Squeezebox receiver cutting out..very frustrated..

[jasongilliland]

I have two squeezebox receivers in my house controlled by my Iphone using Ipeng. The receivers will cut out while playing music from my library. It will cut out sometimes for 2 to 3 minutes and then continue playing. I have uninstalled Logitech Media Server and re-installed. Both receivers are receiving the signal from my wireless router. I have never had problems before until recently downloading the new Logitech Media Server. Could this be the problem? I checked the diagnostic thingy and it said the receiver were both around 60% signal strength. Is this ok? I have also noticed the Ipeng is sluggish and takes about 10 to 15 secs to refresh every time I put my phone down and then pick it back up to change a song/album etc. Could this be a problem with my wireless router? I am using a Linksys WRT54G that I have had for a few years with no problem. Would a new and faster router make streaming music to Ipeng respond quicker? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have unplugged my modem and router to reset and the problem still occurs. Thanks!!

[toby10]

Unlikely a new router would help. Faster is a moot point because the only way to get "faster" WiFi is to go to an N based router but your SB players are all G based. Your problem is more likely signal quality, not speed.

Is your server computer wired to the router? Tried the receivers closer to the router to test if a stronger signal solves the issue?

Tried some basic WiFi tweaks and making sure you are not getting WiFi interference from other WiFi's around you?

Some very basic WiFi tweaks..... (#3 does not apply to your network)

___Router Administration Basics (1-5 require admin access to your router):
1. use a unique SSID name (name of your network/router)
2. if using a G WiFi: set WiFi to G only (turns off a & b modes)
3. if using an N WiFi: set to G Compatibility mode (if using G devices)
4. change the broadcast channel to the least used channel near you (see *)
5. choose only channels 1 or 6 or 11
___Physical (location)
6. router and WiFi antenna orientation adjustments can help signal strength
7. try to locate the router as “central” to the home as possible, keeping in mind length & width & height
8. keep router away from other electronic devices (cordless phones, ISP modem, computers)
___Simple Maintenance
9. reboot WiFi router every once in a while (once a month is usually sufficient)

* If your WiFi network card software already gives the ch numbers and the signal strength of all nearby networks, that's all you need. But there are free programs like NetStumbler if needed.

[Mnyb]

The server is still scanning after the install ? look to see if it uses copious amount of cpu , then let it finish scanning.

Wire the server (maybe a N class wifi for the server).

Wire both server and players as a test ? use the web-UI iPeng may just as unresponsive if you have wifi issues.

Investigate computer firewall .

Plugin interaction ? run the server without third party plugins to see if it is more responsive .

[jasongilliland]

Thank you both for the helpful suggestions. I will try them today!!

[jasongilliland]

Also, if the signal strength my receiver is getting is not enough, would a new router with g wifi capable of a longer distance fix the situation?

[Soulkeeper]

The WRT54G is a good router, hard to beat. If I were you, I'd try to get to the root of the problem before throwing money at it.

[jasongilliland]

Thanks for the advice.

[Goodsounds]

My suggestion, first try the one easiest thing to check. Toby covers it but it's a bit buried in his comprehensive response. The problem could be as simple as interference from a neighbor's Wifi using the same channel you're using.

Check what signals are visible in your home. If you see other signals, set yours to the channel (1,6 or 11)with the weakest signal level from neighboring systems that you perceive.

If that doesn't help, try Toby's other suggestions.

[Ron Olsen]

If WiFi signal strength is a problem, try using Ethernet Powerline Adapters (aka Homeplugs) to connect your Duet Receiver to your router.

There are a number of models to choose from; here are some made by Netgear: http://www.netgear.com/home/products...e/default.aspx

I use them to connect a Duet Receiver to my router and they work well.

[jasongilliland]

OK. Still not getting a solid signal from the wireless router. Turned off a and b and tried various channels. Reset the router and moved the router (as far as I can) and still no luck. The homeplugs look promising but for the price would it make more sense to purchase a long range router? I have a small house and am only trying to make the receiver in the basement work without cutting out. Should I just connect to the receiver with an ethernet cable? Thanks again.
Under the logitech media server control panel where it says information on the players, it seems to change signal strength frequently. One minute it will say 32% and the next it will say 2%. Why would the signal strength fluctuate?