Intel Pro/Wireless LAN 2100 3a minipci & Netgear MR814v2

Question

Having some problems with this, from what I gather with the problems people are having with the MR814v2 and the truemobile cards, I think I could be hitting something similar.  I have the intel 2100 minipci card.  I get connected to the router fine, and the connection is stable and fast.  Then after about ~20 minutes, I get disconnected, and am unable to reconnect to the router.  I have tried a whole variety of settings, but so far with no luck.  I have the latest firmware on the router, and just downloaded the newest drivers for the intel card.  The network card works fine on other wireless networks (like at my school).   Wierd thing is, if you pull the plug on the router, and then plug it back in, the connect comes back.   (restarting the computer does nothing)  I returned the first MR814v2 I got thinking it was bad, but am having the same problem . Should I again make the trek back and return it for a linksys? Anyone have any suggestions? Message Edited by apijerov on 08-25-2003 08:01 PM Message Edited by apijerov on 08-26-2003 09:06 AM

rmurph3 · Answer

I'm having the exact same issue. I have two laptops: a Latitude D600 with TrueMobile 1300 card that is working perfectly with the MR814v2, and an Inspiron 600M with IntelPro 2100 card that is experiencing the exact problem that you're describing here, with the same MR814v2.

Any help out there?

apijerov · Answer

Hey, I actually found help on the b oard.  I believed I searched intel 2100 and MR814v2.  There are good options.  First upgrade the firmware on the router to 5.01 if it is not.  Then make sure you get the latest drivers for the intel card from dell.  Then, disable windows from handling your network connections (there is a check box) and then turn the power features of the intel 2100 card to manual and put the slider at maximum performace.  I have had no problems since I did this.

waffle_xl · Answer

I have an i600m with the 2100 and a Netgear MR814 (not ver. 2). I haven't had the disconnection problem, but I did notice an overall improvement in startup connection and restart connections after upgrading the card drivers over the weekend.

I am dissapointed with the operating range of the Netgear/2100 combination. I have a 2000 sq.ft., 1story house, and I can't go from room to room without serious loss of signal. I've tried relocating the router, but it doesn't make much difference. I don't know if it's a function of the router or the Intel card.

Any suggestions for improving range would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Clyde

rmurph3 · Answer

Agreed.... I found the same suggestions last night on the boards. Changing the power mgmt settings for the card, as well as disabling the 'Windows Zero Configuration' service, have greatly stabilized my connection. Thanks for the help!

apijerov · Answer

I haven't noticed the signal strength problems, but maybe you should try another channel (other than 11) maybe you are getting interferance? Also, I have found that perhaps *height* is the most important factor. I was getting ok connections in other rooms with the doors closed, I moved it up on a bookshelf, and no more problems so far.

But, as it all comes down, the problems are with the Netgear router (at least the connects) not fully supporting the intel power management features. Hopefully the next firmware upgrade will fix many more problems.

seeDerekNow · Answer

Wow, I see a lot of threads about problems w/ the Intel 2100 + Netgear.  I have a Netgear card. Has anyone disabled the Intel and used a Netgear external card with better results?

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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