Airport starts with 3 bars, when I restart Airport it shows full 4 bars? Any ideas?

Hi

I have just bought a brand new 24 inch iMac with a Time Machine which I use to connect to my DSL modem/router to go on the Internet.

The problem is that when I power up my MAC from shut down, each time the ICON in the MENU BAR top right corner shows that my AirPort connection is only 3 bars and what's more I cannot access the Internet or check emails as it is really slow (I have to wait 5 minutes for google to load).

I then click on the Airport signal strength icon in the menu bar and select 'Turn AirPort Off' then I immediately click the same icon again (now empty with no signal) and select 'Turn AirPort On'. NOW I GET ALL FULL 4 BARS AND PERFECTLY FAST INTERNET CONNECTION - What the heck is going on here??

As far as I know all system updates have been made both of my operational system and the firmware of the time machine.

I am using WPA 2 Personal Security. My Channel selection in Time Machine properties was at first Automatic, so I thought that I may solve the problem by changing it - so I changed it to Channel 7. Did not help. Connection Sharing is in Bridge Mode (between Time Machine and Router). Not sure what else to do.

The time machine is only 1 metre (or meter, if you are in the US) away from the iMac. My partner also has the same iMac placed just opposite mine on the same desk, same distance to time machine and she does not have this problem.

Can anyone help pls?

Thanks in advance.

It's just that it obviously works fine when I reconnect AirPort - but it bugs me to do it each time I start the Mac from shut down. I thought someone might have an idea how to deal with this? Thank you.

I basically just unplugged the power cord overnight to my modem, router, iMac - I suppose that would reset them allright, but unfortunately this did not solve the issue. Still 3 bars, - then to full 4 bars when I reconnect Airport as I describe above? Strange... Any more ideas?

I have tried but no effect. I might call tech support and see if they can suggest something... Thank you to all who read/replied to this.

EmilyJane, yes I am experiencing the same issue as you. And yes, there are also other networks visible (neighbors etc). I tried changing to channel 7, but I still get three bars with almost 0 speed (bear in mind the TimeCapsule is only 1 meter away).

Pismobrat, I almost get no internet speed when the indicator is at 3 bars, only when I reconnect the Airport am I able to get full 4 bars and full internet speed.

I will try to do the following:
1. Reset the channel to say 6 or 4.... , if no success
2. Call Apple support, if no success,
3. Maybe get a script or something which would restart Airport upon each login (i.e. Mac startup).

Any other ideas most welcome.

Hi,

So I got the istumbler. I am attaching the picture of my airspace scan.
You can see there are quite a few channel 6s being used - any suggestions as to what channel to set based on this shot? - Currently I am on channel 7.

I wonder if there is a way to check noise on all channels (not just the ones that are being in use).

Thank you for your help!