Too Many Networks Causing Interference

Question

Hi all,
I'm running a PB G4 and Toshiba Tecra laptop on a wireless AEBS + AE network using WDS in a first floor apartment. My signal strength throughout the house is usually full bars with the AEBS running at around 45-65 and the AE at 35-45 signal strength depending on what room I'm in.
Now, sometimes my network just crashes and I receive error messages on the PB and PC telling me that there was an error loggin on to my network or that the connection is incomplete, respectively. My only recourse is to unplug the base station (and AE) and replug it. Usually, this corrects the situation.
I think this is happening because I detect no less than 5 other networks in my area. There are four units in my building, and the building is part of a row of connected apartment buildings. Adding my AEBS and AE, this makes a total of 7 transmitters in this cramped area! I think this might be creating a wireless blitz.
FYI, before running my current configuration, I was using a Netgear wireless router with the AE as a client (to stream audio). I switched to the AEBS + AE in WDS config because I thought it would add greater stability and range--which it has. But it seems I might need to "power up" some more in order to fend off the interference from other networks. I realize that this might have bad consequences for those other networks, but something has to be done!
So, I've been considering boosting my signal by adding an antenna. Is this a solution? I'm also thinking about tweaking the settings for both stations through Admin Utility. Maybe enabling interference robustness on the AEBS, AE, and PB might help?
Please offer any advice on what you think the problem might be and what might be the best solution.
Thanks,
FC

Answer 1

I think this is happening because I detect no less
than 5 other networks in my area. There are four
units in my building, and the building is part of a
row of connected apartment buildings. Adding my AEBS
and AE, this makes a total of 7 transmitters in this
cramped area! I think this might be creating a
wireless blitz.
So, I've been considering boosting my signal by
adding an antenna. Is this a solution?
I don't think so. You'll increase your signal
level, and your noise level all together. But
your signal to noise ratio will reach a limit.
Exactly like what happens when you turn your radio
too loud because of the noise of your neighbour's
one.
I'm also
thinking about tweaking the settings for both
stations through Admin Utility. Maybe enabling
interference robustness on the AEBS, AE, and PB might
help?
Yes.
But more generally, like every wireless problem of
interference, you should first analyse it. You
should use a tool like iStumbler to identify all
the channels used by your neighbours.
Once you have identified these channels, and
their level of signal, you have to choose a channel
as far as possible of the most powerful ones.
In an idealistic world, you should choose a channel
3 channels away of all the channels used by your
neighbours. (e.g.: if channels 1, 2, 5 & 6 are used,
you may use channels from 10 to 14, depending on the
regulations were you're using a wireless network).
All interference analysis should first go through
this neighbour's channels hunt.
If you play randomly with your channels, you're
wasting your time, you may be disrupting your
neighbour's networks. And you will have to continue
this silly danse for a long time all together.