Frequent Dropped Connections (Wireless)

Question

I frequently (every 5-15 minutes) have the connection between my Inspiron 5100 (TrueMobile 1300 MPCI) and my WAP (Linksys WAP11) drop.  It then takes a minute or two before Windows XP notices that a 'Wireless Network is available.'  Then I must make several attempts to reconnect.  Other computers have far less trouble with the wireless network.  This occurs even if I place my notebook directly beside the WAP, or from across my house and on a different floor.  Does anyone have any ideas of how I can fix this?  The WAP is configured for 128-bit WEP (I have the correct key in windows XP), with SSID broadcast enabled.  I've even switched off MAC filtering.  Everything else is set to default (except, of course, the SSID and Key).  I'm currently using Channel 5.  I don't think that should matter for anything.  There are no other wireless networks near by and no 2.4 GHz cordless phones in the area.

KG4ASZ · Answer

I had the same problems. Try setting the channel to 11. I think there is a problem with the Dell hardware...

David-Tom · Answer

Thanks, I'll give that a try.  That KG4ASZ wouldn't happen to be a ham call, would it? de KF4MDV

KG4ASZ · Answer

Yep, KG4ASZ is my call sign..   73 de KG4AS

David-Tom · Answer

No luck, I'm still losing the connection. I've tried many of the channels and they all give the same result, so I think it's channel-independent. Anyone else have any ideas?

mypuckett · Answer

I have the same problem, but I know mine is caused when I get on a cordless phone.   Bumps me from the 1184 wireless router, then I have to reboot.    Anyone have ideas on this as well.....

jameslee20 · Answer

i get drop once a day and i never had this problem before when i was using the orinoco gold card.

chimp47 · Answer

Make sure you have the latest drivers installed.

infiniteposse · Answer

Similar to this? http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=latit_network&message.id=913 I still have not found a solution for this. Thanks- Lee

David-Tom · Answer

Yes, exactly like that. I wonder if there might be a TrueMobile/Linksys compatibility issue. Any thoughts, anyone? Anyone having a truemobile work fine with a linksys wireless device?

infiniteposse · Answer

and the magic settings for consistant functioning are?  Please oh please share the secret. I don't evengo wireless in my house anymore cause it just annoys me to tears... Thx- Lee

chimp47 · Answer

I've had pretty good luck so far with the 1300 and Linksys router.  But it has been precarious, I've had to adjust the settings quite a bit.

chimp47 · Answer

Before getting my inspiron 600m, I used a BDFW1154 v2 linksys router (2.4Ghz 802.11b) with a linksys access point, which worked flawlessly. I have tried several settings combonations; this is the best I've found so far. Good luck!

Router settings (use defaults except the following):

Allow "Broadcast" SSID to associate Yes

Channel 3

Disable WEP

Basic and TX Rates 1-2 MBps

Long Preamble

Authentication type Both

Diversity Spread On

NIC settings:

Disble data encryption

Disable Blue Tooth

David-Tom · Answer

Yes, I would be ever grateful if I could find out what settings work for you!

infiniteposse · Answer

Thanks for the setting Chimp-

I'm not comfortable disabling WEP as it's there to protect me and it's not something I consider "workable" to do without. I think that if my combo cannot work properly without that disabled then something's not working right with the hardware. Considering that another member of my household can use the same router and a cisco card flawlessly with no disconnects, I'm inclined to think the 1400 does not have all the bugs worked out and they need to do some further tweaking to get this ready for market. I hate beta testing products though... Grrrrrr:)

Thanks for the feedback though.

Lee

Flokky · Answer

Have you disabled IEEE-authentification? If not, try disabling that in Win XP. It worked with mine Dell Truemobile 1180.   Success!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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