Wireless network 'disabled' when running on battery and without any indication

Question

I'm using a Latitude D610 with Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG.   After having trouble with the wireless network when running on battery I have finally discovered Power Management setting for the hardware. This makes it possible to manually increase the power and make the connection work. To my opinion this function is not user-friendly at all, and my main questions are:   1. Why isn't the power of the adapter automatically adjusted to what is needed to ensure a working communication? (This function is standard for cellphones)   2. As it is the connection will in many cases not work at all when running on battery. The user is however not notified in any way. On the contrary if checking the connection the network may show a good signal strength.   3. The options to correct the problem is either to turn to AC power (which may not be a real option) or manually change the setting for the adapter. To find and change this setting is not easy.   I appreciate if anyone can answer or comment my questions.

jmwills · Answer

Right click the adapter and go to properties and look at the advanced button near the top of the box.  One of the next four tabs is a power management tab.  More than likely it is set to turn off the device (wireless card) to conserve energy.  Uncheck that box.

Bret S · Answer

Thanks for the answer, but I have found the setting. Besides the default setting it is possible to very accurately select the performance versus power consumtion. The user has however no information for a manual selection. So

- why can't the power control be automatic?

and with the present solution with manual setting

- why isn't the user notified in any way when the communication is not working?

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless network "disabled" when running on battery and without any indication

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