having problems with Linksys 802.11b router

I just purchased a new IBM T40 Thinkpad (with Intel Centrino configuration) and
a Linksys 802.11b broadband wireless router (BEFW11S4). I set everything up
and I can now surf the net without wires in my apartment. Overall I'm happy
with it, but there is a problem.

It seems that often (a few times per hour) I get disconnected from the net for
just a few seconds, then the laptop and the router find each other again and
everything is fine. How do I know this? My AOL Instant Messenger and Windows
Messenger IM programs keep getting disconnected. Also, a small network
connection status bubble keeps appearing the bottom right side of the screen (I
use Windows XP Professional).

Any idea why this happens? Should I try to change the channel that the router
broadcasts? I'm never without the broadband connection for more than a few
seconds, so its not like the router doesnt work. But it just craps out for a
second or two enough for me think that something is wrong. Can anyone help, or
does anyone here have the same issues?

Thank you!

Updating the firmware and enabling UPnP services on the router may fix your issue.

"DBojano228" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I just purchased a new IBM T40 Thinkpad (with Intel Centrino configuration) and
> a Linksys 802.11b broadband wireless router (BEFW11S4). I set everything up
> and I can now surf the net without wires in my apartment. Overall I'm happy
> with it, but there is a problem.
>
> It seems that often (a few times per hour) I get disconnected from the net for
> just a few seconds, then the laptop and the router find each other again and
> everything is fine. How do I know this? My AOL Instant Messenger and Windows
> Messenger IM programs keep getting disconnected. Also, a small network
> connection status bubble keeps appearing the bottom right side of the screen (I
> use Windows XP Professional).
>
> Any idea why this happens? Should I try to change the channel that the router
> broadcasts? I'm never without the broadband connection for more than a few
> seconds, so its not like the router doesnt work. But it just craps out for a
> second or two enough for me think that something is wrong. Can anyone help, or
> does anyone here have the same issues?
>
> Thank you!
>