wireless performance with bluetooth

If you have a wireless N router now, unless you dont have any issues spending $$ on new hardware, I would suggest you use what you have. As you're posting in the MBP group I'll assume you have a MBP laptop...remember that all MBP's form 2011 on have multiple anteneas so you can process multiple "N" signals at the same time. This means throughput (in and out) should double.

If your existing router is single channel (as my Netgear device is), you may want to think about the added bandwidth the MIMO (multiple in - multiple out) routers offer...again, the AirPort Extreme is a great router but there are others out there...now. I bought mine just after buying my 2011 MBP so the service offering out there was slim...now that's not the case.

If you can get away with three ethernet ports...fine...if not...you can always bridge from your Netgear to another router (e.g., AirPort) and then use it as another access point. Saying this...I would STRONGLY SUGGEST you load the freeware version of NetStumbler for Mac (iStumbler) and review what channels your existing router AND NEIGHBORS are using. You can then ensure you have no cross-talk across devices.

Ping me if you have any other questions (like channel recommendations).

Happy to help!

Scott

Thanks again, Scott. Yes - the issue I am having is with my new MBP with Retina Display. I have looked around at the other networks using "WiFi Scanner" and have tried changing chanels and the like on my current router.

It is trouble only when I turn on bluetooth, although it is hard to see where the issue is using WiFi Scanner. I will check NetStumbler and see what it indicates.

I will have to stick with the FIOS modem/router as my "connection" to Verizon, then bridge off to another router. I would imagine I could do this a few times, as I have (4) wired connections to the FIOS modem. I have turned off the wireles radio on that device.

I just got an appointment at the Apple store for tomorrow, and I will see what they say. Maybe it is a radio issue that can be "swapped out" or some other fix? I hope there is something that can be done for when I am not at home and have access to wifi that I control. Bluetooth is not THAT important to me, but it is a feature that I paid for and will most certainly NEED someday for some presentation or connection.

This home network stuff will be fun to complete and will probably get me going - but I still think these issues should not be occuring with this machine.

I will keep you posted after I visit the "genious bar" tomorrow. Another first for me - RECEIVING face to face support. I guess that is what Apple is known for?

Thanks again and take care...

-Dave

Dave....nice to "meet" you!

Sounds like you're a pc user and recent convert to the dark side....lol...I beat you by about 2 year sand have not looked back since!

As far as your genius bar appoint tomorrow, depending on the time and store, it might be good to get there a few minutes early. Usually at the front of the store there will be a blue-shirt with an iPad checking people in. If you've not experienced this before, it's nice actually.

I would suggest that the either write down or otherwise prepare your "problem statement" before you walk in the door. Be ready to clearly demonstrate the issue and point out how it is impacting you. Buying a MacBook pro should not mean you need to buy all new hardware.

Next I suggest you ask kindly if the person helping you has any, any information about similar issues with other new laptops. If they jindicate yes, ask what guidance the engineers or sales staff have given them to either gather additional information OR ensure customer satisfaction.

I would bring all of your hardware, including power cord and wireless mouse. You should find a site that you can use to recreate the issue and then do that at the apple store.

While I don't work for apple, I do work with computers all day...every day...my next suggestion is rather subjective....maybe try your mouse on another computer or try another mouse on your computer. Yeah I'm reaching but it's logical to troubleshoot everything and not jump to wild conclusions.

Good luck and if all else fails, suggest they give you a replacement MacBook pro laptop.....

Yes, keep us all informed as to what happens.

Scott

Hello Scott et al,

I visited the Apple Genius Bar today (no drinks?) and I could not replicate the issue for them. I did get a minor hiccup using the wireless, but it "fixed" itself. The person at the Genius bar suggested a couple of tests for home:

1) connect my rMBP to my network through an Ethernet cable and test it that way to confirm it is not "a network issue" - good thing I have the $29 thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter

2) try using Safari - I usually use Chrome - it was curious but at the store, there was no lag in browsing when we tested my machine using Safari. Never thought about the browser causing a slowdown, but that is certainly possible.

Note the network at the Apple store was very strong and redundant. I connected by a 2.4 GHz N network, on channel 2.

I am back at home and I changed my network channel again, to a channel 2. There are no other networks around my home using that channel at this time. Safari seems just fine and so does Chrome. The days efforts leads me to think that it may just be a distance and channel issue for this problem. I will test again tonight when the rest of the neighborhood gets home and activity goes up.

I think I will get a new router and make the effort to mount it in my attic. Not sure I was the Air Port Extreme, but I will decide on one soon.

It is still curious that the problems came up when I "upgraded" to the new rMBP from my 2011 13 inch MBR. I use this system at the same location and there was never any network issues when BT was on.

Anyway, it was a decent experience today - and I did not spend any money!

More info when I decide on my new router!

Thanks to all.

I figured I'd chime in here as well, I've been experiencing similar problems with my new rMPB. I have a wireless keyboard and a Trackpad, which when connected kills wifi completely. I phoned Apple support the other day and they had me try loads of things, including resetting SMC and PRAM, logging in as a different user etc. ...none of which worked.

What solves it for me, albeit not for long, is switching wifi channels. This will work for anywhere between 5 minutes, and a few hours. Today I also found out that if only the Trackpad or the keyboard is connected, the problem is resolved. I also found out, that in my case, the old wireless mighty mouse doesn't seem to affect the problem. So the solution for me right now is to simply use my wireless keyboard and a mighty mouse, and leave the Trackpad off.

Mui intersante...thanks, Stephen82.

The guys at the Genius bar asked me a couple of times if I had been using "more than two bluetooth devices PERIOD" - and I asked "two at a time?" and they replied something like "two devices EVER". I have had more than two different BT devices connected - two different magic mice and the jambox, and maybe my android (can I say that here?) phone. Not sure why they asked that...

My experience with changing the channels seems to keep things working thus far. Also, I jumped in and bought a NetGear R6300 router today. Gonna try and set that up soon and see how a 5GHz network performs.

Thanks again everyone - this is definitely a learning experience...