Intel Pro 2200 BG Problems Solved -- Kinda

Question

I'm sorry if this has been posted elsewhere but I think I have found the best solution to date to the 'step down / disconnect' problems associated with 2200 BG mpci cards.  Previously the best solution was to downgrade drivers to the 8x range -- which worked somewhat but also denied users AES support as well as other features   Most people who have experianced this problem understand that it's driver related -- and specifically seems to be tied to intel trying to squeeze every extra drop of battery savings it can (even when on AC).   Intel has a newer set of drivers avialable that make the card very stable for me at least (set at max performance).  I still get occassional speed reductions but they are always minimal and do not cause drops.  More to the point, the 'transmit power' settings apparently does not reset its value after every system reset.  New features also include a 'roaming aggressiveness' option which appears to be helpful in environments like schools or offices that have lots of access points to pick from.   Strangely, the new drivers do not appear on intel's download site.  IBM has offered the updated drivers for their users here: ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/1ywc25ww.exe  .   This version may not include the latest ProSet software (which I don't use but others may want).  To get the real Intel drivers bundled with the latest software you will need to either email Intel (they will send them) or go here for as long as this link lasts:  https://secure.filesanywhere.com/xELinkMain.asp?crypt=%97%8Cz%97zs%81%86%93r%92%AA%A6z%87%9B%B3%5Dy%A7%95%A1%99%9F%9Epz%7C%82a%82a%7DiL%87%9A%7Dt%95%8D%8C%82%82%5F%5C%81%81%86h%83%97%95v%AB%98%8C%86%B9%C7%B4%92%AD%C3%9D%A7%A9%7B%9F%9C%C7%96%C5%7E%9D%9D%A0   These new drivers are still far from perfect in my mind (and my pc-card is still much preferred) but they do make the card more usable and are well worth trying out.   Edit: I forgot to mention, the new drivers are version 9.0.1.21 Message Edited by NemesisDB on 05-09-2005 04:15 PM

Jerry Park · Answer

Thanks. The drivers do seem to work somewhat better. This is apparently a very capable card. Don't know why Intel feels the need to shut down its capability with the drivers.

pingman1 · Answer

I have tried both of the drivers and it still keeps dropping off the network. I'm so disgusted with this internal wireless card as nothing seems to work. I have spent over 20 hours trying to get it fixed. On top of that the support of Dell has been subpar. :manmad:

boppo · Answer

have you tried these. there the only ones that are stable for my i8200.     http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=si_wireless&message.id=12237

pingman1 · Answer

This driver will not install since it's a older one than the original.

NemesisDB · Answer

those and the new ones I posted are equally stable for me. both still cause problems, but nothing like the version 9 ones on intel's site.

that and the ver8 ones don't support AES which some people need

Jerry Park · Answer

The version 8 drivers won't install in the 2915ABG.

Don't understand why Intel designed the drivers to lower the Transmit power on startup. The default (by Intel's own documentation) is supposed to be maximum. However, when I change the setting after logon, the connection strength doubles immediately. Nothing I've found can cause the setting to stick.

boppo · Answer

uninstall the newer one first.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Intel Pro 2200 BG Problems Solved -- Kinda

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