I use a free program called Inssider for this purpose.
Shows other networks and I put mine on a clear channel
Works very well.


>From: Russ Poffenberger <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Old Linksys WRT54G router
>
>Hi Jean,
>
>When I see this type of behavior, I first check to see if there are
>neighbors that have a wireless router also on the same channel. In the US,
>there are 11 channels to choose from, and sometimes if you have two wireless
>access points in the same vicinity on the same channel, the client computers
>get confused over which one to connect to, or the interference causes
>dropouts.
>
>Using the wireless network manager, you can usually search for wireless
>networks in range. If you see somebody eleses, then you should be able to
>choose a different channel through your router setup.
>
>Russ Poffenberger
>[log in to unmask]
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of J Bourvic
>Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 8:54 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: [PCBUILD] Old Linksys WRT54G router
>
>
>I have an old linksys WRT54G router that I believe originally had 
>version 3.x software which I flashed to 4.7 (the highest it could go 
>because of its age). It has been a faithful router but it seems to be 
>forgetful now. I have a small wired/wireless network in my home that had 
>worked without problems until about six months ago when I started losing 
>connectivity to the web. I would still have a connection to the router, 
>showing a strong signal and speed indication (for what Win XP and Win 
>MedCntr are willing to display) but I lose connections to web pages and 
>servers. We have learned to right click on the computer broadcast icon 
>and "repair" the connection. Windows does it thing by releasing the IP, 
>clearing and then reloading the IP and all is well until it decides to 
>hiccup again.
>
>So my question is: Is my router dying a slow death? Are there any 
>programs that I can use to 'see' what is going on? Any settings on the 
>router that might not be right? Or should I bite the bullet and get a 
>new "N" type or maybe even one of the new "Dual Channel" ones?
>
>Any insight would be appreciated.
>
>Jean Bourvic
>
>         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
>                     visit our download web page at:
>                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml
>
>                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
>                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
>                        Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                        Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>