Command that returns Signal strength, and/or speed

Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or connection
speed?

I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.

Hi
Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number (not
the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually time a
transfer.
http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine the
quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Almost
all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure the noise so
there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate the
Signals.
http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or connection
> speed?
>
> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>

Thanks.

I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the moment
is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.

I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to read the
help file - but the graph looks useful.

Jay

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi
> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
> time a transfer.
> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine the
> quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Almost
> all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure the noise so
> there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate the
> Signals.
> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>> connection speed?
>>
>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>
>

Hi
In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary the
efficiency of RF output circuits.

There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the output.
It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus yields
a better signal at the receiving point.
The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
dBm to Watt Conversion Table

0 dBm = 1 mW
15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
17 dBm = 50 mW
20 dBm= 100 mW
30 dBm= 1Watt

The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
P = Power in Watts
1 Watt = 1000 mW
Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the signal
is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to the specific
place.
Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the signal
at the receiving point would be different because of environmental
differences.
As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this frequency
is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by microwave oven). As a
result if the amount of water molecules in the environment would affect the
propagation of the signal.
The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
best Transmitting source.
Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get is
what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the environment
as far as Wireless is concerning.
Need to extend the converge?
Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
Jack (MVP-Networking).
"Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Thanks.
>>
>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>
>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to read
>> the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> Hi
>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>>> time a transfer.
>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure the
>>> noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>>> the Signals.
>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>
>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>> connection speed?
>>>>
>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
> Jim
>

That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.

I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm continuing to
try.

I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true SNR.


"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi
> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary
> the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>
> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
> output.
> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>
> 0 dBm = 1 mW
> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
> 17 dBm = 50 mW
> 20 dBm= 100 mW
> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>
> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
> P = Power in Watts
> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to the
> specific place.
> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the signal
> at the receiving point would be different because of environmental
> differences.
> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by microwave
> oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the environment
> would affect the propagation of the signal.
> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
> best Transmitting source.
> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get is
> what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
> Need to extend the converge?
> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
> Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
> Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
> "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>
>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>
>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to read
>>> the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>
>>> Jay
>>>
>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>> Hi
>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>>>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>>>> time a transfer.
>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>>>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>>>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure
>>>> the noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>>>> the Signals.
>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>
>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>
>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>> Jim
>>
>

Hi
May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>
> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm continuing
> to try.
>
> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true SNR.
>
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi
>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
>> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
>> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary
>> the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>
>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>> output.
>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>
>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>
>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>> P = Power in Watts
>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>> the specific place.
>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of environmental
>> differences.
>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
>> best Transmitting source.
>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get
>> is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
>> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>> Need to extend the converge?
>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>> Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>> Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>> "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>
>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>
>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>
>>>> Jay
>>>>
>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>> Hi
>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>>>>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>>>>> time a transfer.
>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>>>>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>>>>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure
>>>>> the noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>>>>> the Signals.
>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>> Jim
>>>
>>
>
>

> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
> Jack (MVP-Networking).


I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy of
the email I sent 2Wire:

--- v cut v ---
My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire gateway.
I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on the Microsoft
wireless USENET group.

Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping to
the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal strength
reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48 Mbps). I was
pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal to Noise ratio,
but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the NetStumbler docs say it
won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS 5.1 access method - which
seems to detailed for the web site to bother to report.

Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.

Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it doesn't
reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows Wireless
Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network back (100%
of the time).

We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.

Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.

Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you use
NDIS 5.1?)
--- ^ cut ^ ---

>
> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>
>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm continuing
>> to try.
>>
>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true SNR.
>>
>>
>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> Hi
>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
>>> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
>>> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary
>>> the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>
>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>> output.
>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>
>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>
>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>> P = Power in Watts
>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>>> the specific place.
>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>> environmental differences.
>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
>>> best Transmitting source.
>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get
>>> is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
>>> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>> Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>> Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>> "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>
>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>
>>>>> Jay
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to
>>>>>> actually time a transfer.
>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise
>>>>>> Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out
>>>>>> put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to measure it
>>>>>> fast and directly.
>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>> Jim
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

Hi
First step just try one at the time all the channels (you change it in the
Router Wireless part), may be you will find a channel that yields better
results.
Otherwise, put the computer temporarily near the 2wire (I suppose it is a
Modem Wireless Router of sort).
If you can connect with a wire disable the wireless and connect with a wire.
This way you would make sure that the connection and the core of the Router
are Not part of the problem, if they are your ISP have to solve it for you.
If it works well, leave the computer near by, and switch to Wireless. If it
works well at close proximity then your distance coverage is Not as good and
you need more, or other Wireless hardware to extend the distance (in my
previous post there is links to the common methods to do so).
If the Wireless does not work well at close proximity you would need to try
other card, or and you would have to get an additional good Wireless device
and use it instead of the 2wire Wireless.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
>
> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy of
> the email I sent 2Wire:
>
> --- v cut v ---
> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire gateway.
> I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on the
> Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>
> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping
> to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal
> to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the
> NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS
> 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to bother to
> report.
>
> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>
> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network
> back (100% of the time).
>
> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
> problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>
> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>
> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
> use NDIS 5.1?)
> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>
>>
>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>
>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>> continuing to try.
>>>
>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>> SNR.
>>>
>>>
>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>> Hi
>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
>>>> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
>>>> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that
>>>> vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>
>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>> output.
>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>
>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>
>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>>>> the specific place.
>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>> environmental differences.
>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get
>>>> is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
>>>> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>> Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>> Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>> "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>> news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to
>>>>>>> actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise
>>>>>>> Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out
>>>>>>> put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to measure it
>>>>>>> fast and directly.
>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>> Jim
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>

I have done all of that and more.

Actually, this afternoon I managed to get a laptop with a wireless card in
the same location as my PC and was running both a ping to the gateway and
NetStumbler running. When my PC lost connectivity, the laptop was just fine.

That means it isn't a wireless issue, though it may still be a network
related issue. However, it is defiantly on my PC.

I'm suspecting drivers, but that's a lot like finding a non-terminal
Services compliant print driver in a wide area Windows network.

For now, I disabled the Modem driver.

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:%(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi
> First step just try one at the time all the channels (you change it in the
> Router Wireless part), may be you will find a channel that yields better
> results.
> Otherwise, put the computer temporarily near the 2wire (I suppose it is a
> Modem Wireless Router of sort).
> If you can connect with a wire disable the wireless and connect with a
> wire. This way you would make sure that the connection and the core of
> the Router are Not part of the problem, if they are your ISP have to solve
> it for you.
> If it works well, leave the computer near by, and switch to Wireless. If
> it works well at close proximity then your distance coverage is Not as
> good and you need more, or other Wireless hardware to extend the distance
> (in my previous post there is links to the common methods to do so).
> If the Wireless does not work well at close proximity you would need to
> try other card, or and you would have to get an additional good Wireless
> device and use it instead of the 2wire Wireless.
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>>
>> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy
>> of the email I sent 2Wire:
>>
>> --- v cut v ---
>> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire gateway.
>> I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on the
>> Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>>
>> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping
>> to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
>> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
>> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal
>> to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the
>> NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS
>> 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to bother to
>> report.
>>
>> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>>
>> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
>> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
>> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network
>> back (100% of the time).
>>
>> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
>> problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
>> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>>
>> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>>
>> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
>> use NDIS 5.1?)
>> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>>
>>>
>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>>
>>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>>> continuing to try.
>>>>
>>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>>> SNR.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>> Hi
>>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by
>>>>> the Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor
>>>>> of specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that
>>>>> vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>>
>>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>>> output.
>>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>>
>>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>>
>>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>>>>> the specific place.
>>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>>> environmental differences.
>>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you
>>>>> get is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change
>>>>> the environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>>> Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>>> Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>> "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>> news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need
>>>>>>>> to actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise
>>>>>>>> Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out
>>>>>>>> put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to measure it
>>>>>>>> fast and directly.
>>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>>> Jim
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

Hi
Replace the PCI Antenna with a directional Antenna that has a 3' coax.
Put the Antenna above the system and point it to the Wireless Router.
Example, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833980003
Or try this card,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315041
It is a good card, it does not have a directional Antenna but it comes with
an Antenna that can be placed above the system to avoid obstructions,
Also make sure hat you do not run two wireless utilities at the same time,
and that the power saving of the Wireless Card is Off.
http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>I have done all of that and more.
>
> Actually, this afternoon I managed to get a laptop with a wireless card in
> the same location as my PC and was running both a ping to the gateway and
> NetStumbler running. When my PC lost connectivity, the laptop was just
> fine.
>
> That means it isn't a wireless issue, though it may still be a network
> related issue. However, it is defiantly on my PC.
>
> I'm suspecting drivers, but that's a lot like finding a non-terminal
> Services compliant print driver in a wide area Windows network.
>
> For now, I disabled the Modem driver.
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:%(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi
>> First step just try one at the time all the channels (you change it in
>> the Router Wireless part), may be you will find a channel that yields
>> better results.
>> Otherwise, put the computer temporarily near the 2wire (I suppose it is a
>> Modem Wireless Router of sort).
>> If you can connect with a wire disable the wireless and connect with a
>> wire. This way you would make sure that the connection and the core of
>> the Router are Not part of the problem, if they are your ISP have to
>> solve it for you.
>> If it works well, leave the computer near by, and switch to Wireless. If
>> it works well at close proximity then your distance coverage is Not as
>> good and you need more, or other Wireless hardware to extend the distance
>> (in my previous post there is links to the common methods to do so).
>> If the Wireless does not work well at close proximity you would need to
>> try other card, or and you would have to get an additional good Wireless
>> device and use it instead of the 2wire Wireless.
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>>>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>
>>>
>>> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy
>>> of the email I sent 2Wire:
>>>
>>> --- v cut v ---
>>> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire
>>> gateway. I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on
>>> the Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>>>
>>> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping
>>> to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
>>> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
>>> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal
>>> to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the
>>> NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS
>>> 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to bother
>>> to report.
>>>
>>> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>>>
>>> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
>>> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
>>> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network
>>> back (100% of the time).
>>>
>>> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
>>> problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
>>> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>>>
>>> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>>>
>>> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
>>> use NDIS 5.1?)
>>> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>>>
>>>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>>>> continuing to try.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>>>> SNR.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by
>>>>>> the Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a
>>>>>> factor of specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other
>>>>>> factors that vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>>>> output.
>>>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>>>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>>>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative
>>>>>> to the specific place.
>>>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>>>> environmental differences.
>>>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you
>>>>>> get is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change
>>>>>> the environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>>>> Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>>>> Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>> "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:3l12j.1129$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:O4N$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in
>>>>>>>> message news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need
>>>>>>>>> to actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to
>>>>>>>>> Noise Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a
>>>>>>>>> sensor out put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to
>>>>>>>>> measure it fast and directly.
>>>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Jay" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>>>> Jim
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>