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Random huge jumps in latency (wireless)

I pinged my wireless router over the wireless connection and was surprised to notice random and intermittent large spikes in latency. What could be the explanation ? My connection is otherwise fine.

Netgear WG311v2 PCI adapter , WEP128, signal strength = 75%

C:\>ping -t 192.168.1.1

Pinging 192.168.1.1 with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=6ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=4ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1157ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1001ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=4ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1001ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
.....
.....
pattern repeats
.....

This isn't really a problem I guess, but just curious why would it happen like that. Giving 250pts to those who can adequately explain it. Thanks!

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Jeffesmi

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amoruso

ASKER

This is a normal wireless home LAN. All router/adapters are Netgear, on 802.11 G mode.

There are practically no major sources of interference in my house like microwave ovens/cordless/water/metal/etc. I did the pings on my PC which does not have direct LOS to the router( about 20 feet distance), but signal strength is around 75%.

Today i just tried the ping on my sister laptop which does have direct LOS, and we got no intermittent high pings.

I'm gonna haveto check out this packet burst feature you mentioned, I don't recall seeing this in my router specs. Thanks.

Jeffesmi

Upon further thought, it could also be firewall or processor usage issues. Try disabling any firewalls (DONT FORGET TO TURN THEM BACK ON) and ping. Then try booting into Safemode with networking (this may or may not work depending on the driver for your wireless NIC and pinging. If you can't boot to safemode with wireless, use MSCONFIG to disable all Startup items and all non-microsoft services and try pinging.

Good Luck,

Jeffery Smith

amoruso

ASKER

All the suggestions have already been tried with to no effect.
I backup my partitions & reinstall WinXP clean with just the network drivers...same thing too.
During all these ping tests no other client is connected to my wireless router(i turned off WAN too), so maybe something specific to my adapter card or motherboard perhaps.

Anyway I plan to change my adapter card soon as I'll be upgrading to WPA..we'll see how that goes.

Since you're the only one to respond so far, your first post gives a lot of insight into how latency works and troubleshooting them. I'm sure it'll help me in discovering the cause..
250pts into your pocket sir :)

Jeffesmi

Thanks. Helping others is the true reward... but I'll take the points. (grin)

Best Wishes,

Jeffery Smith