PDA

View Full Version : Squeezebox classic WiFi slowly failing?


kmchow98
2010-01-13, 06:10
Hi all,

Lately, the WiFi performance is simply unsatisfactory.
A network test shows that the average throughput at 1000kbps is only 20%. (for several hours)
So music keeps rebuffering every 4-5 seconds.
But at times when it works, the throughput is 98-100%.

My Wifi access point is in another room. The SB3 is in the living room (about 4-5m away with concrete walls), I don't think the signal strength is the problem as it ranges from 50-75% and has worked in the past.

Other observations:
- when I try bringing the SB3 closer (~1-2m) to the WiFi AP, the throughput is good again.
- when i re-setup the wireless on the SB3, sometimes it fails to obtain an IP address. However, bring the SB3 unit closer to the AP will fix the problem.
- all my other wifi devices(notebook, smartphone) works fine and can stream youtube fine (so I don't suspect my WiFi AP is faulty)

I am thinking of several reasons for this.
1) Someone is jamming my WiFi (he hates me blasting my speakers)
2) The SB3 WiFi radio is slowly deteriorating..

I am not sure if the two reasons are even possible. Anyone here knows?

If my SB3 fails, I will buy the SB touch. But it looks like it won't be available anytime soon....
Kevint
2010-01-13, 06:15
It could be interference with another wireless network, have you tried changing to a different channel?

Kevin
kmchow98
2010-01-13, 06:22
yup

done that.
didn't make a difference.

I understand that microwave ovens can sometimes cripple the wifi signal, but i can't imagine someone using the microwave for 1-2 hours.

thanks anyway.
toby10
2010-01-13, 07:17
Do a quick "site survey" from the SB3 position when it is working fine and again when it is not.

Site Survey is just viewing any/all WiFi traffic around your own WiFi network. Make note of any near by (strong signal) WiFi's.
Name of network, signal strength, ch #, a/b/g/n, SNR

Your WiFi computer may provide this info in it's "site monitor" or "look for available WiFi networks" software. If not, there is a very simple and free software to do this www.NetStumbler.com

Randomly switching ch's may not help any, best to see what other ch's with strong signals are nearby, then pick a ch furthest away from the offending ch.

It may just be an innocent WiFi router near your walls, or a WiFi repeater if the neighbor is also having WiFi issues.
Or, if vindictive, it could be the neighbor directing a strong WiFi signal via antenna or booster in your direction.
kmchow98
2010-01-13, 15:46
Thanks I will try that!
kmchow98
2010-01-13, 15:56
dang. Netstumbler doesn't support my notebook's wifi module.

I tried channels 1 and 13. Maybe I got unlucky. I will slowly try all the other channels.
MeSue
2010-01-13, 16:34
dang. Netstumbler doesn't support my notebook's wifi module.


InSSIDer is another you could try.
http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider
kmchow98
2010-01-14, 03:13
InSSIDer is another you could try.
http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider

Thanks. this works!

Currently on the less congested channel. Will see how it goes..
toby10
2010-01-14, 03:35
Thanks. this works!

Currently on the less congested channel. Will see how it goes..

As soon as you see any issue with the SB3 run that again and see what is different (if anything).
kmchow98
2010-01-14, 05:36
I was previously on channel 1 and 13.

Apparently these two were pretty occupied. I can see spikes similar to the crowded situation around channels 4 to 8.

Now I am in channel 12, which is pretty quiet.

Thanks. Now I can finally get back to music and take my time for SBT to arrive.
aubuti
2010-01-14, 07:12
Note that channels overlap, so that channel 12 will still get interference from channel 13. If I remember correctly you need to have a separation of at least 5 channels (eg, channels 8 and 13) to avoid overlap.
Terje
2010-01-20, 11:38
I was previously on channel 1 and 13.

Apparently these two were pretty occupied. I can see spikes similar to the crowded situation around channels 4 to 8.

Now I am in channel 12, which is pretty quiet.

Thanks. Now I can finally get back to music and take my time for SBT to arrive.

Since channels do overlap, try to stick to channels 1, 6 or 11 which are the mostly used channels that do not overlap. Even if there are the extra channels 12 and 13 for Europe try not to use them. It's better to use the same channel as a neighbor as your access points then “understand” each other and can avoid sending at the same time. If you use 12 and someone close by uses 11 you will both cause a lot of interference to each other.