Simon Barratt

Network woes...

In the last week or so I have endured two network issues!!!

The first being SEPTA's network (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). The union that represents the bus and trolley drivers went out on strike Monday 31st October, resulting in congested roads and many more people taking the train.  I usually take the train in, so was only mildly impacted.  But nothing prepared me for the shock of arriving at the train station Monday evening for the home trip!

Getting home that week proved to be interesting, but on a positive note, I never once had to run for a train!  I had no idea what time my train would leave each night, so there was no need to rush!

The other network woe being my 802.11g network.  Now that I have my shiny new iMac up and running I have been moving it around the house.  The kitchen seems to be a good place to put it, so I installed a new electrical outlet for it, but am now finding out how far an 802.11g signal will go (especially with the microwave on).  After some Google assisted research, I have learnt that the 2.4Ghz frequency is unregulated so all sorts of devices have the power to interfere with the signal (cordless phone and microwave to name but two).  However, I ended up being lucky, in that I use the Linksys WRT54G router - it seems that this device is the most 'hacked' device out there.  With many firmware upgrade options available.  The LinksysInfo.org site was really helpful.  I ended up installing the HyperWRT firmware, which allows you to boost the power of the antenna signal.  So, as long as the microwave is not running, I now get a better signal in the kitchen, which was otherwise struggling!

Update - 11/14/05
Even without the microwave running, I am finding that the 802.11g signal, just comes and goes.  I suspect a wireless repeater/expander is the only real option.  Interestingly, my laptop, which uses 802.11b seems quite happy with the signal!