Help With Wireless Connection

Question

I've had my new Dell 6000 for about 2 weeks now. I am experiencing frequent disconnects when I'm online which did not occur on my old laptop.   I'm using the Linksys WRT54GS router with WPA Personal encription/TKIP/Shared and a 40 byte character key.   I've reformatted the hard drive (to get rid of alot of stuff that came with the PC that I don't need) and still have the same problem.   Can there be a conflict with the Intel Wireless software even though I have it turned off and I'm using Windows XP to manage my network?   Any suggestions are appreciated, this is very frustrating!

jmwills · Answer

What kind of wireless card was inn the other laptop?  Seems like I remember reading the S technology, when not matched with the same brand card to router, can have problems.

Jimbo40 · Answer

I have no idea. I thought that was part of the router functionality. There is nothing in firmware settings nor was there anything in the software for the PCMIA card.

Jimbo40 · Answer

I was using the Linksys WPC54GS card in my other wireless laptop. Should I switch to a different router instead of using my Linksys? I have been researching D-Link but don't know much about them.

What is compatible with my new Inspiron 6000?

Message Edited by Jimbo40 on 11-10-2005 08:10 AM

jmwills · Answer

Is there a way to disable the Speed Boost function?

Jimbo40 · Answer

Updated the Intel software last night. Will attemp to play around some more over the weekend which is the only time I can do it. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

jmwills · Answer

Let's get back to some basics like changing channels and checking for interference as well as updating the driver for the Intel card.

jmwills · Answer

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1277020,00.asphttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/bowman_wirelesssecurity.mspx

jmwills · Answer

The fact that there are so many unsecured connections out there does not surprise me at all.  In fact, that may be where some of the problems come from.  I would use the Windows Utility so you can configure the device to only connect to preferred networks.

Jimbo40 · Answer

Last night I had some time to go online using the updated Intel software (the software which came with my new laptop was not the most current) and I did not have any problems so far. Any opinions on using the Intel software vs. Windows firewall?

By the way, I am switching my Linksys router to a D-Link-should have it on Monday to try out (thanks for the article, I know alot about wireless and wireless security).

Is anyone using Verizon Wireless Broadband service with their Dell laptop? Just curious.

Thanks,

PS. Would you believe I'm in range of 24 wirless networks a majority of them not having any security?

Message Edited by Jimbo40 on 11-11-2005 06:38 AM

Jimbo40 · Answer

I was wondering the same thing too. I think the Intel has the option to connect to preferred networks as well. I'll have time this weekend to fool around with it as well as to see if I should go back to using the Microsoft wireless setup.   I currently use WPA personal, TKIP shared, with a 40 character network key - I would think (hope) this would be secure :)

jmwills · Answer

The key is secure from an encrytpion standpoint, but I think that it is passed in clear text so a 'man in the middle' attack can obtian the key.  Just make sure you turn off File & Print Sharing on that adapter.

Jimbo40 · Answer

Well, I've been online tonight..switched to WPA2 personal in my WRT54GS router also in the Intel software on laptop and still getting periodic disconnects..should I switch to the Windows setup or try changing network key?

jmwills · Answer

I've always used the WZC and have had good results.

Jimbo40 · Answer

I'm gonna continue this posting at dslreports.com seems like I'm not the only one that is having this problem:   http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14786853

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Help With Wireless Connection

Was this post helpful?