WAP11 range suddenly awful?!

I've had a WAP11 - wireless card configuration for my laptop now for
3+ years. No problems, signal strength is ok in the other rooms where
I want to use my laptop.

All of a sudden, the signal strength is awful unless the laptop is
within about 10-15' of the WAP11. I've tried 2 different laptops, same
card (currently using the Compaq iPAQ 11Mbps card). It seems to be a
signal strength problem -- i.e. a range problem -- rather than a
signal quality problem.

There was NO config change to my network or to the PC that acts as my
ICS server (which runs Win2k Pro, as do both laptops). The WAP11 is
running 1.4i I think. A couple years ago, I ran the hack to boost the
radio frequency on the WAP11, and checked that, still have 80 on the
channel I'm using.

Do WAP11's just suddenly start to die? Could it be the PC card? Could
the WAP11 antenna be the problem? I'm not quite sure what to replace.
If it's the WAP11, does it matter what version of the WAP11 I get as a
replacement?

Thanks for any insights here!

>Thanks for any insights here!
Perhaps interference. Try changing the channel.

/Jan

Have you, or any of your neighbors, introduced any new wireless devices
recently? Cordless telephones, new cellular phone, wireless video link, or
camera, wireless intercom, or additional Wi Fi networks in the area? Any of
these can cause the symptoms you describe. Microwave ovens can also cause
problems, although not continuous.

Bill Crocker


"Melissa" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) om...
> I've had a WAP11 - wireless card configuration for my laptop now for
> 3+ years. No problems, signal strength is ok in the other rooms where
> I want to use my laptop.
>
> All of a sudden, the signal strength is awful unless the laptop is
> within about 10-15' of the WAP11. I've tried 2 different laptops, same
> card (currently using the Compaq iPAQ 11Mbps card). It seems to be a
> signal strength problem -- i.e. a range problem -- rather than a
> signal quality problem.
>
> There was NO config change to my network or to the PC that acts as my
> ICS server (which runs Win2k Pro, as do both laptops). The WAP11 is
> running 1.4i I think. A couple years ago, I ran the hack to boost the
> radio frequency on the WAP11, and checked that, still have 80 on the
> channel I'm using.
>
> Do WAP11's just suddenly start to die? Could it be the PC card? Could
> the WAP11 antenna be the problem? I'm not quite sure what to replace.
> If it's the WAP11, does it matter what version of the WAP11 I get as a
> replacement?
>
> Thanks for any insights here!

Jan Bachman <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:<(E-Mail Removed)>. ..
> >Thanks for any insights here!
> Perhaps interference. Try changing the channel.
>
> /Jan

All great questions, but we're rural and there are no new wireless
things in our midst. And I tried changing the channel, no change. Also
tried a different PCMCIA card, no change. So I'm thinking I'll try a
new WAP11 and see if that works.

M