Wifi dropouts/ intermittent connection

Hi

Have installed a week ago a netgear wifi/adsl router (DG834G). All
went in OK. I've patched the router/AP to the latest version of the
firmware (1.05). Connection is via 2laptops - a HP P4 with an inbuilt
Broadcom 802.11b card and a Toshiba P4 with a netgear 802.11g pcmcia
card both running XP. Access point is in study upstairs, living room
is downstairs, I've set the antenna parallel to floor. I get either 4
of 5 bars or 5 of 5 bars signal (on the strength on the 802.11b
(11mb) card, even right before it drops out.

Dropout is intermittent and I can't find anything happening at the
same time. I've no major RF devices real close, although there is a tv
a couple of metres away it wasn't even on this morning when it did it
- fairly typical example - turned laptop on, went onto 'net, been on
for about 3 mins and the next page wouldn't load. Try to ping router,
no response. The little network icon thingy in the bottom right hand
corner still thought I had a connection though (might not have timed
out to it's next check perhaps ? Couldn't find a refresh interval
setting). Turn off card (the HP has a little button on the side of the
laptop) wait 30secs, turn on...it then works fine and has done for the
last half hour.

Any suggestions ?

Oh yeah, I'm using WPA-PSK, TKIP if that matters, and there is another
wifi somewhere close by that I can see with my card.

JL

"John Littler" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) om...
> Hi
>
> Have installed a week ago a netgear wifi/adsl router (DG834G). All
> went in OK. I've patched the router/AP to the latest version of the
> firmware (1.05). Connection is via 2laptops - a HP P4 with an inbuilt
> Broadcom 802.11b card and a Toshiba P4 with a netgear 802.11g pcmcia
> card both running XP. Access point is in study upstairs, living room
> is downstairs, I've set the antenna parallel to floor. I get either 4
> of 5 bars or 5 of 5 bars signal (on the strength on the 802.11b
> (11mb) card, even right before it drops out.
>
> Dropout is intermittent and I can't find anything happening at the
> same time. I've no major RF devices real close, although there is a tv
> a couple of metres away it wasn't even on this morning when it did it
> - fairly typical example - turned laptop on, went onto 'net, been on
> for about 3 mins and the next page wouldn't load. Try to ping router,
> no response. The little network icon thingy in the bottom right hand
> corner still thought I had a connection though (might not have timed
> out to it's next check perhaps ? Couldn't find a refresh interval
> setting). Turn off card (the HP has a little button on the side of the
> laptop) wait 30secs, turn on...it then works fine and has done for the
> last half hour.
>
> Any suggestions ?
>
> Oh yeah, I'm using WPA-PSK, TKIP if that matters, and there is another
> wifi somewhere close by that I can see with my card.

A possible solution is to disable the Wireless Zero Configuration Services
that can drop your connection as it seeks out other networks in your area.

The connection on my XP pro laptop would drop the connection continuously.

Also, I don't us the card's utility to show signal strength or anything. It
is not installed . I installed the driver and configured it with Device
Manager.

The signal strength will be shown by XP, if the XP NIC icon is in the System
Trey and it is moused over.

Duane

"Duane Arnold" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:<eYWOc.60459$8_6.9485@attbi_s04>...
> "John Littler" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed) om...
> > Hi
> >
> > Have installed a week ago a netgear wifi/adsl router (DG834G). All
> > went in OK. I've patched the router/AP to the latest version of the
> > firmware (1.05). Connection is via 2laptops - a HP P4 with an inbuilt
> > Broadcom 802.11b card and a Toshiba P4 with a netgear 802.11g pcmcia
> > card both running XP. Access point is in study upstairs, living room
> > is downstairs, I've set the antenna parallel to floor. I get either 4
> > of 5 bars or 5 of 5 bars signal (on the strength on the 802.11b
> > (11mb) card, even right before it drops out.
> >
> > Dropout is intermittent and I can't find anything happening at the
> > same time. ...snips
> >
> > Any suggestions ?
> >
> > Oh yeah, I'm using WPA-PSK, TKIP if that matters, and there is another
> > wifi somewhere close by that I can see with my card.
>
> A possible solution is to disable the Wireless Zero Configuration Services
> that can drop your connection as it seeks out other networks in your area.
>
> The connection on my XP pro laptop would drop the connection continuously.

OK great suggestion thanks - where do I find the setting to turn this
off please ?


> Also, I don't us the card's utility to show signal strength or anything. It
> is not installed . I installed the driver and configured it with Device
> Manager.
>
> The signal strength will be shown by XP, if the XP NIC icon is in the System
> Trey and it is moused over.

Yeah, that's where I find the signal strength, network icon in the
system tray.

Interestingly enough the 802.11b adapter claims 4-5 of 5 bars whereas
the 802.11G adapter in the other piece in the same physical spot shows
2-3 bars - dunno if that's related to the adapter, the higher speed,
or just comparing apples with oranges...

JL

Got the same prob

linksys WAG54
acer aspire notebook with an nw card intel 2200BG
winxp pr

My prob started out with sometimes losing connection, and could no
get the connection backup until i rebooted
So i started out doing stuff, that made it worse: windows updates, M
knowlegdebase stuff. Also updated the firmware of the linksys, trie
altering the settings in linksys (from real secure to totally unsecure
but nothing helps. I keep getting these disconnects / reconnects ever
30 secs or so. Its driving me mad.
So if anyone finds a solution, please keep me (the forum) posted

thx
Lu

--
luxifu
brought to you by http://www.wifi-forum.com

If you're using the wireless config that comes with XP, disable it and
try the software that comes with your wireless card. I've found the XP
stuff constantly searches for another connection, when it thinks it
found one, it drops your good connection. Drove me crazy 'til I figured
it out and quit using it.

luxifur wrote:
> Got the same prob :
>
> linksys WAG54G
> acer aspire notebook with an nw card intel 2200BG
> winxp pro
>
> My prob started out with sometimes losing connection, and could not
> get the connection backup until i rebooted.
> So i started out doing stuff, that made it worse: windows updates, MS
> knowlegdebase stuff. Also updated the firmware of the linksys, tried
> altering the settings in linksys (from real secure to totally unsecure)
> but nothing helps. I keep getting these disconnects / reconnects every
> 30 secs or so. Its driving me mad.
> So if anyone finds a solution, please keep me (the forum) posted.
>
> thx,
> LuX
>
>

Make sure the SSID is in a broadcast mode.

"luxifur" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> Got the same prob :
>
> linksys WAG54G
> acer aspire notebook with an nw card intel 2200BG
> winxp pro
>
> My prob started out with sometimes losing connection, and could not
> get the connection backup until i rebooted.
> So i started out doing stuff, that made it worse: windows updates, MS
> knowlegdebase stuff. Also updated the firmware of the linksys, tried
> altering the settings in linksys (from real secure to totally unsecure)
> but nothing helps. I keep getting these disconnects / reconnects every
> 30 secs or so. Its driving me mad.
> So if anyone finds a solution, please keep me (the forum) posted.
>
> thx,
> LuX
>
>
> --
> luxifur
> brought to you by http://www.wifi-forum.com/
>

XP Pro is very fussy working with other vendors' configuration programs,
and there are many gotchas in setting it up. I'm using a D-link 2100AP
access point connected to a router on a 98SE machine, and a G-650 card
in an XP Pro Dell laptop. I spent about 2 days trying to get the D-link
configuration program to work for all users on the laptop. End result -
it doesn't - it makes things worse. You don't need it. Here's how I
finally got it to work.

On you machine connected to the wireless access point:

Set it up for SSID broadcast, encryption on, open key, WEP, Hex key, 64
bit. Enter a 10 digit key using only 1-9 and A-F. Name your SSID
something other than 'default'.

1. On your XP slave: Log on as administrator. Be sure your wireless
card is plugged in. Uninstall any third party wireless configuration
software.

2. Right click on 'my computer', then left click on 'manage'. Double
click on 'services and apps', then 'services', then 'wireless zero
config' in the list on the right. Select in the 'general' tab -
'startup type - automatic'. If applicable, click on 'apply', then
'service status' and 'start'. You want to end up with 'automatic' and
'started'.

3. Click the 'logon' tab. Select the 'local system account' radio
button and check 'allow service to interact...' Click 'OK'. Reboot.
Relogon as administrator. Right click on the network icon in the system
tray. Select 'View Available Wireless Networks'. You should see your
renamed SSID. Select it and click 'advanced'. Delete everything in
'preferred networks'. 'Use windows to configure...' should be checked.
Select your SSID again and click 'configure'. For 'network
authentication' select 'open'. For 'data encryption' select 'WEP'.
Enter the same 10 digit hex key used to set up the AP.

4. Click on the 'authentication' tab. Check 'Enable IEEE...'. EAP
type should be 'smart card'. Click 'properties'. Select 'use my smart
card'. No other checks. click 'OK'.

5. Uncheck 'Authenticate as computer...'. Check 'authenticate as
guest...'. Click OK. You should be back at the 'Properties' window.
Click 'Advanced' Select 'Access point...'. Click 'Close'. You should
be at the first window with your SSID in the 'preferred networks' box.
Click 'OK'. Reboot.

Notes:
With this setup, every time you change users you have to click 'remove
hardware' in the system tray, unplug the card, and re-insert it when you
are logged on as the new user. There might be a way around this, but I
haven't found it.
This setup works. There are no conflicts and the connection is steady
and stable. If anybody knows a simpler method, or if any of these steps
are unnecessary, please let us know. Good luck!

Lance Courtland



Chris wrote:
> Make sure the SSID is in a broadcast mode.
>
> "luxifur" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
>>Got the same prob :
>>
>>linksys WAG54G
>>acer aspire notebook with an nw card intel 2200BG
>>winxp pro
>>
>>My prob started out with sometimes losing connection, and could not
>>get the connection backup until i rebooted.
>>So i started out doing stuff, that made it worse: windows updates, MS
>>knowlegdebase stuff. Also updated the firmware of the linksys, tried
>>altering the settings in linksys (from real secure to totally unsecure)
>>but nothing helps. I keep getting these disconnects / reconnects every
>>30 secs or so. Its driving me mad.
>>So if anyone finds a solution, please keep me (the forum) posted.
>>
>>thx,
>>LuX
>>
>>
>>--
>>luxifur
>>brought to you by http://www.wifi-forum.com/
>>
>
>
>

XP Pro is very fussy working with other vendors' configuration programs,
and there are many gotchas in setting it up. I'm using a D-link 2100AP
access point connected to a router on a 98SE machine, and a G-650 card
in an XP Pro Dell laptop. I spent about 2 days trying to get the D-link
configuration program to work for all users on the laptop. End result -
it doesn't - it makes things worse. You don't need it. Here's how I
finally got it to work.

On you machine connected to the wireless access point:

Set it up for SSID broadcast, encryption on, open key, WEP, Hex key, 64
bit. Enter a 10 digit key using only 1-9 and A-F. Name your SSID
something other than 'default'.

1. On your XP slave: Log on as administrator. Be sure your wireless
card is plugged in. Uninstall any third party wireless configuration
software.

2. Right click on 'my computer', then left click on 'manage'. Double
click on 'services and apps', then 'services', then 'wireless zero
config' in the list on the right. Select in the 'general' tab -
'startup type - automatic'. If applicable, click on 'apply', then
'service status' and 'start'. You want to end up with 'automatic' and
'started'.

3. Click the 'logon' tab. Select the 'local system account' radio
button and check 'allow service to interact...' Click 'OK'. Reboot.
Relogon as administrator. Right click on the network icon in the system
tray. Select 'View Available Wireless Networks'. You should see your
renamed SSID. Select it and click 'advanced'. Delete everything in
'preferred networks'. 'Use windows to configure...' should be checked.
Select your SSID again and click 'configure'. For 'network
authentication' select 'open'. For 'data encryption' select 'WEP'.
Enter the same 10 digit hex key used to set up the AP.

4. Click on the 'authentication' tab. Check 'Enable IEEE...'. EAP
type should be 'smart card'. Click 'properties'. Select 'use my smart
card'. No other checks. click 'OK'.

5. Uncheck 'Authenticate as computer...'. Check 'authenticate as
guest...'. Click OK. You should be back at the 'Properties' window.
Click 'Advanced' Select 'Access point...'. Click 'Close'. You should
be at the first window with your SSID in the 'preferred networks' box.
Click 'OK'. Reboot.

Notes:
With this setup, every time you change users you have to click 'remove
hardware' in the system tray, unplug the card, and re-insert it when you
are logged on as the new user. There might be a way around this, but I
haven't found it.
This setup works. There are no conflicts and the connection is steady
and stable. If anybody knows a simpler method, or if any of these steps
are unnecessary, please let us know. Good luck!

Lance Courtland



Chris wrote:
> Make sure the SSID is in a broadcast mode.
>
> "luxifur" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
>>Got the same prob :
>>
>>linksys WAG54G
>>acer aspire notebook with an nw card intel 2200BG
>>winxp pro
>>
>>My prob started out with sometimes losing connection, and could not
>>get the connection backup until i rebooted.
>>So i started out doing stuff, that made it worse: windows updates, MS
>>knowlegdebase stuff. Also updated the firmware of the linksys, tried
>>altering the settings in linksys (from real secure to totally unsecure)
>>but nothing helps. I keep getting these disconnects / reconnects every
>>30 secs or so. Its driving me mad.
>>So if anyone finds a solution, please keep me (the forum) posted.
>>
>>thx,
>>LuX
>>
>>
>>--
>>luxifur
>>brought to you by http://www.wifi-forum.com/
>>
>
>
>

XP Pro is very fussy working with other vendors' configuration programs,
and there are many gotchas in setting it up. I'm using a D-link 2100AP
access point connected to a router on a 98SE machine, and a G-650 card
in an XP Pro Dell laptop. I spent about 2 days trying to get the D-link
configuration program to work for all users on the laptop. End result -
it doesn't - it makes things worse. You don't need it. Here's how I
finally got it to work.

On you machine connected to the wireless access point:

Set it up for SSID broadcast, encryption on, open key, WEP, Hex key, 64
bit. Enter a 10 digit key using only 1-9 and A-F. Name your SSID
something other than 'default'.

1. On your XP slave: Log on as administrator. Be sure your wireless
card is plugged in. Uninstall any third party wireless configuration
software.

2. Right click on 'my computer', then left click on 'manage'. Double
click on 'services and apps', then 'services', then 'wireless zero
config' in the list on the right. Select in the 'general' tab -
'startup type - automatic'. If applicable, click on 'apply', then
'service status' and 'start'. You want to end up with 'automatic' and
'started'.

3. Click the 'logon' tab. Select the 'local system account' radio
button and check 'allow service to interact...' Click 'OK'. Reboot.
Relogon as administrator. Right click on the network icon in the system
tray. Select 'View Available Wireless Networks'. You should see your
renamed SSID. Select it and click 'advanced'. Delete everything in
'preferred networks'. 'Use windows to configure...' should be checked.
Select your SSID again and click 'configure'. For 'network
authentication' select 'open'. For 'data encryption' select 'WEP'.
Enter the same 10 digit hex key used to set up the AP.

4. Click on the 'authentication' tab. Check 'Enable IEEE...'. EAP
type should be 'smart card'. Click 'properties'. Select 'use my smart
card'. No other checks. click 'OK'.

5. Uncheck 'Authenticate as computer...'. Check 'authenticate as
guest...'. Click OK. You should be back at the 'Properties' window.
Click 'Advanced' Select 'Access point...'. Click 'Close'. You should
be at the first window with your SSID in the 'preferred networks' box.
Click 'OK'. Reboot.

Notes:
With this setup, every time you change users you have to click 'remove
hardware' in the system tray, unplug the card, and re-insert it when you
are logged on as the new user. There might be a way around this, but I
haven't found it.
This setup works. There are no conflicts and the connection is steady
and stable. If anybody knows a simpler method, or if any of these steps
are unnecessary, please let us know. Good luck!

Lance Courtland



Chris wrote:
> Make sure the SSID is in a broadcast mode.
>
> "luxifur" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
>>Got the same prob :
>>
>>linksys WAG54G
>>acer aspire notebook with an nw card intel 2200BG
>>winxp pro
>>
>>My prob started out with sometimes losing connection, and could not
>>get the connection backup until i rebooted.
>>So i started out doing stuff, that made it worse: windows updates, MS
>>knowlegdebase stuff. Also updated the firmware of the linksys, tried
>>altering the settings in linksys (from real secure to totally unsecure)
>>but nothing helps. I keep getting these disconnects / reconnects every
>>30 secs or so. Its driving me mad.
>>So if anyone finds a solution, please keep me (the forum) posted.
>>
>>thx,
>>LuX
>>
>>
>>--
>>luxifur
>>brought to you by http://www.wifi-forum.com/
>>
>
>
>

I forgot to add this to my previous post:

Before you start configuring the slave XP machine, be sure you have all
the latest XP updates and patches.

Go to

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;814123

and download and install the Windows XP 32-bit edition of the Wireless
update rollup package for Windows XP.

Lance