[SOLVED] Having to frequently repair wireless connection...

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anthony · #1 Post by **anthony** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:06 pm

Sorry if this has been discussed, but I couldn't find it in my search.

Over the past couple of months, my wireless is frequently just becoming disconnected. I'm running XP and must choose the "repair connection" option to get back online. Is there an update or new driver that I should be using? Other issues?

I'm using a Netgear wireless router if that matters. This is a new situation that just started happening. I have made no changes to the original equipment package that came with my notebook.

TIA.

killer · #2 Post by **killer** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:00 pm

Are you using Access Connections?

sarbin · #3 Post by **sarbin** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:07 pm

are you in the process of large downloads when the disconnect occurs?

anthony · #4 Post by **anthony** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:52 pm

Sorry. no to both questions. I'm using Windows Network Connections. That's the only thing I've ever used. And I'm not downloading. Just browsing and blogging. Strange....

sarbin · #5 Post by **sarbin** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:32 pm

does your router have spi (stateful packet inspection) and if so, is it enabled?

Nick Y · #6 Post by **Nick Y** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:47 am

I had a similar problem with my T43 and Netgear DG834G up to a few weeks ago. I thought it was interference, from a nearby router, but ruled that out. I tried changing power levels and ad hoc channels (even though I don't use ad hoc). In the end I changed the 2915ABG driver and that seemed to cure it.

As I am unable to find the install log, for drivers, I cannot confirm the old version. Current version, via Device Manager, is Intel 9.0.4.37. (25/07/2007). I did install access connections, whereas I hadn't had that installed previously, but that didn't seem to make any difference.

anthony · #7 Post by **anthony** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:32 pm

I think there is a more current driver dated 12/07

About 1/2 way down this page...
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-58597

anthony · #8 Post by **anthony** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:46 pm

sarbin wrote:does your router have spi (stateful packet inspection) and if so, is it enabled?

Sorry sarbin. Don't know what that means....

img]http://kellsmurthwaite.files.wordpress. ... /dunce.jpg[/img]

sktn77a · #9 Post by **sktn77a** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:14 pm

What model netgear router?

NorrisCell · #10 Post by **NorrisCell** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:14 pm

Are you running SP3? There have been reports of connectivity issues with SP3, and I've experienced some problems with lost connections since installing it myself. I'm considering rolling it back

sarbin · #11 Post by **sarbin** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:17 pm

anthony wrote:
sarbin wrote:does your router have spi (stateful packet inspection) and if so, is it enabled?
Sorry sarbin. Don't know what that means....

spi is a function some (most?) routers have which inspects each and every packet passing through the router. it's primarily a defense against denial of service attacks, i believe. the issue can be that on inexpensive devices, spi can be more demanding on the hardware then it can handle well.

my father has a netgear wgr614 v3 that would frequently drop wireless connections under conditions of high load. a post somewhere on netgear's support forum suggested disabling spi as a poor workaround. i tested it on my father's device and it hasn't dropped a connection since.

for reference, on a netgear wgr614 v3, the setting is located in "advanced... wan setup... disable spi firewall (checkbox)".

anthony · #12 Post by **anthony** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 7:42 pm

Thanks Sarbin. I found it. Will try that suggestion and let you know.

BTW, my model is the 614v6.

why2kliu · #13 Post by **why2kliu** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 1:08 am

You might have interference from another gadget using the same wireless channel; change the router channel to some strange one like 2 or 4 or 12.

anthony · #14 Post by **anthony** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:33 pm

OK. Don't want to jinx myself, but it's been up about 5 hours without crashing. Before I was lucky to get 15 minutes.

Disabling the SPI did not help. But thanks for your help Sarbin. I learned something new. Here's what I finally ended up doing. W went to the Intel site and downloaded the latest software version for the card. I use their version, not the Lenovo version since their version had a later date. Then I uninstalled my OEM software and installed the upgrade. That seems to have helped, fingers crossed.

Note: Once installed, the card attempts to use the Intel wireless connection utility. But it is very cumbersome and slow with several steps to choose networks. Fortunately, under the Advanced tab, there you can choose to let Windows manage the WiFi adapter. Back to normal.....

Thanks for the heavy thinking everyone. I'll check back in soon and let you how well and how long this workaround and crossing your fingers worked.

Ciao.

anthony · #15 Post by **anthony** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:45 am

OK. It's the next morning, and it held overnight. Although I did keep the power on/monitor off rather than my usual hibernate. Still, I am cautiously optimistic that this fix has worked.

The download is here -->
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_ ... l&lang=eng
[Sorry this link doesn't like the asterisk. You'll have to cut and paste. Or goggle "Intel® PROSet/Wireless Network Connection Software for Windows* XP 32-Bit"]

They recommend going to the manufacturer's site and downloading the OEM version, but I highly recommend you scan further down the page and download Intel's. It will not upgrade, you will have to uninstall your current software from the Control Panel. Remember to use the Advanced tab to return WiFi management to Windows after installation.

I hope that you never have this problem. But if you do, I hope this helps.

anthony

img]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43 ... ye-bye.jpg[/img]

#16 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:37 am

Mod Edit Broke .img tags because per the forum rules inline PICs are not allowed without a warning in the subject line. - Harry

anthony · #17 Post by **anthony** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:29 pm

Sorry Harry. Can you fix the link?

My wireless has been continuously up for 24 hours without problems, so I feel comfortable marking this solved.

[SOLVED] Having to frequently repair wireless connection...

[SOLVED] Having to frequently repair wireless connection...

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