Intel 2200BG connection problems

Question

Hello. I have spent HOURS trying to solve this - any tips are appreciated.  My brand new Dell 710M with an Intel 2200BG won't connect (or will at VERY slow speeds) to my old Linsys 802.11b wireless router. This new laptop will connect to many other routers at friends places and school. My old laptop will connect to the old router. I have tried all the usually settings on the router and the laptop, but with no luck. This sounds like a common problem. Have people experienced this? Should I just get a new router? (recomendations?)  I haven't had trouble connecting at other locations yet - just at home.   Thank you Danny

volcano11 · Answer

Try updating the firmware on your router to the latest version and then go to the Intel web site and download and install the latest drivers for the Intel wireless card. After the drivers are installed, set the power management settings on the wireless adapter to always provide full power.

Steve

NemesisDB · Answer

Danny, what kind of encyption is the old router using? If WEP is it using a hex key or a passphrase?

Otherwise, I agree ... get the latest drivers from intel: http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-010623.htm

You'll note that the top package has the latest utility but older drivers. Thus, get the second package listed with the newer drivers but older utility. Intel has promised for several months now to combine newer utility and drivers, but nothing yet for this particular card.

esquire · Answer

Intel recommends the newer driver and older client for their 2200BG anyway, not the version 10 client - apart from the interface, there isn't a real difference with the PRO/Wireless client. I have tried both and the newer driver appears to be better: network key authentication is faster and the occasional problem with the disappearing Wi-Fi indicator seems to have disappeared. It also fixed another wireless disconnection problem I had whenever my new Pocket PC was connected.

Message Edited by esquire on 04-16-200609:42 AM

DannyNC · Answer

Thanks. I fell for using the older driver on that web-page. I'll try that.

Also, encryption is off.

I got an another neighbor's unsecured Linksys 802.11g router and had a 54mbs connection with a speed test of 5+mbs. I've never had such a fast wireless connection; they must have the premium service from road runner.

It seems that the Intel card has problems with very few routers. Hopefully the newer driver and power management will knock it to zero.

Danny

DannyNC · Answer

Ok, I went to try to get the newer driver. Where is it? Is it bundled with the software? I couldn't install the software because the newer version is installed. Can I just upgrade the driver through device manager? (But I can't find just the driver anywhere.) I assume it will work with the new software.   Danny

NemesisDB · Answer

power management is under the driver properties.  find the card under device manager and click propteries.  you'll see it on one of the tabs   while it is possible to extract the driver and install it seperately of the software, I don't think the new driver works with the new software.  use add/remove software in control panel to remove your current ProSet installation

DannyNC · Answer

Sorry one more question: Where is the power management again? I saw it before but can't find it. Danny

DannyNC · Answer

Got the new driver on.

Signal quality is 'excellent' but speed tesrts are still at 120kbs. Darn. I'll get a new router (should I get a Linksys? What else is good for $50?) and hope that I don't experience this with other routers - I haven't yet.

Maybe the new (may) driver will be even better.

Danny

NemesisDB · Answer

how are your wired speeds plugged directly into the router?  if they're a lot higher, you might try a program called cablenut (free).  it solved my wireless speed issues, though I was doing better than that (took me from 2mbps to 8).  Just download it and load the tweak set specific to your connection and OS.

DannyNC · Answer

Plugged in to the router, I get a seed test 4-5mbs from the same laptop. That's what road runner advertises in this area. Wirelessly, 100kbs is unacceptable :)

DannyNC · Answer

Update. I've replaced the BEFW11v2 router with a new WRT54G v5 router. Everything is working great. I just assume that there are still some incompatability problems with the intel drivers.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Intel 2200BG connection problems

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