"Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or connection
> speed?
>
> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Hi
> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
> time a transfer.
> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine the
> quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Almost
> all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure the noise so
> there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate the
> Signals.
> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>> connection speed?
>>
>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>
>

"Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Thanks.
>
> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the moment
> is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>
> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to read
> the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>
> Jay
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Hi
>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>> time a transfer.
>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure the
>> noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>> the Signals.
>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>> connection speed?
>>>
>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>
>>
>
>

"Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>
> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Thanks.
>>
>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>
>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to read
>> the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi
>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>>> time a transfer.
>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure the
>>> noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>>> the Signals.
>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>
>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>> connection speed?
>>>>
>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
> Jim
>

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Hi
> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary
> the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>
> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
> output.
> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>
> 0 dBm = 1 mW
> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
> 17 dBm = 50 mW
> 20 dBm= 100 mW
> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>
> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
> P = Power in Watts
> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to the
> specific place.
> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the signal
> at the receiving point would be different because of environmental
> differences.
> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by microwave
> oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the environment
> would affect the propagation of the signal.
> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
> best Transmitting source.
> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get is
> what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
> Need to extend the converge?
> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>
>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>
>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to read
>>> the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>
>>> Jay
>>>
>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> Hi
>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>>>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>>>> time a transfer.
>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>>>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>>>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure
>>>> the noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>>>> the Signals.
>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>
>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>
>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>> Jim
>>
>

"Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:OLiwJ73LIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>
> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm continuing
> to try.
>
> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true SNR.
>
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
> news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Hi
>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
>> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
>> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary
>> the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>
>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>> output.
>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>
>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>
>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>> P = Power in Watts
>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>> the specific place.
>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of environmental
>> differences.
>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
>> best Transmitting source.
>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get
>> is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
>> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>> Need to extend the converge?
>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
>> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>
>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>
>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>
>>>> Jay
>>>>
>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Hi
>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real number
>>>>> (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to actually
>>>>> time a transfer.
>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that determine
>>>>> the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
>>>>> Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out put to measure
>>>>> the noise so there is No straight way to measure it fast and directly.
>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically evaluate
>>>>> the Signals.
>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>> Jim
>>>
>>
>
>

>
> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
> news:OLiwJ73LIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>
>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm continuing
>> to try.
>>
>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true SNR.
>>
>>
>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>> news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi
>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
>>> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
>>> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that vary
>>> the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>
>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>> output.
>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>
>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>
>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>> P = Power in Watts
>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>>> the specific place.
>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>> environmental differences.
>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or the
>>> best Transmitting source.
>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get
>>> is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
>>> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>>
>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>
>>>>> Jay
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to
>>>>>> actually time a transfer.
>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise
>>>>>> Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out
>>>>>> put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to measure it
>>>>>> fast and directly.
>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>> Jim
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

"Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:OdF7Ut6LIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
>
> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy of
> the email I sent 2Wire:
>
> --- v cut v ---
> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire gateway.
> I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on the
> Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>
> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping
> to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal
> to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the
> NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS
> 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to bother to
> report.
>
> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>
> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network
> back (100% of the time).
>
> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
> problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>
> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>
> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
> use NDIS 5.1?)
> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>
>>
>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>> news:OLiwJ73LIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>
>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>> continuing to try.
>>>
>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>> SNR.
>>>
>>>
>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>> Hi
>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by the
>>>> Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor of
>>>> specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that
>>>> vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>
>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>> output.
>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>
>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>
>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>>>> the specific place.
>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>> environmental differences.
>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you get
>>>> is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change the
>>>> environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need to
>>>>>>> actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise
>>>>>>> Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out
>>>>>>> put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to measure it
>>>>>>> fast and directly.
>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>> Jim
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
news:%23bVn2a7LIHA.5300@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Hi
> First step just try one at the time all the channels (you change it in the
> Router Wireless part), may be you will find a channel that yields better
> results.
> Otherwise, put the computer temporarily near the 2wire (I suppose it is a
> Modem Wireless Router of sort).
> If you can connect with a wire disable the wireless and connect with a
> wire. This way you would make sure that the connection and the  core of
> the Router are Not part of the problem, if they are your ISP have to solve
> it for you.
> If it works well, leave the computer near by, and switch to Wireless. If
> it works well at close proximity then your distance coverage is Not as
> good and you need more, or other Wireless hardware to extend the distance
> (in my previous post there is links to the common methods to do so).
> If the Wireless does not work well at close proximity you would need to
> try other card, or and you would have to get an additional good Wireless
> device and use it instead of the 2wire Wireless.
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
> news:OdF7Ut6LIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>>
>> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy
>> of the email I sent 2Wire:
>>
>> --- v cut v ---
>> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire gateway.
>> I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on the
>> Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>>
>> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping
>> to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
>> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
>> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal
>> to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the
>> NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS
>> 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to bother to
>> report.
>>
>> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>>
>> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
>> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
>> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network
>> back (100% of the time).
>>
>> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
>> problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
>> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>>
>> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>>
>> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
>> use NDIS 5.1?)
>> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>>
>>>
>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>> news:OLiwJ73LIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>>
>>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>>> continuing to try.
>>>>
>>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>>> SNR.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Hi
>>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by
>>>>> the Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a factor
>>>>> of specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other factors that
>>>>> vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>>
>>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>>> output.
>>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>>
>>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>>
>>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative to
>>>>> the specific place.
>>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>>> environmental differences.
>>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you
>>>>> get is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change
>>>>> the environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>>> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>>> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need
>>>>>>>> to actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to Noise
>>>>>>>> Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a sensor out
>>>>>>>> put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to measure it
>>>>>>>> fast and directly.
>>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>>> Jim
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

"Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:eKUY5J8LIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>I have done all of that and more.
>
> Actually, this afternoon I managed to get a laptop with a wireless card in
> the same location as my PC and was running both a ping to the gateway and
> NetStumbler running. When my PC lost connectivity, the laptop was just
> fine.
>
> That means it isn't a wireless issue, though it may still be a network
> related issue. However, it is defiantly on my PC.
>
> I'm suspecting drivers, but that's a lot like finding a non-terminal
> Services compliant print driver in a wide area Windows network.
>
> For now, I disabled the Modem driver.
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
> news:%23bVn2a7LIHA.5300@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Hi
>> First step just try one at the time all the channels (you change it in
>> the Router Wireless part), may be you will find a channel that yields
>> better results.
>> Otherwise, put the computer temporarily near the 2wire (I suppose it is a
>> Modem Wireless Router of sort).
>> If you can connect with a wire disable the wireless and connect with a
>> wire. This way you would make sure that the connection and the  core of
>> the Router are Not part of the problem, if they are your ISP have to
>> solve it for you.
>> If it works well, leave the computer near by, and switch to Wireless. If
>> it works well at close proximity then your distance coverage is Not as
>> good and you need more, or other Wireless hardware to extend the distance
>> (in my previous post there is links to the common methods to do so).
>> If the Wireless does not work well at close proximity you would need to
>> try other card, or and you would have to get an additional good Wireless
>> device and use it instead of the 2wire Wireless.
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>> news:OdF7Ut6LIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>>>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>
>>>
>>> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy
>>> of the email I sent 2Wire:
>>>
>>> --- v cut v ---
>>> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire
>>> gateway. I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on
>>> the Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>>>
>>> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine, Ping
>>> to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
>>> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
>>> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the Signal
>>> to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as the
>>> NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the NDIS
>>> 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to bother
>>> to report.
>>>
>>> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>>>
>>> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
>>> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
>>> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my network
>>> back (100% of the time).
>>>
>>> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during a
>>> problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
>>> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>>>
>>> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>>>
>>> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
>>> use NDIS 5.1?)
>>> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>> news:OLiwJ73LIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>>>
>>>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>>>> continuing to try.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>>>> SNR.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by
>>>>>> the Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a
>>>>>> factor of specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other
>>>>>> factors that vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>>>> output.
>>>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and thus
>>>>>> yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since the
>>>>>> signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all relative
>>>>>> to the specific place.
>>>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>>>> environmental differences.
>>>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you
>>>>>> get is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change
>>>>>> the environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>>>> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>>>> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for the
>>>>>>>> moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time to
>>>>>>>> read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in
>>>>>>>> message news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need
>>>>>>>>> to actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to
>>>>>>>>> Noise Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a
>>>>>>>>> sensor out put to measure the noise so there is No straight way to
>>>>>>>>> measure it fast and directly.
>>>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>>>> Jim
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
news:OHBCgi8LIHA.5468@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Hi
> Replace the PCI Antenna with a directional Antenna that has a 3' coax.
> Put the Antenna above the system and point it to the Wireless Router.
> Example, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833980003
> Or try this card,
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315041
> It is a good card, it does not have a directional Antenna but it comes
> with an Antenna that can be placed above the system to avoid obstructions,
> Also make sure hat you do not run two wireless utilities at the same time,
> and that the power saving of the Wireless Card is Off.
> http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
> news:eKUY5J8LIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>I have done all of that and more.
>>
>> Actually, this afternoon I managed to get a laptop with a wireless card
>> in the same location as my PC and was running both a ping to the gateway
>> and NetStumbler running. When my PC lost connectivity, the laptop was
>> just fine.
>>
>> That means it isn't a wireless issue, though it may still be a network
>> related issue. However, it is defiantly on my PC.
>>
>> I'm suspecting drivers, but that's a lot like finding a non-terminal
>> Services compliant print driver in a wide area Windows network.
>>
>> For now, I disabled the Modem driver.
>>
>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>> news:%23bVn2a7LIHA.5300@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi
>>> First step just try one at the time all the channels (you change it in
>>> the Router Wireless part), may be you will find a channel that yields
>>> better results.
>>> Otherwise, put the computer temporarily near the 2wire (I suppose it is
>>> a Modem Wireless Router of sort).
>>> If you can connect with a wire disable the wireless and connect with a
>>> wire. This way you would make sure that the connection and the  core of
>>> the Router are Not part of the problem, if they are your ISP have to
>>> solve it for you.
>>> If it works well, leave the computer near by, and switch to Wireless. If
>>> it works well at close proximity then your distance coverage is Not as
>>> good and you need more, or other Wireless hardware to extend the
>>> distance (in my previous post there is links to the common methods to do
>>> so).
>>> If the Wireless does not work well at close proximity you would need to
>>> try other card, or and you would have to get an additional good Wireless
>>> device and use it instead of the 2wire Wireless.
>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>
>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>> news:OdF7Ut6LIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>> May be you would like to explain the overall picture.
>>>>> I.e. What is the need for the signal strength reading.
>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I lose my connection to the gateway several times a day. Here is a copy
>>>> of the email I sent 2Wire:
>>>>
>>>> --- v cut v ---
>>>> My problem: Several times a day I lose connectivity to the 2Wire
>>>> gateway. I've made several passes with AT&T support and have posted on
>>>> the Microsoft wireless USENET group.
>>>>
>>>> Diags: Ping to the loopback and the 2Wire PCI card are always fine,
>>>> Ping to the gateway always times out when I lose the connection. Signal
>>>> strength reported by Windows never goes below 18 Mbps (usually 36-48
>>>> Mbps). I was pointed to software called NetStumbler to verify the
>>>> Signal to Noise ratio, but I beleive the 2Wire card isn't suported as
>>>> the NetStumbler docs say it won't report noise if the card is using the
>>>> NDIS 5.1 access method - which seems to detailed for the web site to
>>>> bother to report.
>>>>
>>>> Whatever NDIS 5.1 is, I suspect your card is using it.
>>>>
>>>> Workaround (which is unacceptable): When I have this problem (and it
>>>> doesn't reconnect in 30ish seconds), if I disconnect from the Windows
>>>> Wireless Network Connections and reconnect, I will always get my
>>>> network back (100% of the time).
>>>>
>>>> We use a 5.8 gHz phone, the microwave is seldom used (and never during
>>>> a problem), the water heater is 20 feet from the gateway (in another
>>>> direction) and no other bodies of water are in the area.
>>>>
>>>> Question #1: How can I solve this problem of losing connectivity.
>>>>
>>>> Question #2: Will NetStumbler work on your Wireless adapter? (Or do you
>>>> use NDIS 5.1?)
>>>> --- ^ cut ^ ---
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>> news:OLiwJ73LIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> That SNR was just signal strength. I suspect that my card (2Wire PCI
>>>>>> http://www.2wire.com/?p=120) is using the NDIS 5.1 access method and
>>>>>> NetStumbler therefore doesn't report noise.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I could not find out specifically on their website, though I'm
>>>>>> continuing to try.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm guessing that I may have to get a different card to see the true
>>>>>> SNR.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:eAyiFOvLIHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>> In real life, the only thing that is objective is the Power used by
>>>>>>> the Output amplifier of the Wireless card, everything else is a
>>>>>>> factor of specific Antenna, Standing wave ratio (SWR), and other
>>>>>>> factors that vary the efficiency of RF output circuits.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> There is a misconception as thought an better Antenna amplifies the
>>>>>>> output.
>>>>>>> It does not, it just makes a better use the wireless output, and
>>>>>>> thus yields a better signal at the receiving point.
>>>>>>> The unit that it used to measure the Wireless output is called dBm
>>>>>>> dBm to Watt Conversion Table
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 0 dBm = 1 mW
>>>>>>> 15 dBm = 32mW (The typical 802.11b/b/n Entry Level Radio).
>>>>>>> 17 dBm = 50 mW
>>>>>>> 20 dBm= 100 mW
>>>>>>> 30 dBm= 1Watt
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The equation of dBm to Watt conversion is:
>>>>>>> dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P))
>>>>>>> P = Power in Watts
>>>>>>> 1 Watt = 1000 mW
>>>>>>> Functionally for End-User the dBm number is rather useless, since
>>>>>>> the signal is affected very much by the environment, so it all
>>>>>>> relative to the specific place.
>>>>>>> Take the same unit and put it in few different environments and the
>>>>>>> signal at the receiving point would be different because of
>>>>>>> environmental differences.
>>>>>>> As an example, the frequency used by WIFI is 2.3GHz Signal of this
>>>>>>> frequency is easily absorbed by water molecules (that is used by
>>>>>>> microwave oven). As a result if the amount of water molecules in the
>>>>>>> environment would affect the propagation of the signal.
>>>>>>> The idea is the survey the environment and find the best channel, or
>>>>>>> the best Transmitting source.
>>>>>>> Netstumbler can be used to survey the environment.
>>>>>>> Basic instructions here, http://www.crn.com/white-box/175802610
>>>>>>> If there are No choices of channel or transmitting sources what you
>>>>>>> get is what is available since there is No meaningful way to change
>>>>>>> the environment as far as Wireless is concerning.
>>>>>>> Need to extend the converge?
>>>>>>> Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
>>>>>>> Wireless Router as an AP -  http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
>>>>>>> Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
>>>>>>> Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
>>>>>>> Hi Gain Antenna -  http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html
>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>> "Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:3l12j.1129$NY.143@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>>>> news:O4N$DbtLIHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I have NetStubbler installed and running, but all I can get for
>>>>>>>>> the moment is the my SNR is about 63 dBm.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I have no idea what I'm looking at and it will take me some time
>>>>>>>>> to read the help file - but the graph looks useful.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Jay
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <j***@discussiongroup.com> wrote in
>>>>>>>>> message news:edPB9usLIHA.4880@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>>>> Transfer speed has to be measured specifically so to get a real
>>>>>>>>>> number (not the fake one that is taken from the drivers) you need
>>>>>>>>>> to actually time a transfer.
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#transfer
>>>>>>>>>> The Signal Strength is quit meaningless too. The factor that
>>>>>>>>>> determine the quality of the Wireless connection is Signal to
>>>>>>>>>> Noise Ratio (SNR). Almost all entry Level Cards do not have a
>>>>>>>>>> sensor out put to measure the noise so there is No straight way
>>>>>>>>>> to measure it fast and directly.
>>>>>>>>>> What the Signal Strength Bars mean in Wireless hardware? -
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.ezlan.net/wbars.html
>>>>>>>>>> A partial solution is to install Net stumble and periodically
>>>>>>>>>> evaluate the Signals.
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
>>>>>>>>>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> "Jay" <spam@nospam.org> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>>> news:OquuAfrLIHA.3516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>>>>>> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or
>>>>>>>>>>> connection speed?
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Is that 63 dB below 1 milliwatt?
>>>>>>>> I wonder what would be a very good value here.
>>>>>>>> Jim
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

"Jay" wrote:

> Is there a dos command that will return the signal strength, or connection
> speed?
>
> I've looked at netstat and ipconfig, but don't see it.
>
>
>