802.11g channels 12+13 - how?

[AuroraGuy]

Ok...any GURUs out there?

I live in a very congested area with WIFI. When I had my last notebook, I used ZyAir products...I was able to access channels 12 or 13 on the wireless and this solved my issues as no one can easily use those on most products

Is there any way to setup the T60 with Intel 3945ABG card to see and use channels 12/13?

-JD

[hypnotik]

Where are you based?

The US only allows channels 1-11. Whereas Europe allows 1-13. Perhaps installing a European driver/firmware version will enable channels 12 & 13?

[wev162]

If your in the US be careful with altering the available channels, you definately don't want to annoy the FCC by utilizing unauthorized frequencies.

[DIGITALgimpus]

Yup, using channels outside the restrictions of your location is an FCC violation. I'd be careful.

[GomJabbar]

You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.11

[zyphria]

Best solutions? 802.11a. Almost no one uses it.

[Patrick B]

Yup, using channels outside the restrictions of your location is an FCC violation. I'd be careful.

The FCC is largely a paper tiger when it comes to enforcing issues like this, so I wouldn't worry about opening up channels 12 and 13 being a risk for fines and/or going to jail.

However, channels (really just steps in centre frequency) in an 802.11 b/g environment generally overlap. The only non-overlapping channels are 1, 6 and 11. 11 already overlaps parts of channels 12 and 13, so there is little to be gained (particularly if someone is using channel 11 in your nearby area) by trying to use them.

Now, if you REALLY wanted to use them, they are legal in Australia, so you could buy an Australian spec wifi card / router, and have access to them.

I'm not sure if Intel disables the channels by firmware, or on the actual card itself. I suspect it's firmware based, which implies that you could download firmware for another region (Australia again, for example), and gain access to the channels.

As I said, however, it doesn't really get you anything, so it's largely an exercise in futility.


Pat