Uneven router signal

I am using Network Stumbler to monitor the signal levels of my Netgear router.
While it is understandable that the level drops every time I position myself between the
router and my laptop ( average signal value is -58dBm, at a distance of approx. 30
feet ), I cannot explain why, all conditions being equal, sometimes the level drops down
by a good 10 o 15 dBm, with sudden dips and then recovers after 10 seconds or so. Again,
the surrounding environment is the same, no microwave ovens kicking in, only a cordless
phone which is always on, actually. Looks like the router is misbehaving.
Any clues ??
Thanks,

Mike

Hi
It is a normal Wireless behavior.
As to do with the surrounding and stabilization circuits of the Wireless
transmission.
2.GHz is the same frequency as the Microwave and has the same qualities,
i.e. it gets absorbed by water molecules.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Mike" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>I am using Network Stumbler to monitor the signal levels of my Netgear
>router.
> While it is understandable that the level drops every time I position
> myself between the router and my laptop ( average signal value is -58dBm,
> at a distance of approx. 30 feet ), I cannot explain why, all conditions
> being equal, sometimes the level drops down by a good 10 o 15 dBm, with
> sudden dips and then recovers after 10 seconds or so. Again, the
> surrounding environment is the same, no microwave ovens kicking in, only a
> cordless phone which is always on, actually. Looks like the router is
> misbehaving.
> Any clues ??
> Thanks,
>
> Mike
>

My laptop has a built-in wireless adapter (Intel PRO 3945ABG), so no external antenna is
present. There are no nearby networks, at least they are not reported by Network
Stumbler.
Shall I buy a USB dongle ? If so, will I have to disable the wireless card ? Is it
convenient ?
Thanks,

Mike
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> On 19-Apr-2007, "Mike" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>> I am using Network Stumbler to monitor the signal levels of my Netgear router.
>> While it is understandable that the level drops every time I position myself
>> between the
>> router and my laptop ( average signal value is -58dBm, at a distance of approx. 30
>> feet ), I cannot explain why, all conditions being equal, sometimes the level drops
>> down
>> by a good 10 o 15 dBm, with sudden dips and then recovers after 10 seconds or so.
>> Again,
>> the surrounding environment is the same, no microwave ovens kicking in, only a
>> cordless
>> phone which is always on, actually. Looks like the router is misbehaving.
>> Any clues ??
>> Thanks,
>
> You don't say what antenna at the PC end. Often with built in antennas
> the PC case can screen the antenna, which is also being subject
> to nearby networks, even if they are on a different channel.
> If these are strong the compete with the desired signal and affect
> the automatic gain control.
> I've found adding a simple foil reflector to my USB wireless adapter,
> and locating it for maximum pickup, helps to reduce fluctuations
> of level.
> By raising gain in one direction you reduce the level of signals
> from rear and side of the direct path, whilst increasing the
> desired signal. Which is of course the purpose of reflectors.
> As a result there can be an improvement of signal quality,
> and a rise in link rate.
> USB wireless adapters on the end of a lead can be
> positioned for best pickup, and most USB adapter utilities
> show signal strength and quality. Signal quality seems
> the most important measure, and signal quality falls
> with multipath propagation.