Losing network connection - WPA key needing refresh

Question

I have a Netgear WGR614v4 Firmware Version V5.0_07 which was very stable on WEP but I recently changed to WPA-PSK using TKIP and the connection drops once or twice a day. The status actually says 'Connected' but the software is having a problem acquiring the network address. To get round this I have to plug in the ethernet cable, log into the router, go to Wireless Settings and select 'Apply' to reconnect which is, I presume, refreshing the key. At first I didn't broadcast SSID but have changed that to broadcast which has made no difference. Mode g only. MAC address control on. No problems with ethernet cable. Only Windows Firewall. Also I have just had to do a Dell PC Restore because of an issue arising after installing Dell Support Centre (another story!) so the system is very clean and I thought this issue might have gone away. Have installed all critical Windows and Microsoft updates, latest drivers and changed from Windows to Dell wireless WLAN card utility managing the network which has made no difference. Have turned off PC, Router and Modem and powered up again - still have problem. Would appreciate any help or suggestions. Matty11

MRF4700 · Answer

Have you tried updating the driver for your wireless card to the current version?

Did you power cycle your network with all the new changes?

Network Power cycle steps:

1) Power everything off. (cable/DSL modem, router, computers, etc.)
2) Wait 5 minutes...
3) Power on cable/DSL modem, wait 1-2 minutes...
4) Power on router, wait an additional 1-2 minutes...
5) Power on remaining computers or components.
6) Check for network and Internet connection.

matty11 · Answer

Thanks for your reply and suggestions...

The driver is Broadcom 4.100.15.5 dated 12/10/2006 for Dell Wireless 1450 Dual Band WLAN Mini-PCI Card which is, I think, the latest.

And, yes, have already switched off and powered up again as you detail after all the updates etc...but it still loses the network key every so often...

So have run out of ideas!

MRF4700 · Answer

How often are the disconnects? Check and make sure that you don't have any third party software firewalls installed?(Norton Internet Security, McAfee Security Suite, Trend Micro PC-cillin, etc.)

matty11 · Answer

It disconnects about twice a day and only since I changed to WPA from WEP. I only use Windows Firewall, Avast, Ad-Aware, Windows Defender, CCleaner. No Trend, McAfee, Norton.

MRF4700 · Answer

Have you tried changing your wireless channel on your router to one of the outer range numbers?(1 or 11)

matty11 · Answer

Am already on 11 and next door are on 1 and 13. Am going to go back to WEP to see if it's stable still on WEP. Maybe a newer version of the router is needed...

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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