802.11n and WEP/WPA security setting?

[twister]

I'm reposting this question from my original thread at NBR, since not too many people know about this.

Finally got my wireless setup working. I have Thinkpad T60 with built-in Atheros a/b/g/n wireless card. Had to drop my original Linksys WRT54G due to a short coverage range, and switched to Belkin N1. That gave me more headaches with a first unit being defective and having lots of disconnects with a replacement unit (got it to work first at G-rate only after uninstalling AC, than wireless signal got lost again). Did some reading, and found D-Link DIR655 Xtreme N. Got it today, and it works beautifully. N rate connection gets established without any problem. I'm still not using AC, running XP wireless connection manager.

Here is my question. Everywhere I read it states that draft N version doesn't support security encryption of WEP/WPA. In order to run at N rate, I have to turn the security off and use MAC filtering to just allow my home laptop (or any other family laptops) to login and to use the network connection. I confirmed that with my new D-Link router (it actually spells it out in there). When WPA security is set, I can only connect at G rate. When its turned off, back to N rate. This also explains why I could not connect at N rate with Belkin when WEP was set. Is this just a temporary solution because of the draft N mode? Will a regular WPA security be implemented in the future with a full blown N standard?

[pinesol]

I understand N version uses more secure encryption, WPA-AES.

You have to set your router and your computer to the same encryption scheme. The Thinkvantage AC has the option of WPA-AES. So you may need to install AC.

[twister]

Actually, when you go into D-Link (DIR655) setup and select WEP, it tells you that only G rate will be available since pre N doesn't support WEP. It supposed to support WPA with pre N, but I still getting G rate with WPA enabled. Either way, its good enough for me. I haven't tried re-installing AC back. Will give it a try. BTW, DIR655 is a monster with so many settings and config options. Its definitely not your "user friendly" home router. This machine is a beast

[Ken Fox]

I understand N version uses more secure encryption, WPA-AES.

You have to set your router and your computer to the same encryption scheme. The Thinkvantage AC has the option of WPA-AES. So you may need to install AC.

the native Windows XP wireless program has no difficulty with WPA-PSK-AES. AC not required

[pinesol]

the native Windows XP wireless program has no difficulty with WPA-PSK-AES. AC not required

I suppose you have to uninstall AC to use the WinXP program since I can't use it.

My question is why you uninstall AC? I have flawless, fast wireless web browsing with AC intact.

[Ken Fox]

the native Windows XP wireless program has no difficulty with WPA-PSK-AES. AC not required

I suppose you have to uninstall AC to use the WinXP program since I can't use it.

My question is why you uninstall AC? I have flawless, fast wireless web browsing with AC intact.

AC is but another program used in lieu of the windows native wireless access program. AC has the "potential" to manage multiple location profiles for users who frequently move around and access a wide variety of wireless and wired networks. As such, it memorizes and organizes such things as encryption passwords and mundane things like which printer to use in which location.

If it was written tightly in a way that did not use a lot of system resources, and worked well, I'd use it myself.

Although I was able to use it for a couple of years, recent iterations have become bloated and have not been very will integrated with whatever wireless card drivers are available for a given system at a given time. As a result, there have been many people who have been either unable to use it at all, or at least unable to use it easily due to resource conflicts, or without a whole lot more effort than the program is worth for their usage behavior.

Whether you should use AC is entirely a personal decision, but do not attribute unique abilities to this program that are also present in native windows such as the ability to use various encryption schemes. The fact that you can browse the internet quickly is attributable to your internet service provider, your router, and your wireless communications card; it is not because of AC, which merely allows packaged location switching for people who move around a lot.

It is not necessary to use AC to have this functionality as it is inherent in the current versions of Windows XP.

[dr_st]

I suppose you have to uninstall AC to use the WinXP program since I can't use it.

No, you don't. You can have AC, just not use both at the same time. The moment you let AC manage the wireless device, the Windows utility steps down, and vice versa.

[pinesol]

Whether you should use AC is entirely a personal decision, but do not attribute unique abilities to this program that are also present in native windows such as the ability to use various encryption schemes. The fact that you can browse the internet quickly is attributable to your internet service provider, your router, and your wireless communications card; it is not because of AC, which merely allows packaged location switching for people who move around a lot.

Well, if you go back and read what prompted this thread and another related one, you will understand why I asked the question. The original poster started another thread complaining about extremely slow web browsing.

And then some people adviced him to uninstall AC. Do you now see why I asked the question?

By the way what is bloated about AC? As I said, my Internet connection and web browsing seemed to me fast and efficient.

[twister]

as an "original poster" my problem was w/Belkin N1 router. First one was defective, second has some issues too. So far DIR655 does the job well, gives me a decent extended coverage (I still think Belkin has the stronger wi-fi signal), and router has TONS of config options for a maximum flexibility. After a few days of running it, knock on wood, both browsing and d/l speed are fast.

The issues with my original post has not been resolved since I have to wait until I will talk to D-Link tech support. They exclusively state that WEP is not supported in draft N and switching to WEP will cap the speed to 54Mbps. WPA is supported, but its capping my connection to 54Mbps as well. As soon as I turn it off, goes back to 300Mbps. I will have to resolve this issue with their tech support, and I'm sure its a matter of a new firmware. Its not bothering me because G/N rates are way above my cable connection anyway. Those have only an advantage when you have a wired/wireless PC server which you use to stream movies, songs, or any large files. I'm not doing either of those, and just interested for now in a stable and a fast wireless connection.

Happy New Year!!!

[patfla]

Duh but - how does one even find an 802.11 a/b/g/n (it's the N that I want) adapter while making a T60 purchase?

I don't find 802.11 a/b/g/n anywhere under Customize for any particular model. Nor do I see in the Accessories list.

pat

[twister]

For Thinkpad "N" card (wth Atheros chipset) you have to order over the phone. Its only $20 more than original ABG card.

[patfla]

Thanx. Wonder why it's not up on the web site?

[pinesol]

Thanx. Wonder why it's not up on the web site?

My gues is that they are in short supply.

I also have one, but I had to convince the salesman that this card was available because he insisted there was no such a thing.

[Scratch]

It most likely is a FW issue on the router. WEP is on the way out (Amen) so it's not surprising that the new standard disallows it.

As regards AccConn; most of the issues that people have run into seem to stem from the fact that there are more steps required to pass sole control over from XP and Intel connection management than are openly proffered. Once you do the legwork and understand what to disable and what to remove via MSConfig etc., AccConn becomes stable and eminently usable. As far as bloat goes, it is more gluttonous than it would seemingly need to be to function, but software in general has moved in that direction over time.

As I'm what Ken referred to IOT as a frequent mover I appreciate the multiple profile management of AccConn. It has made life a lot easier for me and for many of my users.

[claudeo]

Access Connections works for me but I am under the strong impression after experimentation and reading of posts in various forums that it is extremely fussy about the underlying hardware and drivers, so you have to be quite careful about updates.

Regarding the OP I don't see any grounds for complaints that WPA is only supported up to 54Mbps for a Pre-N router, *especially* when connecting with a client from another brand. Pre-N is a euphemism for "unapproved draft standard on which different vendors disagree" and therefore should be considered experimental, as in "you might get lucky, or you might not". In your case, it looks like you bought the hype but not the reality.

[creed_mty]

ok I understand all about the wireless N.

When I ordered my laptop the salesman told me and insisted that tere was no such a thing coming out like someone posted here so, is true. So i had no choice to get the intel a/b/g .

ok. Now I have the intel wireless a/b/g so can anybody tell me what router is best suited to thinkpad t60 and what security setting is best to protrect my network?? I live in a apartment complex and i think i can be exposed to someone is going to sneak on my network.

Any help I will really appreciate! Thank's.

[Scratch]

I use a lowly LinkSys Wireless (+4 port) Router/firewall.

Once Wireless Zero Configuration was disabled I've had Zero connectivity problems. I run Access Connections to maintain a slew of travel profiles.

I set up the following standard options.

Non-broadcast SSID
MAC Address filtering
Changed the non-routable addressing scheme & HTTPS.
Static IP scheme
WPA2 with AES
Long complex passphrase non-alphas and no words. Changed weekly.

It's worked for me so far. Is it perfect? I doubt it, but then what is in the IT world.

[hoya]

twister - are you still happy with the DIR-655? reviews are good on that model and I was also looking at the SMCWBR14-N SMC BArricade which is based on the same Atheros chipset but costs a bit less than the DIR.