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109 Posts
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2275
December 22nd, 2003 18:00
Weak signal - slow web page loading
I have an Linksys wireless router connecting my Dim 8300, using XP, Home to a broadband router. I have a wireless Linksys PC card connecting a laptop running Win 98SE. I had a desktop Dim XPS 233 cabled with an USB card to the router. I moved the latter desktop to the other end of the house and installed a wireless-B USB Network Adapter. After some reconfiguring, I was able to get the XPS 233 connected, but the internet connection to Comcast is very slow loading, probably due to the weak signal (I think it said the strength was 15%). I have encription enabled, which I guess also adds to the slowdown. This computer will be used primarily for E-mail and some web surfing. My question is: Does encryption have to be enabled on this computer in order to be on the LAN and for internet connecting. In configuring it, I seem to remember that it wouldn't connect with it disabled, but in view of making many changes before getting it to work, I am not sure about that.
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jmwills
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12K Posts
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December 22nd, 2003 19:00
If this machine does not have any file sharing capabilities, then it woudl be safe, BUT, if the remainder of the LAN requires encryption, this laptop is not going to be able to access the LAN. Encryption for one means encryption for all clients.
If this is the only wireless compnent of the LAN, you will not need encryption, but make sure to change the SSID and do not allow broadcasting.
Ken Butler
109 Posts
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December 22nd, 2003 20:00
I can change the XPS to 'no file sharing'. The remainder of the LAN is the 8300 and the laptop, which is connected wirelessly with a PC card. I do want the laptop to communicate with the 8300. I'm not sure if you are saying that the laptop will not be able to comm. if I disable encryption in the XPS. Then to clarify the SSID change in the XPS: Is this to take it out of the LAN; will this allow internet access? Thanks for your response.
jmwills
2 Intern
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12K Posts
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December 22nd, 2003 20:00
I think you are saying there is only one wireless component, if so, then encryption is really not going to slow down the access to a point that you will notice any chnage.
Obviously the wired side does not need encryption but the wireless client really should have it, but if you think it will slow down the connection, which I doubt, make sure you cahnge the name of the SSID from the default and stop the broadcasting of the SSID.
Here's a thought: Run a speed test from www.dslreports.com with encryption on and off. As an afterthought, you might want to chnage the Channel from 6 which is the default to either extreme, 1 or 11 and see if that makes a difference.
Message Edited by jmwills on 12-22-2003 05:40 PM