Weird Router Problem

[Zaune]

I've noticed something odd happening with my Internet connection. I connect via wifi to a router downstairs, and for some weird reason it seems to become extremely intermittent whenever there's a bout of heavy rain. But it's not the broadband connection itself that's dropping, or at least I don't think so; I've had that happen once or twice before, and it makes the router (a proprietary one provided by the ISP) display a fault indicator on the front panel and redirect my browser to a troubleshooting guide. I'm actually losing wifi connectivity every couple of minutes, sometimes for just a few seconds, sometimes for several minutes at a time; it happens two or three times a day anyway, we've always had lousy reception in this part of house for whatever reason, but it's noticeably more common on wet days. And whenever I select "View Available Wireless Networks" our router's right there on the list, so I'm fairly sure it's not a short in the electrical wiring, even if that wouldn't set the breaker off.

Any ideas, folks? I'm totally stumped here.

[Dominus Atheos]

Humidity can affect wireless connections.

[Sea Skimmer]

Sounds like you need a range extender of the signal is iffy in the first place, or else move the router to be closer to your computer if possible. You can also just get bigger antennas for a lot of wireless cards to improve reception at the computer, but that won't improve reception at the router. Though upgrading both antennas might work and be cheaper then a range extender, but if it didn't then your out some extra money.

A noted humidity can and does absorb wifi signals, most wifi is operating on nearly the same frequency as a microwave oven, 2.45 GHz, which was chosen for how well its absorbed by water in the first place, though the newest ones are at 5 GHz which is even worse. 60 GHz is coming, which I am not very certain how that is even going to go through a single wall. On the other hand it will also be faster, when it works, then a lot of peoples hard line internet connections.

[Zaune]

Thanks guys. I might actually take a third option (well, second; already spent about £40 on wifi antennae) and invest in a second router for upstairs; we've allegedly got another phone jack up here somewhere.

[Dominus Atheos]

You can't run 2 DSL modems on the same phone line, if that's what you're planning.

[Dominus Atheos]

I would strongly recommend something like this. It just plugs into any outlet in between your router and the dead spot, and rebroadcasts the wireless signal.