Troubleshooting I think My Router and Kindle don't like each other.

[Blossom]

I notice lately when using my K3 the internet takes forever or is slow when using WiFi to download something.

I'm starting to wonder if it's something to do with my Router.

Example: I'm on Dropbox trying to download a file and it seems to just be stuck in limbo waiting for the Download Mobi yes/no popup or I get the can't open this page error and have to reboot the K3 to fix it. If I switch to 3G then retry it downloads no problem.

None of my other wireless devices have issues like this. It's mainly with Dropbox. I usually have to reboot the Kindle to fix the issue.
Any ideas?

Is there anything I can do to make my Router and my K3 play nicer together?

[DiapDealer]

None of my other wireless devices have issues like this. It's mainly with Dropbox. I usually have to reboot the Kindle to fix the issue.
Any ideas?

I know Dropbox has been slower than molasses at different times over the past few days. Stuff that usually took seconds to synchronize stalled for long periods of time. I assumed it was a network issues on my ISP's end, but perhaps not?

[JeremyR]

I think the Kindle 3 just has a really crappy wifi card in it. I have a heck of a time getting it to work with mine, but everything else works with no problem (heck, the computer I've typing this on uses wifi)

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I know Dropbox has been slower than molasses at different times over the past few days. Stuff that usually took seconds to synchronize stalled for long periods of time. I assumed it was a network issues on my ISP's end, but perhaps not?

Well no slow down issues on Desktop or Phone with Dropbox just the Kindle. It could be with all weather something is down and a backup is being used where you are at.

Originally Posted by JeremyR

I think the Kindle 3 just has a really crappy wifi card in it. I have a heck of a time getting it to work with mine, but everything else works with no problem (heck, the computer I've typing this on uses wifi)

The thing is I can get it to load Google and other sites fine but it does not like Dropbox for some reason. I thought it might have something to do with HTTPS sites and my router.

The 3G the Kindle uses is AT&T and this is Verizon country. So I get one bar when using it but it sucks the battery down fast. Still it's faster then my WiFi which is pretty sad seeing I have 20MB Broadband.

[TimW]

I have an old K2 and until recently had terrible AT&T reception. I was fortunate to download a book in several minutes. On my Wi-Fi K3, it never takes more than a minute to download a book...and I use a four year old D-Link router. I don't use Dropbox though.

[tomsem]

There's a 'mobile' Dropbox web site: m.dropbox.com. Have you tried that? (I'd try it myself but have temporarily forgotten my Dropbox password...)

And of course if you suspect your router, try wi-fi somewhere else for a second opinion.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by tomsem

There's a 'mobile' Dropbox web site: m.dropbox.com. Have you tried that? (I'd try it myself but have temporarily forgotten my Dropbox password...)

And of course if you suspect your router, try wi-fi somewhere else for a second opinion.

It wont work with K3 due to Dropbox Mobile opens the file in a new window.

I'm currently (due to PDocs Service changing) using a shared folder in Dropbox which requires no log in. If I log in it just gives me can't download error unless I reboot the Kindle. This method doesn't but it sometimes takes 3 to 4 attempts to get the download message to pop up or it just loads still I stop it.

[hunnymonster]

Could be that Dropbox is cruddy & slow....

Could be that your router is only set to allow a certain number of devices to connect (some routers have insanely low - for my house at least - values set for this restriction...) and what you're seeing is the result of an address conflict.

Could be that where you choose to use your Kindle is being covered by your network and interfered with from a neighbour.

Could be that the antenna on your router has a pattern that involves a dead spot (or nearly dead spot) where you were testing.

Could be a heap of things, you need to work through and find the common pattern - like if dropbox is slow on the kindle, haul yourself to the PC and try it there right there and then while it's slow on the Kindle.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by hunnymonster

Could be that Dropbox is cruddy & slow....

Could be that your router is only set to allow a certain number of devices to connect (some routers have insanely low - for my house at least - values set for this restriction...) and what you're seeing is the result of an address conflict.

Could be that where you choose to use your Kindle is being covered by your network and interfered with from a neighbour.

Could be that the antenna on your router has a pattern that involves a dead spot (or nearly dead spot) where you were testing.

Could be a heap of things, you need to work through and find the common pattern - like if dropbox is slow on the kindle, haul yourself to the PC and try it there right there and then while it's slow on the Kindle.

Router is right next to me. So it's not a signal issue seeing I have full bars on the Kindle anywhere in this small apt. Nothing is connected but my Desktop (wired) all other WiFi is off. Dropbox is super fast on my Desktop. My network is WPA2 secured. Neighbors in two units down has a network but it's secured. Other then that it's just me. I thought about trying a different channel now the people who took mine I used for years moved out.

Is there any difference in Channels? I had to change mine twice in the past year and a half due to people with the same router brand taking the one I was using.

Edit: I see almost everyone in this building is using 6 and one user on 11. I was on 7 so I switch to 8 and noticed a huge difference on the Kindle. I couldn't even connect trying 1,2,3 but at 4,5 the signal went weaker. 8 seems to be working better for me so far. I read 9 will interfere with some Microwaves so 7, 8, 10 are my choices.