Change wireless frequency?

[Ksandra]

Probably no way to do so, but figured I'd ask anyways. Since living back at my fiance's parents house we're having a small problem with the internet. Basically, every time the house phone rings, we lose internet until it stops ringing (and we have to reboot some shit). Fiance says it's because we're using a wireless connection to our router, and the phone is a wireless phone too. I guess they share the same frequency/signal/whatever which is causing it to mess up.

Problem is their phone rings pretty often, especially at night. This causes games to crash out n' such, and is just overall irritating.

Oh small note the router is upstairs, and the phone is downstairs, so I don't think proximity is something that can fix it.

I doubt it's possible, but is there any way to change the frequency or w/e is messing this up on the router? Or would buying a new phone help or do they all use the same?

It's not the end of the world, but if it can be fixed it would be awesome.

[Cephius]

Yes, you're right that they're interfering with each other. You can change the channel that the wireless is on, try putting it to 11 or 7 or 1 and see if that helps. Log into your router, it should be an option in there under wireless settings. It'd be easier to buy a wireless phone that doesn't operate on the 2.6ghz frequency, though.

[Ksandra]

Yes, you're right that they're interfering with each other. You can change the channel that the wireless is on, try putting it to 11 or 7 or 1 and see if that helps. Log into your router, it should be an option in there under wireless settings. It'd be easier to buy a wireless phone that doesn't operate on the 2.6ghz frequency, though.

awesome ty, I'll have him try it when he gets home, if not I'm sure they won't mind a new phone if needed XD

[Tekumel]

Get a new phone, or if all of your computers/devices on the network are capable, go to 802.11n.

802.11a & n operate in the 5.8GHz unlicensed band. If you go hit Best Buy, you'll see a lot of phones are in this range now as well. 802.11b & g are in the 2.4-2.4835GHz range, which is another unlicensed band that is FAR more populated. Cordless phones, bluetooth, and XBox 360 (presumably Playstation 3 as well, not sure from personal experience) controllers operate in 2.4-2.4835. Even microwave ovens emit this frequency (interference from making popcorn is funny).

Basically, offset the two devices. Either get a 5.8GHz phone, or upgrade to 802.11n. What kind of network are you running now, B or G? If all of your devices are G capable and you're running B/Mixed mode, try G-Only. If you're running G, try B. This will mean a speed decrease, but B is a frequency hopping method while G is OFDM (stationary frequency). If you're running G, switching to frequency hopping reduces the chances of hitting the same spot as your phone. You could also try the "Channel" button on your phone if it has one.

Not like I work in microwave communications or anything. >.>