[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Xist

Apparently I installed an adblocker. It is not the first thing that I have forgotten, but Brave blocks ads, and my Hosts file is supposed to help.

I downloaded WiFi Analyzer and it indicated that our current channel is stronger than the others. NetSpot does not show anyone on channel 4. We are 6+1. Three neighbors are on 6 and one each on on 7, 8, and 9.

What does any of that mean?!

Hosts file doesn't help with anything but name resolution (translating a computer name into an internet address). There's usually no need to muck with the hosts file unless you are trying to get computers on 2 different networks to talk to each other.

Many wifi access points default to channel 6, which is why choosing channel 1 or 9 is usually best. Pick the least crowded channel. It matters because a channel can only support 1 conversation at a time, so overlapping with neighbors shares/fights for that single conversation space.

This is the brilliance of cell phones. The "cells" are the communication range of each tower, with each adjacent tower utilizing different wireless channels so as to not interfere with each other. The limited range of a cell tower is actually a feature, as it allows channels to be reused on towers that are outside of the interference range. For example, if a cell tower had a 100 mile range, other towers couldn't utilize those frequencies unless they were well outside of that range. By having a 2 mile range, cell towers can reuse the same frequencies at much closer distances.

I use INSSIDER to evaluate the radio landscape, but I think the latest versions are not free. Simply torrent an older, free version.

I'd like you to disable wifi, and try plugging in the ethernet cable again. We need to isolate the problem. Report back what you find.

BTW- The 5 GHz channels(802.11 a and ac and some n) and are best because they are less commonly used, faster, and the range is much more limited, so you won't get as much neighbor interference. The downside is the range is more limited, so large homes won't get a strong signal everywhere without having repeaters.

Your new laptop should have an 802.11ac wifi adapter. If it does, you should get an 802.11ac wifi access point with multiple antennas. Lots of good options starting at about $40 for a T-mobile AC1900. That's what I run at 2 different homes.