[KLUG Members] Minimum req. signal strength.

[Bruce Smith]

> At the very corner of my block, which I'm rougly in the center of, the signal
> stength on the applet varies between ~30% - 55% and occasional goes "n/a" but
> never for more than an instant.  Internet browsing works but seems bursty.

That's a pretty good range!

> >A good test IMO is to start a big download with something that tells you
> >the current transfer rate (like ncftp), then go walking around and
> >compare that to the signal strength.
> 
> Ah! Good idea.

If you're downloading from the internet (not a local server), you
shouldn't see much change.  The speed should vary itself between 1-11
depending on link quality.  Even the slowest speed should be faster 
than most broadband connections.

> >>I've studied for the HAM radio test ...
> >Good, maybe you can explain this.  Do a "iwconfig" command, and compare
> >it's signal strength to what the applet says, and tell me why the big
> >difference?  The applet display a much higher percentage than what
> >iwconfig command says.
> 
> Hrm.  I can't see a correspondance between and combination of numbers from
> /proc/net/wireless or iwconfig and what the applett displays.  Odd.  I'll have
> to peek at the source code and see where it is pulling the number from.

The curses based monitor I've used (wavemon) displays the numbers 
from iwconfig.  The numbers on the applet surprised me.

> >>I haven't tried moving it around yet to see how location effect it. 
> >>Will taking the time to mount it way up in the attic actually throw the
> >>signal that much further? (About 15ft higher that it is now).
> >Personally I'd put it in the basement to limit it's range.
> >(that's where mine is now)
> 
> Yes, but I'm on much friendlier terms with my neighbors. :)

Why, that's mighty nice of you!  :-)
Hopefully your ISP doesn't care.  Remember that new Michigan Law ...
(the one that Bob is going to Lansing to fight).

I've heard that wireless connections slow down quickly as you add 
nodes (never tired it myself).  Let me know how that holds up.

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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