Many of us have reported significantly differing experiences with WiFi reliability and our tablets. This has been bothering me for some time because, as an analyst, I don't like noise and look for causation.

I think I've stumbled upon one answer to some of the reliability problems with WiFi.

The current issue of Scientific American contains a fascinating article on using light within rooms to provide "last foot" broadband. Within that article is a sidebar explaining pros and cons of radio vs infrared approaches. I was stunned at one of the radio drawbacks and how aptly it may apply to some users.

Radio signals can directly penetrate walls, which is a security risk, but they can also as most know bounce off of some (such as highly reflective) surfaces. This depends on signal strength, angle of emission, etc. The result is a multitude of waveforms permeating the WiFi environment. Lightbound signal receivers can handle this. However, in the case of radio, waveforms can be distorted. Stray signals can result that are up to 180 degrees out of cycle with the original true signal. In this worst case scenario the data completely cancel each other! Even in lesser destructive scenarios, the datastream is distorted and the end result can still be packet loss.

With this in mind, design of your wifi environment takes on new importance-- especially the placement of your router and/or access points. I recommend locating the router in the room in which you'll normally use your internet tablet, and relying on copper for other connections if you can. Repeaters or access points may become a necessity in a multiroom or mixed (indoor/outdoor) environment.

I hope this helps those of you experiencing wifi problems that others don't. I wish this had occurred to me earlier!

Current article: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?cha...7B407F9FB74A7B

Older article: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?art...EDF&sc=I100322

Also note that the make up of the wall is also important. Walls made of lath and plaster have chicken wire in them to help with rigidity and strucural support. This kills wireless signal. Newer drywall is much better.

Another impedence of wireless signal could be the old style 'BX' electrical wires. They have a metal jacketing that in large amounts can affect signal quality.

I actually went out and bought a second router, subnetted my network and run two wireless networks because of signal issues in the house i am in. Lath and plaster walls dissapate the signal. I subnetted because i dont want to run WEP encryption, and that is the only encryption supported in bridge mode for the hardware i have.

Great post, Texrat.

Here are some additional tips:
Radio signals are radio signals. The higher the antennae, the better.
I have had problems with all my devices on my desktop. Why?
- Six bluetooth devices
- Three wifi devices
- One cell phone

I also have NINE neighbors with WiFi hotspots in their home - all can be seen by my tablet. That's part of the reason I upgraded to my beefy WRT350N.

When possible, move the tablet and/or access point physically away from a cluster of radio devices.

And check which channels your neighbours are on.. select one for yourself that is at least 2 channels away (that is, leave a gap).

These are all good points. I had just realized the stray signal issue may not have been covered here (I hadn't seen it yet anyway).

Actually I'm surprised how far the connection from my Linksys router to the N800 lasts. My router is not optimally placed: just next to it is a big , heavy old HP laserjet full of reflecting metal. All is located in the first upper floor. But even then, I had reception over a distance of almost 100 meters outside on the road.

No problem with a few walls between the devices and down 2 floors to the cellar through cement walls.

Your mileage may vary.

As I understand it, this is the purpose of MIMO in wireless access points, as the multiple antennae provide path diversity.

Mirrors, metal studs, lots of wires in the wall, old fashioned plaster walls, ducting. Pretty much anything that will heat up in the microwave, or you shouldn't put in the microwave, is bad for wifi. If I think of anything else I'll add it.

Hell, microwave ovens can be bad for wifi! My mom's knocks out dad's xbox link... at very inopportune times.