I've got a 802.11g router and I'm looking to decrease latency and packet loss. I especially notice this when I play online games during peak hours (ie. After 5PM right until 12pm since it's a student area).

I tested my connection with an ethernet cable and it works just fine, so I don't think it's as much of an ISP issue as it is just a wireless router issue.

From what I've been able to research, it would appear that as long as all the devices I'm using are 802.11g compatible, I should switch to the g only mode of my router in the settings, which I have done. Additionally, I should also choose a wireless channel with the fewest number of people broadcasting on it.

It appears that 1, 6, and 11 are the most popular choices since those dedicated channels for wireless connections and have the least interference with the other channels.

Using a program I managed to find called inSSIDer, I found that:

10-15 other devices are broadcasting on channel 1
4-5 on channel 2
3 on channel 3
2 on channel 4
1 on channel 5
7 on channel 6
0 on channel 7
1 on channel 8
0 on channel 9
3 on channel 10
10-12 on channel 11

So I changed from channel 1 and switched it to 6 given what I've been able to read up on. I also noticed that inSSIDer reported some of the channels as x+y LIKE 6 +2 or 11 +7; what does this mean?

I appreciate any insight into this qualm of mine and would like to know if what I've said so far is accurate, if channel 6 is the best option (what about the channels with no broadcasters?), and if there are any other settings, tweaks, and adjustments I should make to maximize my wireless performance. I would also like to learn a little more about wireless networking so I am open to particularly wordy RESPONSES

ThanksWifi broadcast on one channel has a certain "spread" to the neighbouring channels. Interference decreases the further apart (in terms of channels) two signals are. I don't know what inSSIDer's "+2" means alas - strength of COMPETITION on that channel? Width of signal spread? I guess RTFM.

In the meantime, I wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel here. Here are a couple of decent articles on improving your chances with wifi reception:

http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-WiFi-Reception
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/wirelesstips.aspx

For something a bit deeper, read this:

http://www.connect802.com/antennas.htm

Personally, the first THING I do with a wifi router (after ensuring optimum placement) is replace the standard 2/3dBi antennae with 9dBi antennae. It does make a difference (although don't be fooled into thinking your reception will be three times better) and it's a pretty cheap upgrade for routers that have external antennae.Rob Pomeroy,
Excellent post. I gave you a thank you. Maybe the OP will too.Thanks, Geek. Very kind. Thanks for the insight and links. I've learned a few things here and there and I think my connection is slightly better after some router rearrangement. I'll have to investigate new antennae at a later point.