2200BG speed fluctuates and other problems

[schk]

I just bought a T42 2378DUU for my brother to replace an old Dell laptop and everything has been fine with it except the wireless card. I was hesitant to purchase the thinkpad because of the conflicting reports about the 2200bg cards and the IBM a/b/g cards. I have a Dlink 624 54G router which I'm using with this laptop with the latest drivers and the laptop refuses to transfer at over 600kb/sec over the wireless connection whereas all my other 54g connected laptops and computers can get over 1mb/sec.

I have tried using solely IBM Access 3.3 or the default XP config. I've tried both SP1 and SP2, but the same problems arise. Using the XP config, the reported speed slowly drops and goes back up from 54 all the way to 1mbps (sometimes disconnects) and all the way back up to 54 or 48. This is in the same room as the router. All the while, the signal strength is 100%

Using IBM Access, the signal strength fluctuates from 50% to 100%, and the speeds drop just like when using XP. Keep in mind I am using each different config utilities exclusively as mentioned numerous times on this board and I have gone through multiple uninstallations of drivers and installing IBM access in proper order.

I've noticed a bunch of posts regarding 2200bg problems and t42 laptops, but none of them had any resolutions, except the occasional replacement of the card. But since these are not user serviceable I have to wait to send it in. I just bought this laptop this week so I am contemplating returning this for a refund/credit and purchasing the same model, but replacing it with an IBM a/b/g card. Sorry for this long post, but I am frustrated with this wireless problem and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks.

[jsmit86]

Did you tray a different Channel on the router?
(I had a similar issue. Changing the channel solved the problem)

[schk]

Yep, changing channels does no good. My house does not have any other 2.4ghz devices to interfere and the signal is clear around the house so it's not an interference issue. Another thing to note. I think it may be just terrible drivers for the 2200BG card since when the speed is reported to be 2mbps and signals are fluctuting wildly, the speed of a current download still is pretty consistent. It would be fine, if it was just wrong reporting of speeds/levels but I still can't get the speeds I would like. It seems to be maxing out at 802.11b speeds even if I set the router to G only or the card itself to g only.

[schk]

just an update for those who may have similar problems. I used DrTCP to change the RWIN value to 64240 and I can now get the speeds I want. I still have to double check on the wireless signal levels as that seems to be occasionally fluctuating right now. Things are looking better at the moment.

[ian]

I use the same router, but I have the IBM a/b/g card and to be perfectly honest the only difference I have noted is between the speeds indicated on the Windows and IBM icons in the system tray.

Windows always says "54Mbps excellent" (I am all of 50cm's away from the router!) while IBM Access Connections varies between 24Mbps and 54Mbps.

I don't know where my keyboard was born, or if the plastic for the palm rest comes from Nicaragua but I DO know that I have wireless G [censored] fast no matter what the icons say. (This is certainly no reflection to your sensible post, but one does get so tired of reading posts from people who want to change their laptop because there's an 'R' in the month or whatever.)

[schk]

It's good to hear you have the same router and the IBM a/b/g card and no problems. IBM just released another 2378 model for $100 more which is a Dothan 1.7 and has a Radeon 9000 64mb vs the 32mb 7500 on this laptop, so I have an additional incentive to return this laptop and purchase a new one with the IBM card besides the flaky speed readings on the 2200BG

After messing around, restoring to factory install, installing updated wireless drivers, and updating the RWIN value, I am getting full 54g speeds, but the speed periodically fluctuates all the way down to 1mbps and the card will also try re-establishing a wireless connection randomly. Since the Dlink router is Atheros based, I realize I should have chosen the IBM card in the first place had I done a bit more research before purchasing. I am a bit peeved though that IBM claimed there were no issues with the 2200BG card and specifically with the T42 model when I can find numerous posts on the web with the exact same issues. Besides the wireless problem, this laptop is great. I would buy one for myself if I hadn't recently switched to Macs

[ian]

schk
Glad to see this 'hiccup' hasn't put you off - one only has to look at some of the posts from people with purchasing power (JHEM says his wifes' company have ordered more than 10,000 IBM laptops etc.) to realise that we are really p****** in the wind if we think IBM will tweak their configs to suit us 'small' users. Shame reallly, considering the impressive lineup - one would have thought a little more modulability in order here...

[sktn77a]

Do you have a neighbor using extended channels/turbo mode - that can interfer with wireless setups in close proximity. Also, make sure that "802.1x Authentication" is unchecked in the wireless network setup settings.