A31 and wireless. Where lies the problem in this case?

[emeu1]

Hello,

I'm having the following problem since months, hope someone has any clues to what the cause is so I can find a solution.

Facts:
1. Zyxel P-2602-HW-61C ADSL router with latest firmware installed.
2. Freecom NAS drive wired (network cable) to Zyxel router
3. Thinkpad A31 with Win XP Pro and Intel 2200BG 54Mb wireless mini-pci card installed

Tasks:
I'm currently converting all my music CD's to MP3. A31 wireless connected to the Zyxel router. Freecom NAS drive mapped as network drive N:\ on the A31. I rip the CD directly to drive N:.

Problem:
When I do so, after a couple of songs (not allways the same number of songs or after a certain amount of time) Windows reports that it lost the network connection with N:. The wireless adapter has then lost the connection with the Zyxel router. I then need to reconnect the wireless adapter to restore the connection to N:.

Already tested:
When I rip CD's while the A31 is physically wired to the Zyxel router, I never lose the connection with drive N:, only when doing this over a wireless connection.
I've used several different application that can rip a CD to MP3. The problem occurs which each application. So my conclusion: the application is not the cause.

Win XP Pro is up to date (no updates found for my computer if I use Microsoft Update).

I've tested several wireless network cards. The problem occurs when using:

Intel 2200BG mini-PCI
Broadcom 4563? mini-PCI
Sweex LW056 PCMCIA
Linksys WPC54G (v3.1) PCMCIA

Only when I use the Eminent EM4456 PCMCIA wireless adapter, the problem does not occur.
However, when I use that adapter, my wife's Thinkpad T40 loses the network connection to the Zyxel router almost every 3 to 5 minutes. Up until now I haven't been able to find a second Eminent EM4456 PCMCIA adapter for my wife's T40 (I assume the problem would be over if I install an EM4456 in her Thinkpad as well). I've had the Intel 2200BG and Broadcom mini-PCI cards in the T40 up until now. With both cards (and the Eminent in my A31) the T40 loses the connection with the router after about 3 to 5 minutes.

I've tried numerous different adapter settings as well as different settings in the Zyxel. Also tried the previous firmware version of the Zyxel as Zyxel states that that version can handle older wireless cards better. Nothing helped so far.

Does anyone recognise this problem?
Has anyone a clue why the problem (losing the connection with the router) does not occur while using the Eminent PCMCIA card but does occur when using one of the other wireless network adapters?
Is it indeed "a network problem" and when yes, where should I look / what settings should I change? And, settings on the A31 or on the Zyxel router or on both?

Hope someone has a hint.

[RealBlackStuff]

My simple suggestion would be to use a wired connection from A31 to the router, rather than a wireless, where your problem is.
Something/somebody interferes with your wifi connection.
Try 802.11A (if possible) rather than G, to see if that improves.
You may have loads of neighbors also trying out the G-band.

[jronald]

Wireless is a great idea, but in reality, its far from a wired "sure" thing. I have 6 to 8 WAPs running on separate channels on my 1.25 acres of property. Im running Intel in two versions. Broadcom in 2 versions and Atheros in 4 or 5 versions. From time to time, for no particular reason they drop the signals. Keep in mind sometimes differnet brands will drop at the same time from the same WAP but also sometimes that drop from different WAPs at the same time. Thats important! Sometimes its the environment and sometimes the equipment!

Mission critical, wire it, there's a reason.
Ron