Answer:
It sounds like you are connecting using an 802.11b setup. If you’re looking for higher speeds, the solution is to upgrade your current 802.11b hardware with faster 802.11g devices (allowing for speeds up to 54Mbps). The problem here is that both your laptop and wireless router must support the newer 802.11g standard in order for you to make a faster connection—upgrading just the laptop or the wireless router will not give you a faster connection.
Before you upgrade, check the specs for your wireless router and laptop wireless network adapter. If you’ve purchased either device within the last six months, it may already support 802.11g. If so, you’d only need to upgrade the other (802.11b) device. For example, if you’ve installed a Linksys WRT54G wireless router, you already have 802.11g capabilities, so it’s just a matter of upgrading the older laptop’s wireless network adapter. Fortunately, you can easily install an 802.11g network card in your laptop. Upgrades may cost you several hundred dollars, depending on the devices you need to replace.
If the laptop and wireless router already support 802.11g, but you’re only connecting at 802.11b speeds, check the configuration of both devices and make sure that neither end is set to 802.11b mode. Opt for the 802.11g mode or select a mixed mode that will handle either speed.
Your overall wireless data speeds will be affected by range, cordless telephone operation, and physical obstructions, so setting up a 54Mbps wireless connection does not ensure 54Mbps connections. Moving to a distant room may reduce your effective data throughput to 24Mbps to 36Mbps (or even lower).
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