Intel 4965AGN Random Connection LOSS

Question

I've read the preceding threads on those having issues with this same card, but none of the "solutions" work. I suppose I *could* force a "G" connection, but what's the point of having spent the money on a an "N" card and router combination?!

Anyway, we purchased a new 9400 a few weeks ago, configured as-follows:

Inspiron 9400
Intel C2D T7200 2.0GHz
2GB DDR2 667
100GB 7200RPM
nVidia 7900GS 256M
DVD/RW
WUXGA
BT355 EDR
Intel 4965AGN

Latest firmware, latest drivers, Win XP SP2 with all latest updates. Connection loss is totally random and has nothing to do with hibernating or power settings. It happens on both battery and AC. Ironically, it doesn't happen when I Skype (sometimes for HOURS at time during conferences), but usually only when my wife is browsing -- and it's driving her NUTS (in turn driving ME nuts)!!!

I find Vista to be a vomit-inducing piece of flotsam, but it seems to be more hardware-centric than software. I've tried both secure and unsecured versions of my network (I'm deep in the country with no neighbors) with no discernible difference.

Is "N" just not ready for prime time? I know that others are experiencing similar problems, but is it MOST, or just a relative few?

Lastly, I **AM** using a 5.8GHz wireless phone system throughout the premises. However, as I understand it, the interference would need to be DIGITAL and not spectral, since we're dealing with digital devices here. I can't see how one could possibly interfere with the other.

dar60014 · Answer

Can u clarify...are you running Win XP SP2 or Vista?

I have a WRT150N router that I bought for my wife's new E1705 with the 4965AGN. I can tell you, the router is rock solid with a lan and two wireless XP machines running the g std.

But the new E1705 VISTA machine is having its problems staying connected, even after driver, firmware and bios updates. It randomly drops the connection.

So I can vouch too, VISTA is not ready for prime time.

In fact, my IT expert neighbor just bought his wife a new Lattitude machine with XP after seeing the Vista problemos."

Frobok · Answer

Yes, please clarify if you are using Windows XP or Vista.. also mention what Router you are using and what firmware you have on it. Since 'N' was just ratified and there were/are a lot of pre-N stuff out there some devices ulimately didn't go the direction of the final N spec and changes were significant enought that they can't just be firmware fixed, it would require new HW, which blows.

BGetchel · Answer

We're using XPP/32. Router is the Netgear RangeMax WNR834B. It was purchased from Dell along with the Laptop.

Frobok · Answer

What firmware are you using? This is a link to the latest version http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/d103047.asp

Frobok · Answer

I seriously doubt that. I would log into the router and check it. Dell is merely reselling somebody else's product and wouldn't update it just because. It could have easily been in a warehouse for a long time before you got it. That is what I would check first.

BGetchel · Answer

The router came equipped with the most recent firmware from Dell.

BGetchel · Answer

I did log in before I replied. It came with the most recent firmware: 1.0.3.8 (according to the site you linked to). That firmware was a January release, and since the router came directly from Netgear in April it had the latest firmware installed.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Intel 4965AGN Random Connection LOSS

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