Hi larchmount,

40 feet may be longer than the maximum distance viable for wireless connectivity through your wireless router. I understand that you are currently using a brand new router with long range. However, many cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, garage door openers, and other wireless electronics being used in the vicinity may cause interference with the router's wireless connection. This may result in reduced wireless signal. Recommended distance between the computer and router is maximum 30 feet for a good wireless connectivity.

You may try adding a 'Wireless Repeater'. Wireless repeaters extend your wireless network range without requiring you to add any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater midway between your wireless router and your computer, and you will be able to boost the wireless signal strength. Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.

Larchmount, what wireless card are you using what what does it show as far as signal strength when in the living area? Also what are your wireless security settings set to?

Thank you for your message.  I purchased a Netgear Range Extender at Best Buy. The name Linksys_EXT shows up on my list of possible connections but my laptop will not connect to it.  And it doesn't connect to our regular router called Linksys (which is what we named it). I get a message that Windows was unable to connect to Linksys.

 I brought my son-in-law's laptop into my living space and his computer connected to Linksys right away.

I am working in the office space right now, which is where the router is located, and my laptop connected right away.

So, I don't think that it is the strength of the signal.  It must be something in my Dell laptop that is preventing me from connecting in my living space.

Is there somehting else that you can suggest?

To find your wireless adapter you can go to device manager look down the list for network adapters and expand the field, you should see your wireless card listed along with a few others. in vista and win 7 just click the  start pearl and start typing device manger in that search box. You will see it appear in the window above the search box. Click the entry that appears.

As for checking you wifi security, well that's a bit more difficult. it depends on your router and how it was setup. Locate the manual for your router and look for the security section. It should provide some explanation of how to navigate to that section of your router.

If your signal strength is fluctuating that much just from being in that room then you may have interference. You should check your routers manual to see if the router you have is able to change channels. If it is then I would suggest you attempt to try another channel. If that does not work I would suggest relocating the router to a more central area or investing in better antennas if your router uses antennas.

This by no means rules out you wireless card, that could also be the problem.. Laptops have crappy antennas and they are stuffed inside the LCD panel which degrades the reception. so adjusting the LCD may yield better reception as well.

Thank you for your message.

I am not sure where to find the information that you are asking for.

I went to the Control Panel / Newtwork & Internet.

Can you explain in detail where I can find the information?

When I am in my living area, the signal goes from 4 bars to 2 bars, back to 4.  It switches many times.

Hi larchmount,

Thank you for your prompt response. Wireless cards differ in types, strength and specifications. It is possible that another laptop may have connected to the Linksys router installed at your office. We can certainly try to improvise the settings of the wireless card installed in your Dell laptop to see if that makes any difference. However, any distance over 30 ft may produce fluctuating wireless performance in the long run. Could you provide me more information on the wireless issue that you are facing? It will help me get a better understanding:

- Which anti-virus is installed on the laptop?
- Please share the name and model number of the wireless router
- Please share the name and model number of the Linksys Extender
- Please share the name and model number of the modem (if present)
- Do you use a 'security key' to connect to the wireless; or is it an unsecured connection?
- If it is a secure wireless connection, do you know the wireless network security key?
- Is the 'Internet connection' a 'Cable' or 'DSL'?
- Please share the name of the 'Internet Service Provider'
- What steps have you followed to setup the 'Wireless Extender' (If any)?

I am adding you as a friend. Please accept my request and reply through private message with the 'Service Tag' and the 'Account Holder's' name. Let me check the system specifications. I will provide you the steps for re-installing the 'Wireless card' and optimizing its settings. Do reply with the information. I would be glad to assist.

Hello Saurabh A,

Here are the answers:

- Which anti-virus is installed on the laptop?  Kaspersky Internet Security 2013. Trial version runs out in 1 week. Then I have an activation code.
- Please share the name and model number of the wireless router - Cisco Linksys EA4500
- Please share the name and model number of the Linksys Extender - Netgear WN2000RPT. I have turned it off.  See below.
- Please share the name and model number of the modem (if present) - Aris TM602G/115
- Do you use a 'security key' to connect to the wireless; or is it an unsecured connection? It is a secure connection.
- If it is a secure wireless connection, do you know the wireless network security key? There is a number on the bottom of the router. 12A10607208365. I can give you my password. If you need it, please email me at
- Is the 'Internet connection' a 'Cable' or 'DSL'? It is through the phone line, so DHL?
- Please share the name of the 'Internet Service Provider' -  Service Electric
- What steps have you followed to setup the 'Wireless Extender' (If any)? When I used it, I turned on the power, pushed the front button then pushed the button on the front of the router. It connected fine. But I have since turned it off because I didn't see that it had any effect on if my laptop was connected or not. I plan to return it to the store.

I received your separate email as a friend. I'm not sure what you are referring as a "Service Tag" and "Account Holder's Name." I did not request service.  Please explain further.

Thank you for trying to help me with this issue.

Nancy

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for the information you have provided. Each Dell computer has a unique code assigned to it that can help us to retrieve the system's specifications. This code is labeled as 'Service Tag' and is a 5 to 7 digit alpha-numeric code. You will find it at the bottom of your Dell laptop. Please refer to the image below:
  
You may send the 'Express Service Code' also. System details can be pulled up with this number as well.

Please reply only through a private message with the 'Service Tag' or 'Express Service Code'. To reply through a private message, you may find the following steps useful:
1. Log-on to 'Dell Community Forum (Similar page appears)
  
2. Click 'Inbox' as highlighted in the above image
3. You will find the 'private message' that I sent to you (The same message that you have received in your email)
4. Accept my 'friend request'
5. Click the 'private message' to open it; You will find a blank text-box to post a reply. Please enter the required information in the box and click 'Reply'. This message will reach me only as a 'private message' on 'Dell community Forum'. (Private messaging works only between two board members/friends and the information shared is not published on the forum)
6. Please send the following information in the 'private message':
- Service Tag or Express Service code of your laptop
- Account Holder's name (Person who purchased it and has his/her name registered in Dell records)
- Country where the laptop was purchased
- Country where it is currently being used
- Phone number to contact
- Alternate phone number
- Best time to reach (Time Zone)

With this information handy, I will be able to pull your laptop records and wireless components installed in it. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.

Hello!

Thank you VERY much for all of the work that you did to help me with my issue.  I have been through about half of your instructions and my ability to connect has GREATLY improved. I will continue with the process.

I am VERY greatful for all of your assistance and fine work.  I would love to talk to your boss to give you high praise and positive comments about your customer service.  You deserve a raise!!!

Goodbye for now....

Nancy