General Wireless Solutions

[joe]

This is a collection of general steps to solve wireless problems. It's not exhaustive, but try the steps here if you're having problems.
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1) As a general rule, keep things updated. This means the latest firmware for both router and cards and the latest drivers for the cards.
2) Keep windows updated as well. If using winXP, install the patch discussed here http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;826942 . You may need other patches if using a USB card.
3) As far as security goes, start simple and build up. This means turning encryption off and filters off if you're having problems. This means keeping SSID broadcast turned on. This means maximum broadcast power. Once the connection is established, you can add MAC filters, enable WEP, reduce signal power, and turn-off SSID.
4) Use basic settings. If your router has options that allow for speed boosting technologies, turn them off until you get things working. Often such settings only work with a few specified models within a brand and can cause problems for anything else.
5) Don't have two programs installed to do the same thing. Experiment with using XP's utility and the one that came with your card. If you like XP, uninstall the one that came with the card. If you like the card's then make sure XP's utility stays off.
6) Experiment with settings. If DHCP isn't working well, try using static addresses. Make sure the wireless component of your router is set to broadcast!
7) If you're connecting but having sharing problems disable personal firewalls. Turn net bios on.
Troubleshoot problems with clients close to routers or access points to ensure that distance is not the problem.
9) Try connecting via Ethernet to confirm that the problem is wireless in nature.

[Mel]

I have nothing but success with all Linksys cards and other products. They are by far the easiest to setup and less suspect to some of the quirky wireless updates from MS.