Wireless Worries!

[rossym]

Hey all!

I was wondering if anyone could help me with my wireless problem.

I am running Vista (please dont comment on that fact :P) and have a Belkin Wireless Router downstairs. I am connected via wireless connection to that router.

I used to be able to connect to the network without any problems and the internet was fine. But now, I can still connect, yet the internet is very slow, and every couple of hours, my connection changes from full signal strength to "limited connectivity". To sort it out, I have to disconnect from the network, and then reconnect, and everything is fine again (apart from the net being tediously slow). Any advice on how to stop it from going to limited connectivity every couple of hours? It is a pain to keep disconnecting and reconnecting, and it makes it very difficult for me to download large files. Also, any ideas on why my internet has suddenly gone so slow?

Best regards,

Ross!

[mdc]

Possibly one of your neighbours has recently got a new WiFi installation and your both using the same channel. Try changing the channel your AP is using, IIRC you have anywhere between 1-11 to choose from.

[rossym]

I know for a fact one of the neighbours has got a new wireless connection, and theres a pretty good chance that is the reason behind it! I'll check it out and let you know what the verdict is! Thanks very much for such a speedy reply!

Best regards,

Ross

[rossym]

it appears to be working okay so far... thanks again

[spannersatcx]

IIRC you have anywhere between 1-11 to choose from.

almost, 1-13 available.

[MarcJF]

Vista does not work at all with some wireless modems, e.g. Netgear. At first i thought Vista was a step forward, as i come to find more and more issues i'm beginning to realise it's a huge step back. I'm quite tempted to bin it and revert to XP. Has anyone done this?

[Warmtoast]

Vista does not work at all with some wireless modems, e.g. Netgear.

Not true. Have a look at Netgear's list here:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101649.asp

If you modem / router etc doesn't work with Vista a simple download of Vista compatible drivers will almost certainly fix the problem. Some old modems may not be supported, but this is fairly common and applies to other peripherals like printers, scanners etc and the same problem of lack of suitable drivers manifested itself when XP was launched in 2001. It's the responsibilty of Netgear to provide the drivers, not Microsoft, so if Netgear decide that it's not worth while expending resources in developing Vista drivers for some of their older products the blame should be laid at Netgear's door, not with Microsoft or Vista.

I've been using Vista Ultimate since it's launch at the end of January and wouldn't go back to XP.

[boguing]

Just a thought. My wireless network operates through an access point connected to a router via a switch on the wired network. When an XP wirelessly connected machine says 'limited or no connectivity', it actually means that the plug into the network switch has fallen out again (because the retaining clip is busted). (It's taped in now!.

So it does not mean limited wireless connectivity.

[rossym]

It does mean "limited wireless connectivity" in Vista, because the internet does not work!

All appears to be working fine now... apart from yesterday when it disconnected twice... so I'm getting there!

[Wedge]

I have a NetGear DG834N and it worked fine for 4-5 months but for the last two it has been randomly disconnecting.

I've got both a USB and a PCI receiver and I've even sent back the PCI receiver, which was refunded as faulty. However I don't think it was as I've replaced it with the same model and it is still doing it. So I think I have a problem with the router.

So - I'm going to buy a new one and send this one back. I could replace it with the same model as the DG834N does have good reviews but if there is a better model out there I will buy that.

I've been looking at the Linksys WAG300N - although it is discontinued it is still available and looks very reliable.

I just want a wireless/modem router that will not keep dropping out! If it would be better to buy the modem and router separately, which should I buy and how difficult is it to set up?

Any suggestions on what I should buy? Thanks

[boguing]

It is very difficult to buy an ethernet adsl modem per se. I can't think of any wifi gear that will talk to a USB adsl modem, and Vista won't talk to USB modems anyway (no drivers available as at a month ago anyway). Last ethernet ones I saw were bundled with an AOL sign up package. You won't find them in any shops. There is a company selling them on EBay though.

So you could buy a wired router and separate wireless access point, which is what I have. My latest access point is a fearsome looking 3 aerial jobby by Sitecom (Get them in Maplin). I can recommend it. I have installed loads of wifi setups, and have now got to the point where I will only buy Belkin, Linksys or Sitecom. Customer 'service' with Netgear has been a nightmare for me.

[Wedge]

Thanks for the reply but I'm going to need some help with the lingo!

and Vista won't talk to USB modems anyway

I'm running XP (is it worth getting Vista?). Does that mean you can't use a USB modem at all with Vista? Sounds ridiculous.

So you could buy a wired router and separate wireless access point

What's an 'access point'? Is that the same as a modem? But not a USB?

Thanks

[rossym]

I'm running Vista, and think it's great - well worth the upgrade. Not worth it if you don't have a capable machine though!

Also, a wireless access point is.. (Definition from Wikipedia!) :

A wireless access point (WAP or AP) is a device that "connects" wireless communication devices together to create a wireless network. The WAP is usually connected to a wired network, and can relay data between devices on each side. Many WAPs can be connected together to create a larger network that allows "roaming". In contrast, a network where the client devices manage themselves is called an ad-hoc network.

[Wedge]

Thanks Ross.

I've got a replacement under warranty from the supplier so we will see how that pans out first.

[rossym]

Great, let us know how you get on!