Wireless Network Issues
 

I just got a new laptop and have been having some problems with the Wifi end of it. For some reason it will not stay logged on. Every couple minutes it requires me to "re-connect" any clue what this may be? I can't find any settings and no other computers have this issue. Thanks for the info!

This is on a Toshiba Satellite notebook running windows XP Home Edt.

do you have encryption setup on the router? i had a problem similar to that but was more like 30 minutes before it dropped.

also check to see for updates to your wifi card

I haven't checked for updates on the Wifi card yet. I will do that ASAP. I do have encrytion running but did disable it to see if that would help. The darn thing is dropping me about every 4-5 minutes! Grrrr.

Thanks for the help!

I have that issue on my laptop, although, not that frequently. My problem is attributable to distance. I have a desk top that is three times as far away and it gets a very strong signal and never drops off. The card on the laptop just doesn't seem to pick up the signal as strong and consequently, disconnects every so often. If I move closer to the router, it never drops.

I even notice it if my cat is right next to the card in the slot, the signal will drop off. Make him move and it comes back up. Weird. Plenty of variables to figure. Maybe an additional access point to give you more range?

It sounds like one of two things: signal strength or security. If you are reasonably close to the WAP, it shouldnt be the former. As for the latter, make sure it is disabled (no WEP enabled on either the WAP or the machine). If that fixes it, then you can move on from there.

Well after a lot of searching I finally figured it out. I don't know if this is what you were getting at sailor but here goes.

If you have windows XP SP1 there is a 802.11 authentication issue when running with a encrypted network. The computer will connect and run just fine for 3-5 minutes and then disconnect becuase the computer is unable to authenticate the connection. I ended up turning off the encryption but then enabled MAC restrictions so the only wifi that can access the router is the one with my MAC address that are entered.

If you want the tech bulliton I can post it - sounds like some one f-ed up again at microsoft!