HELP!!! Routers, modems & DSL

[CJ]

I just got rid of Comcast for internet service and now have Verizon DSL. The problem I am having is that my computers show that thier connection signal to my D-link router is 100%. but it also tells me the actual internet signal quality is very poor. I called Verizon's tech support and they walked me through a series of test. They confirmed that the actual DSL modem signal is optimal and that the problem is with my D-link router. I did not have this problem before and I can get better connection tapping into my next door neighbor's Verizon DSL signal @51% signal quality VS mine that says it is 100%. I am not that computer literate, so please go easy with your responses.
Thanks in advance with your help!

[Hammertime]

CJ,
A lot of different things affect that clarity from alarm systems to microwaves to cellphone to wireless home phones..Distance is also another killer on the signal strength and your neighbor may have some device that interferes...

Try to power down the modem and the router at the same time, leave them off for a few minutes and power them up again, modem first.

This usually clears up my problems, also I have a Linksys router and I can change the channels, this often helps too.

Do not use that PC to send or recieve any personal info like banking or the like on wireless

[Matt L]

Sending via wireless is fairly safe if you use encryption. You'll have to generate a key on one side (probably the router) and enter it on the other.

However, to set this up, don't use wireless at all. Connect via ethernet to the router and go to the configuration screen. Connecting via ethernet may just work out of the box as well; you may just need to configure the wireless access. Be *SURE* to lock it down.

[CJ]

Thanks for the quick responses. I tried powering both down and that did not help, even with my computer next to the router. I do get better signal from the people next door if I walk outside. Any other suggestions? Does turning on the encryption slow it down?

[Hammertime]

CJ,

take an ethernet cable and go off your nic card on your pc and hook right into one of the ports on the router....see if this changes the performance

[Matt L]

Encryption will slow it down, but you won't notice at all unless you have an extremely show PC.

Hook up that wire before you do anything else. That's SOP with these boxes.

[CJ]

"take an ethernet cable and go off your nic card on your pc and hook right into one of the ports on the router....see if this changes the performance"

Thanks for the advice, but you will have to explain what a 'NIC card" is. Ethernet cable I do know.

[CJ]

I justed hooked the ethernet cable up to one of my laptops and it works fine, the other one does not. Both are less than a year old and were on my wireless network.

[Hammertime]

sorry...the jack or port on your PC that looks like a modem/phone jack but wider...
All you are going to do is hardwire your PC into the router port, see if that speeds it up

[Matt L]

NIC means "network interface controller." Of course, an ethernet NIC will have an ethernet port.