Lag from a wireless connection

[Kob]

I use a NETGEAR WG511v2 wireless card on my laptop. Every 2 min on the dot I'll lag up for about 2-3 seconds or so and then my connection will go back to normal. It used to do this, and then by itself go completely normal and not lag up at all until either my laptop got restarted or I had to reset the router.

Anyway to setup the card or connection to have a smooth connection at all times? I'm computer retarded so use simple words if you can. I r dum.

Thanks~

Edit: ISP is Bright House atm. I used to have Comcast but the same thing happened, on and off stability. If that helps any.

[Kinto]

well, If im correct; With any wireless internet you will lag. But don't take my word, I'm not too sure.

[Evelyn]

no, with any ROUTER you will lag. Wireless routers are fast enough anymore that the connection itself doesn't plateau unless you've got a 50+ Mbps internet connection (and if you do, you have the money for a better-than-basic router!) But having an extra networking device on your connection, by its nature, slows your connection down somewhat. Its like trying to go through border inspections, then being told to go back to the end of the line and enter again. At least your networking equipment is better than US Customs, eh?

If you're having the issue, first thing I would do is setup a static IP for your internal network and forward the ports FFXI uses to your comp (forget them off the top of my head, its a huge range though)

If that doesn't work, make sure your wireless connection is strong enough at your current location. If its lower than Good (rating used by most routers, about 3/5) I'd reccomend either moving the location of the router so its closer to your comp, or get a range extender.

Next, make sure your wireless router is far enough away from other wireless devices, and from your cable modem as well. I'd say at least a few feet from them, but as far away as you can. A lot of times wireless devices will cause intereference with other electronics, especially wireless electronics with similar signals, or other internet devices like your modem. Blame poor signal shielding on your electronics.

finally, try switching the channel your router uses. Even a router with a "set" signal (like 2.4 GHz) will have seperate channels that it uses, like your FM radio. Some channels may have less interference than others.

Try those, if it doesn't work, say so. But 90% of the time this kind of thing isn't caused by your ISP. wouldn't hurt to get the reliability checked though, most ISPs will be able to see your connection's reliability (to the modem at least, further depends on the ISP).

[Kob]

I tried the channel thing before, but according to the card it only has two. I tried switching it before I posted here but it wasn't any better or worse. Moving my laptop closer to the cable modem isn't really an option. Most of the time my Signal Strength will tell me it's "low." Even the occasional Good or Very Good results in the same ol lag every 2 min.

So I suppose the last thing to try would be setting up that static connection. How would I go about doing that?

[Evelyn]

for static IPs inside your network, setup will actually depend on what kind of router you have. Most of the time you should see setup instructions if you check the FAQ section of the router maker's website.

After setting that up, setup port forwarding by going into your router's settings (usually by logging into your default gateway), and selecting the ports you want forwarded (like I said I forget which ones, check SE's website) and to which IP address.

Setting that up isn't a magic fix, but it should definitely help with lag issues like you're seeing.

also something I should ask, are you seeing the problem with all the computers on your network, or just the one you're at? Or did you even check?

[Kob]

It seems to be only mine. There's the main PC that gets the cable modem which of course gets no lag. Then there's another laptop that shares the connection, and from what the user tells me he has a stable connection.

I'll have to try out the static connection a little later. Appreciate the answers though, I'll post back later when I figure out the whole static thing and give it a try.