T42 Networking Issues

[arun]

Guys,

I setup my T42 with my network. Consists of Desktop, Netgear WGR614, T42 and T41.

I also have Windows Firewall on and as well as McCaffee Firwall.

When I set the WEP key on the router. It works but then after a while I can not access the internet.

What is going on here? Are firewalls causing a problem? When I take the WEP Key off , I have problems at all.

Thansk.

[GomJabbar]

I've brought this up before, but no one seems to like what works for me and my T-42. I use the latest IBM/Lenovo drivers with my network card (the Intel 2200 BG), and latest version of IBM Access Connections. I set up my IP Address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS servers manually. You can do this by going to the TCP/IP settings page in Access Connections, or (under properties) for your wireless adapter in Network Connections. You get this information while you have an active wireless connection. Note: for the IP Address, the last 3 digits have to be unique for each computer connected. Since wired ethernet connections seem to take precedence, choose a number with a higher value for your wireless connections than for your wired connections.

With the above setup, I don't lose my wireless connection except sometimes when the laptop goes into standby. Then it's easy to get it back. Just click the disconnect button in Access Connections, then when the disconnect is complete, click the connect button.

Regarding the WEP key. If the adapter cards in your computers, and your router will accept a WPA-PSK/TKIP security key, that is a more secure way to go.

[arun]

Is there a given stable solution using Intel 2200BG.

I have Proset drivers installed on my computer intel. The latest ones. I also have the Access Connetions .. I am not sure if all these conflict each other. I am thinking about removing all of them and starting over.

What is the best way to make sure the internet connection works with setting fixed IP addresses.

[GomJabbar]

Well, if you don't like my above solution, you can download the latest drivers from Intel's site. I tried them about 6 months ago (the version wireless_9.0.1.0_-_generic_tic_90281.exe available in Feb. 05). They did seem to be the most stable drivers at the time. I used Intel's Pro Set wireless manager when I had those drivers installed. If I remember accurately, the version of IBM's Access Connections that was available then did not work with the new Intel drivers. The reason I did not stay with this setup was that I lost the Fn + F5 key combination for turning the wireless radio on and off.

I think what might be happening here with the connection being lost is that when the laptop tries to renew or refresh the IP address, the router already has the current IP address the laptop is using. So the router will not refresh the IP address because it shows the laptop as already connected. The laptop on the other hand needs to get the IP address again from the router. When you set up the IP address manually, the laptop does not need to get the IP address from the router as laptop already has it. Anyway that's my speculation on the subject (I really don't have any real Network training).

[PilotDave]

GomJabbar,

Could you please help me decipher the correct manual wireless settings for my IBM Access Connections?

How do you determine the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway settings? My guess is a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0 and a Default Gateway of 0.0.0.0.

The DNS Server Addresses are a mystery to me. What have you found to be successful there?

Thank you!

Dave