Airport Signal Suddenly Weak

Welcome to the discussion area, Matt!

If you haven't already, download iStumbler, www.istumbler.net to display your wireless signal strength and noise on your network. iStumbler will also display other networks in close proximity which may be interfering with your network.

In particular, look for other networks that may be using the same channel or a close adjacent channel to your network.

Cordless phone there? These are known to cause problems. Turn it off for an hour or so and test your wireless. If you have close neighbors, they may be causing some problems with their cordless phones as well. Security systems, microwave ovens as cause problems as well.

So, how does the airspace look there?

"Is there any possible/feasible way to change which channel my wifi uses?"

You can certainly change the channel. The trick will be to discover how to get into the configuration pages of your router. Some manufacturers use a web based configuration and others like Apple use an application on your computer.

What make and model number router do you have there?

I think you've done about all that you can if you've ruled out your cordless phone as a possible cause of a problem. The other things...other networks, other cordless phones at the neighbors, a new security system nearby...you cannot control.

If you are right next to the Linksys and you're only getting 60% signal strength...it should be upper 80s to lower 90s at that point...there are 3 basic possibilities:

1) The Linkys is showing some age and is not broadcasting at the power levels that it was in the past.

2) The AirPort card in your computer is essentially doing the same, although wireless cards tend to either work or not work. There is not much evidence to support a gradual decline for these devices.

3) There are still interference issues with a nearby security system that may have been installed recently, new cordless phones at the neighbors, or as is the case more often these days...another wireless network that you cannot "see".

Just about all modern routers provide the user the ability to "hide" their network, so it is possible that you are still encountering interference from a network that your computer or iStumbler cannot "see".

I'm not that familiar with the options from Linksys, but my first thought would be to see if they have a "repeater" or "extender" similar to the AirPort Express that would help provide a stronger signal in the area where you normally use your computer. It might help, but there are never guarantees.

If you use your laptop at the coffee shop or other locations, does it seem to connect as well as in the past? Keep an eye on it to get a feel for how it is performing. My sense is that it is probably fine.

Regarding the crowding on the 2.4 GHz band, there is a reason why the newer 5 GHz routers are selling like crazy. There is much less interference from other networks, phones and other 2.4 GHz devices on that band.

But a new router may not be the answer when you consider that the higher frequency 5 GHz signals are absorbed much more quickly by walls and other obstructions than the lower frequency 2.4 GHz signals. If you start to look at a new router, look also for "extending" devices because I think you will need one with the 5 GHz band unless you have close to line-of-sight with the router.