[linusone]

Ok. So I've got a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router connected to my cable modem. Our Xbox, iMac, iBook and Powerbook all access the 'net through it with no problems. Last week I got the wireless Apple mouse and keyboard for my 17" powerbook... then something odd happens - the signal for the internet is interrupted, or I think it is, when the keyboard/mouse are connected (just with the powerbook).

Is there a compataility issue with all of this wireless stuff? The signal strength never falters (on the powerbook meter), but accessing web sites "hesitates". Meaning, it will just go dead for a minute or so, then everything is fine. But it keeps doing it. The only fix is to turn off bluetooth.

I did a search here, and found someone mentioned "the Port Type was set to RS-232 instead of Modem" in the Bluetooth Set-Up utility. Is this what I need to do, or is it something else? Beuller?

[ghporter]

Bluetooth runs in the same frequency band as Wi-Fi networking. It is quite possible that your Bluetooth mouse and keyboard put out enough of a signal to overpower what the PowerBook is receiving.

Now if you're using the PowerBook in a setting where a separate keyboard and mouse are appropriate, maybe you can use a cable to connect it to your router and not worry about this wireless frequency issue. Just a thought.

[linusone]

If it matters, the powerbook (when using the wireless keyboard/mouse) is at the opposite end of the house in relation to the wireless router.

So the signal, from the bluetooth devices being that close, could be overpowering the signal from the base?

[ghporter]

Yup. In some cases the wireless signal from/to the router is extremely small, while the Bluetooth stuff is right there next to the computer, so the Bluetooth signal from the mouse AND keyboard can easily overpower the Wi-Fi.

Things you can do

-Move the router to a higher shelf. Really. This helps by putting the router's antennas higher than most of the signal-blocking things where you live: bookshelves, furniture, even people.

-Reorient the PowerBook so that it faces the router, as in pointing the lid toward the router. This will give the antenna system in the PB a better chance of getting more signal.

-(You'll hate this one) Get a wired keyboard and mouse, returning the Bluetooth set if you can. This will definitely get rid of the problem, without a lot of inconvenience. Though you lose the convenience of the wireless input devices, you'll keep your wireless network connection.