried finding an updated driver for my wireless card though - I'll give this a go, along with looking at the power given to the card.

Cheers for the suggestions, I'll post how I get on.

[Boris71]

Still no joy with this.
Have been in contact with Netgear and they believe the router is OK and that the issue is with my laptop's wireless card.
This is possibly backed up by the fact that I can now 'see' my router on my laptop, but it cannot connect.
Also, my PSP is generally able to connect to the internet, via the router.
I checked power settings and I've checked for new card drivers - but nothing has come up.
Awaiting a response from the Vaio Support Team now.

[kee-lo_]

I think they'll probably send you back to Netgear, welcome to the merry go round called support.

This is what I like about the Mac, they have a setting to boost the signal if you're in an area with interferance.

Make sure your router is in the middle of the house.

[Boris71]

Hi Kee-Lo,

The things is, I can see the router on my laptop - and it's showing a strong signal (5 bars) - it's just that when I try to connect, it looks as though it's trying, but never actually succeeds - kind of times out, but without any error message.

[Thalamus.]

Hi Boris,

Has a neighbour got a wireless router if so see if they will allow you to try and connect to that, that could help narrow the problem down to either router or Vaio...

[apierc1]

Or if they have a wireless laptop (or a frined has one), they could try and connect to your router.

[Blencogo]

Also, I would look in Device Manager to find out which wireless card you have in the Vaio and download the latest drivers for that card from INTEL DOWNLOADS

[Boris71]

Cheers guys. All good suggestions which I will try.
Is it OK to install non-oem drivers/software?