High Powered Wireless Network for Audio

Your problems could be a combination of things.

1. Make sure you are getting the speed you are paying for by connecting a computer directly to the DSL bridge. If this fixes the problem, then you know your service is good, if not, call them and complain.

2. Upgrade your wifi router to a 802.11n (that's with a "N"). They are much faster and stable. Also (this is important) make sure the router is CLEAN. Seriously, if you have dust and clogged up vents on a wifi router, it can cause it to run hot, and that causes all kinds of problems, especially if your router is using WPA encryption. Trust me on this, it makes a HUGE difference.

3. Use some wifi extensions, hardwired if possible. Concrete and brick can effect wifi networks and you might simply need to have better coverage.

One of the routers that I spec and use most is the Apple AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule, and the AirPort Express for extensions, which also act as a digital audio output if you are using iTunes. The AirPort products can be used with Windows, and of course Apple. They are reliable, stable and easier to install and service.

If you don't want Apple products, Netgear makes some great wired and wireless routers, extentions and power line adaptors.

Let me know how things work out for you. Networks can be a "Black Art". ;)

Rrog,

After several hours on the phone with my ISP, I still have bad results, new, staticky intereference with my cordless phones, and not one but two modems I now have to send back, on my time and at my expense.

Maybe it's just me, but one of the reasons I have participated here for about 10 years now is because I consistently get more detailed and reliable information from fellow enthusiasts than I do from say, a call center in India or the Phillippines.

Ballan, thank you.

This thread relates to another on the Squeezebox Touch, if others might be interested in this well reviewed wireless device.

Your DSL service has nothing to do with the signal strength of the wireless network in your home. It could attribute to network speed, dropouts, performance, etc., but not wireless strength.

Wireless strength is all in the transmission power of the wireless access point (in this case, your router). Look for a router that has significantly greater range than your current router. It likely has more transmission power. Also look for a router that has external antennas and possibly one that has replaceable/optional higher powered antennae. You can also add wireless extenders in your home to increase the reliable coverage area. Lastly, if possible, move your cable modem and wireless access point to an area closer to the majority of your wireless devices.

Good luck!

TIC

The only wireless speaker experience that I've had was with my subwoofer. When I had it hooked up wireless I couldn't print with my wireless printer. The subwoofer would also get some interference during internet use, but not a lot.

Is it possible that you're speakers are having some of the same issues?

I agree completely with Ballan's suggestions. Moving from an 802.11g to an 802.11n wireless router will give you greater range and eliminate the interferece from devices like cordless phones and microwave ovens, which use the same frequency band as 802.11g. That means, though, that both ends of the wireless connection have to be 802.11n. Your computer will need an 802.11n wireless card or external adapter to take advantage of the 802.11n access point.

One thing you can try with your current 802.11g setup is to switch the wireless channel. There are 11 channels available for the communication between your computer and your wireless access point and you might be able to get rid of the interference from other devices by switching from the default channel to one of the other ten channels. It won't help if the problem is signal strength but it might help if the problem is interference.

With the Apple Airport Express you specify the channel in the setup utility that is part of the system software. With other wireless routers you'll have to do it through their setup application or through browser access to the setup parameters. They're all different so you'll have to wade through the setup instructions that came with your router.