ThinkVantage Access Connections

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BigMacSangwich · #1 Post by **BigMacSangwich** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:21 am

I was wondering if anybody noticed that the ThinkVantage Access Connections program is able to detect way further wireless networks than the default windows program. I also get a stronger signal.

There is an access point that has 100% signal strength according to the ThinkVantage program, but when i put my mouse over the windows wireless icon, it says the signal strength is Very Low.

I was wondering if this program actually makes your wi-fi signal better... or is this program buggy and that's why it says weak signals are strong?

Uncletoad · #2 Post by **Uncletoad** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:15 am

I quit using AC and went back to Windows and have better quicker more reliable connections.

I think AC is overrated.

pailhead · #3 Post by **pailhead** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 3:10 am

AC kept giving me dropouts so I uninstalled it. My connections are much better now.

It's completely unnecessary IMO. Why have an extra application running when Windows has a manager built in?

DragonMaster · #4 Post by **DragonMaster** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:01 pm

Well in my case, when I use the Windows manager, my wireless connection is very unreliable and there's often just no communication happening.

When I use the 3Com manager coming with my card, I can't get wireless to connect at all.

When I use ThinkVantage AC, my wireless connection becomes suddenly very reliable and transfer speeds are good.

But, when using wired connections, it's absolutely horrible. I can't get my wired connection working unless I disable it.

ThinkPad · #5 Post by **ThinkPad** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:28 pm

Uncletoad wrote:I quit using AC and went back to Windows and have better quicker more reliable connections.

I think AC is overrated.

+1 AC always dropped connections and would take forever to connect. I just use windows to connect

Trekk69 · #6 Post by **Trekk69** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 4:03 am

Can you just uninstall AC from the Add/Remove Programs?

goofyGAguy · #7 Post by **goofyGAguy** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:14 am

Trekk69 wrote:Can you just uninstall AC from the Add/Remove Programs?

Yes, but it will probably be listed under " Access IBM Tools. "

Trekk69 · #8 Post by **Trekk69** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:27 am

Thanks,
Ya I found it, just listed as 'Thinkvantage Access Connections'

#9 Post by **ryengineer** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:26 pm

I was never a fan of Access Connections but lately after reusing it I've found it to be very useful especially when it comes to creating a new profile and managing my connections.

Just always remember to uninstall AC first before installing new network drivers.

iminj · #10 Post by **iminj** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:37 am

I was never a fan of Access Connections but lately after reusing it I've found it to be very useful especially when it comes to creating a new profile and managing my connections.

I recently removed Access Connections because of problems connecting to external servers using openvpn.

After I went back to XP's own native zero-configuration network tools, everything worked nicely, but I really missed AC's ability to handle multiple profiles. Recently, I discovered an alternative - netsetman, which manages multiple profiles, is lightweight, and works alongside XP zero-conf.

http://www.netsetman.com/

Trekk69 · #11 Post by **Trekk69** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:42 am

Checked out netsetman. The Vista version is still beta, for others interested.

#12 Post by **bill bolton** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:06 am

iminj wrote:netsetman, which manages multiple profiles

It appears to have a limit of six profiles, which is quite restrictive in terms of industrial strength connection management!

Cheers,

Bill B.

Trekk69 · #13 Post by **Trekk69** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:15 am

The freeware version is limited, but the Pro has unlimited (all for 12 Euro, for 1 license)

iminj · #14 Post by **iminj** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:28 am

It was not my intention to set up an AC vs netsetman debate.

Access Connections served me perfectly for several years on 3 different ThinkPads until I decided to use openvpn for encrypted wireless surfing when using public routers. Unfortunately, AC conflicted with openvpn. I decided to seek alternatives, and I discovered netsetman.

It's a solution that meets MY current needs perfectly and I felt it this forum was an appropriate place to share this with other ThinkPad owners who may have similar requirements . It may not be for everyone else - and I can live with that.

Thanks.

Trekk69 · #15 Post by **Trekk69** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:41 am

Sorry, if it seemed like I was instigating a debate....didn't mean too!
Just providing some extra information for those that are interested.

Sorry again, I apologize

ThinkVantage Access Connections

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