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Wireless Congestion

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the well-there's-no-surprise-there dept.

AllMightyPaul writes "An article on CNN describes the congestion experienced by many users of wireless networks as more and more people begin to use them at home and at work. The unregulated frequencies between 902 and 928, where most Wi-Fi devices operate, sees a lot of traffic, apparently."

2 of 130 comments (clear)

  1. 2.4 ghz Co-existence sucks by PhotoGuy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I have a 2.4 ghz IEEE 802.11 wireless network in our house. Works great. (All Lucent cards.)

    We have a 2.4 ghz phone, with also works great, but when we're on the phone, the throughput on the wireless lan goes down, and similarly, if there's a lot of wireless lan traffic, the phone gets interference. Tried different channels.

    Tried out a wireless video relay from Radio Shack which uses 2.4 ghz. The wireless lan (even idle) causes regular noise on the screen, making it unusable. It went back.

    Most annoying of all, when our microwave is on, the wireless lan loses most packets, and is almost unusable in the kitchen (and some other places).

    The frequency hopping and co-existence in this band doesn't seem to work out as well in practice as it does in theory, unfortunately.

    -me

    --
    Love many, trust a few, do harm to none.
  2. Re:Poor Equipment by Cef · · Score: 5, Interesting

    With point to point links you really need to evaluate antennas and your area. Many people use antennas with a wider radiation distribution pattern than is necessary, simply because it does the job. A number of cheaper antennas also have terrible front-to-back noise ratio, so noise from behind or the side of the antenna can really affect the signal. Also remember that many antennas allow you to orient the polarisation of the signal by the way they are mounted, and some antennas even have circular polarisation.

    With general network setups (eg: an office) many people have a tendancy to put an AP on the edge of the building, particularly in warehouses (simply because there is little else to support it). Semi-directional antennas (with 60-180 degree coverage patterns) are VERY useful for walls and corners, and usually have a higher gain in the direction you want (away from the wall or corner, into your business). The less signal that escapes your premesis, the less chance of interference, and also the harder it is to get an outside connection (ie: war driving).

    If your setup doesn't allow for outside interference, and is very succeptable to it, you'll always have problems.