Linksys WRT54GC dropping wireless connections

I just bought a Linksys WRT54GC about 2 weeks ago. I have a desktop PC
connected directly to one of the ports on the router, and then I use a
laptop that connects to it via wireless.

I've been having problems where the laptop will lose its wireless
connection to the router. I know it's the router that's the issue (as
opposed to my internet connection) by doing a ping to the router, and
getting a request timeout. This usually happens for intervals of 15
seconds to 2 minutes, then the connection is established again. It
will go for long periods working fine, however.

More tests:
- Seems to be a wireless issue, as I also ping the router from my
desktop (wired connection) and never lose site to the router, even when
I'm getting request timeouts from my laptop

- I thought perhaps it was my Type B - wireless adapter on the laptop,
but I had 3 laptops connected wirelessly on the network a few days ago,
and all 3 lost connection at the same time.

- The laptop is 3 ft away from the router, so I don't think this is
purely a range issue. However, I guess I can't rule out some sort of
interference.

I don't have any security/encryption set up, other than the router only
hands out IP addresses to a set of MAC addresses stored on it. I have
the latest firmware (version 1.02.8) installed on the router.

Does anyone have any ideas on this, or have they seen the same thing?

Thanks!
Randall.

[POSTED TO alt.internet.wireless - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

In <(E-Mail Removed) .com> on 23 Feb 2006
11:30:01 -0800, (E-Mail Removed) wrote:

>I just bought a Linksys WRT54GC about 2 weeks ago. I have a desktop PC
>connected directly to one of the ports on the router, and then I use a
>laptop that connects to it via wireless.
>
>I've been having problems where the laptop will lose its wireless
>connection to the router. I know it's the router that's the issue (as
>opposed to my internet connection) by doing a ping to the router, and
>getting a request timeout. This usually happens for intervals of 15
>seconds to 2 minutes, then the connection is established again. It
>will go for long periods working fine, however.

Sounds like radio interference. See the FAQ below.

--
Best regards, SEE THE FAQ FOR ALT.INTERNET.WIRELESS AT
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FAQ_for_alt.internet.wireless>

John,

I read the faq on interference, and it sounds like it might be the
case. I have a bluetooth wireless mouse that I use within 3 feet of
the router, perhaps he's the culprit.

I switched channels on the unit and haven't had any problems for a
couple of hours, which gives me confidence that I've found a solution.

Thanks for the reply and the info

Randall.