What are some pitfalls with wireless networking?
You and your neighbor could be sharing the same wireless frequency (channel), causing interference and poor connectivity. Use Netstumbler or Macstumbler to detect neighboring networks and adjust the channel on your wireless router to avoid the conflict. 2.4 GHz cordless phones can interfere with 802.11 networks. Channel 11 reportedly conflicts with 2.4 GHz phones less often. Do not place the base station near your wireless router. Consider using 900 MHz phones. Newer 5.8 GHz phones still use the 2.4 GHz frequency for signaling, so they are not a panacea. Microwave ovens use the same unlicensed spectrum as 802.11. Try channels 1 or 2 on your wireless router as they tend to interfere with microwave ovens less often. Users have reported problems with the SB3 and 802.11g “double speed” technology that purports to transfer data at 108 Mbps. Turn off that option in your router if you are having problems.
