X61 WiFi Problems - Intel 4965AG

[blue2]

Using an X61, the Intel 4965AG drops the signal continually. Sometimes in just minutes, other times after hours. However, the system tray still shows me to be connected when I am NOT. Closing and then re-opening the wifi connection doesn't help. Trying an ipconfig /release and /renew doesn't seem to work via limited user account. The only solution is to reboot.

I noticed the same thing happening with my T61 which used the same WiFi card.

I've tried all the recommended fixes:
- latest driver
Configured wifi settings:
- WMM Disabled
- Power Management to Highest
- Roaming Aggressiveness to Lowest
- Transmit Power to Highest
- Set to NOT Allow Computer to Turn Off Device to Save Power
- Tried both with Zero Config and with Intel ProSet/Wireless Wifi software (made no difference)

Some seem to have resolved the issue, but for me, there's no joy. My wife's X60s, which uses the 3945 ABG card, appears to have NO such issues.

Is this a confirmed Intel issue, and if so, why on some units, but not others? Perhaps a router compatibility issue (it's happened to me with both my ISP's routers in two different countries). If distance was the issue (I'm perhaps (15-20 feet away), wouldn't Zero Config or Intel ProSet showed that the connection dropped?

If this issue is NOT solvable, am I better off replacing the WiFi card? Will an "N" enabled card help? (Will it be not only more reliable but provide improved internet speeds?) Will an external card be more reliable?

[RealBlackStuff]

One of the better solutions is replacing the card with a 1/2-size Intel 6200N/6205N/6300N with a 1/2-size bracket.
All those cards run well with 2 wires.
Advantage: 1/2-size cards run cooler than full-size ones, and the above Intels work fine.

[blue2]

RealBlackStuff, thank you for that suggestion.

Is the Intel 4965AG a known problem with Lenovo users?

And the Intel 6200N/6205N/6300N cards are whitelisted (as long as they have Lenovo P.N.s) or will this require a modified bios?

Does the required 1/2 size bracket have any particular name to search for it on ebay or elsewhere?

Is heat the source of the problems I indicated? I don't seem many of these 6200N/6205N/6300N cards listed on Ebay in Europe, so I'd like to avoid difficult fixes.

Sorry for so many questions...

[RealBlackStuff]

Any T61/R61/X61 should get Middleton's BIOS http://ali.dj/blog/sata-ii-support-for- ... 61-x61-r61
It adds Slic2.1 to the BIOS, removes the wifi-whitelist, makes your HD/SSD run at SATA II speed and a few other things.
This is what those brackets look like: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161577339544

4695 has always run hotter than normal, especially in the tight space of an X61.
Heat leads to deterioration, so yes, heat might be the main problem.

[truk]

What operating system you are running?

[blue2]

What operating system you are running?

Sorry for the delay as I was traveling.

This unit is running XP Pro SP3, but this issue is clearly independent of the OS. I've checked the Lenovo site for drivers, tried what I could find on the Intel site, tried the Intel ProSet wireless software and configured the wireless card (maximum performance, to not shut off to save power, to not roam).

I've had this same issue with the Intel 4965AG with two different service providers and routers in two different countries. While my wife who works on an X60s with the Intel 3945 card can remain connected all day without problem.

What makes it particularly confusing is that when using either Zero Configuration or Intel ProSet, the wifi connection is reported as connected in the system tray, when there clearly is no longer a connection. So why are these not reporting the wireless status correctly?

Many Thinkpad users have complained about this particular wifi card, some resolving it and some not, so I think there is something wrong with the use of this card on certain Thinkpads and Lenovo and Intel have just ignored it.