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August 12th, 2012 06:00
Inspiron600M can't use WPA2 security
My Inspiron 600M laptop running XP - SP3 connects fine to my wireless network when using WEP but refuses to connect when using WPA2. I have Verizon FiOS with an Actiontec router (MI424WR - Rev. I). Googling this issue produces lots of older posts about the need for SP3 vs. SP2, but not much else. Should I look into updating the laptop's driver? If so, how? I tried creating a custom password (key) with fewer digits, but that didn't help.
I'm also not thrilled about the wireless speed I'm getting on this laptop -- about 6 Mbps even when it's right next to the router. (The desktop, with a wired connection to the router, gets 25.) (1) Could the two issues be related? One tech rep assured me that WPA2 would greatly increase my network's range and speed, but other people deny this. (2) Is this just due to the Inspiron's older wireless receiver, or is there something else I could tweak to improve my speed?
Many thanks for any help.
PudgyOne
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August 12th, 2012 12:00
AKohn,
WPA-AES will usually give the fastest speed. I don't think the 600m would support AES Security, but you could give it a try. If it doesn't support AES, then try the Recommended wireless settings listed below.
I use these Recommended Wireless Router Settings I use channel 11. I would make a new SSID to make connecting easier. Any XP operating system needs SP2 or SP3 to be able to use any type of WPA security.
What virus program and firewall are you using?
Rick
AKohn
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August 12th, 2012 15:00
Rick - Thanks so much for your reply.
(1) I don't know what AES is, except that it seems to be an option with WPA2, the other option being "TKIP."
(2) I get a different story about channels with each person I ask. Verizon tech said channels 0, 6, and 11 are slower -- and changed me from 11 to 10. Actiontec tech said odd channels are faster. Tech at TrendNet (mfr. of the media bridge I bought to try to improve my Blu-ray player's speed) recommended 1, 6, or 11, and changed me to 6. A fourth source said 6 is too commonly used, so try 1 or 11.
(3) I use Norton Internet Security.
PudgyOne
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August 13th, 2012 17:00
AKohn,
WPA-AES is supposed to be faster than, WPA-PSK(TKIP) Security(Personal). I use WPA-PSK(TKIP) Security(Personal) because I have some wireless devices that connect better with this security.
Channels 1, 6 or 11 give the best results. The higher the channel, the shorter the antenna, so channel should give the best results.
This is for printers, but will get you to Norton's firewall settings. Allow a printer past Norton
Rick