When you try to connect your Microsoft wireless adapter to a wireless network, the signal strength that is displayed in the Broadband Network Utility may be lower than you expect, and may fluctuate.

This issue may occur for several reasons, including the following:

• The computer that you are trying to connect to the wireless network may be too far away from the wireless hardware, base station, other wireless adapters, or third-party wireless hardware that you are trying to connect to .
• The use of 2.4Ghz cordless phones may interfere with the wireless network signal.
• Radio waves and microwaves outside the home can create interference if your network spans from building to building.

To resolve this issue, use the following methods until the issue is resolved.

Method 1: Relocate Wireless Networking Equipment

If your wireless adapter is out of range, relocate your wireless network equipment so that there is the least possible distance between them. If your wireless base station is at one end of your location, with other network equipment between the base station and the adapter that is the longest distance away, try to put the base station as close to the center of your location as possible.

Method 2: Locate and Remove Sources of Signal Interference

To locate and remove sources of signal interference, follow these steps:

1. Unplug any cordless telephone equipment that is in the vicinity of your wireless network. If your network spans between two or more buildings, unplug cordless telephone equipment in all locations. If this resolves the issue, replace your wireless telephone equipment with wired equipment.
2. If your network spans between buildings, and you believe that there is a source of external interference, try to locate the source of the interference. If the source of the interference cannot be removed, you may be able to work around it by relocating your wireless equipment. Experiment with different positioning until your wireless signal strength improves.

Method 3: Reinstall the Wireless Adapter that Is Experiencing the Issue

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Remove the adapter in Device Manager.
   1. Make sure that the adapter is plugged in if it is a USB adapter, or that the adapter is physically present in your computer if it is a PCI card or PC card adapter.
   2. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
   3. In the left pane of the window, click Device Manager.
   4. In the right pane of the window, double-click Network Adapters, right-click your wireless network adapter, and then click Uninstall.
   5. Click OK to confirm the removal of the device.
2. Physically remove your wireless adapter.
   • If you have a USB adapter, unplug the USB cable.
   • If you have a PCI or laptop adapter, remove the adapter from your computer.
3. Remove the Broadband Network Utility.
   1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
   2. In the left pane of the window, click Change or Remove Programs.
   3. In the list of currently installed programs, click Microsoft Broadband Networking, and then click Remove.
   4. Click Yes to confirm the removal, and then restart your computer.
4. Reinstall the Broadband Network Utility and wireless networking adapter.
   
   Note You are prompted to install your wireless networking adapter during the Broadband Network Utility setup process. Install your adapter when you are prompted to do so.
   1. Put the Broadband Network Utility installation CD in your CD-ROM drive.
   2. If the setup program starts automatically, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. If the setup program does not start automatically, continue to the next step.
   3. Click Start, click My Computer, right-click your CD-ROM drive, and then click Explore.
   4. Double-click Setup.exe, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.