Wireless network unstable at Starbucks, can I...?

Superman · Post by **Superman** » 2007-09-26 01:11am

For the first time, I'm using my notebook pc at Starbucks. The signal seems to be cutting out sometimes, and it's especially annoying since I'm trying to listen to the stream of Howard Stern.

Is there anything I can do on my end as far as configuring my network card or Windows? I know this might be their hardware, but how can I check my end?

Edward Yee · Post by **Edward Yee** » 2007-09-30 01:17pm

Whenever I plug into a wall outlet I set the power output to 100%, favor performance over battery, and optimize for distance or bandwidth depending on signal strength. Do the same if you can get a wall outlet, otherwise (if running off the battery) change the above variables somewhat. These are with the Windows XP wireless utility.

General Zod · Post by **General Zod** » 2007-09-30 01:29pm

It's most likely at their end. Are you talking about their T-Mobile network? That's about all Starbucks uses, otherwise you might be talking about a wireless access spot somewhere else nearby that you're tapping into instead.

Uraniun235 · Post by **Uraniun235** » 2007-09-30 01:50pm

Wireless networking is the god damned Devil himself. It could be so many different things it's ridiculous. Maybe the access point is behind a wall and there's pipes in the wall. Maybe there's a microwave in the room which happens to leak energy on the same frequency as the wireless network. Maybe there's someone with a power tool next door or upstairs. Maybe they've got a cordless phone handset which operates on the same frequency. Maybe your wireless card just doesn't like the wireless access point. Maybe space kittens are beaming space waves into the room for shits and giggles!

(I fucking hate being called to look at someone's wireless network. It's never a clean and simple affair.)