networking: IBM Access Connections vs. Windows XP (SP2)

[ivan]

when it comes to wireless networking does anyone know:

the pros and cons of IBM Access Connections over (SP2 improved) plain Windows-XP connectivity?

-ivan

[jdhurst]

Access Connections allows you to set up various profiles - wired and wireless. Once set up, switching is automatic and (importantly) if you are running wired, the wireless radio is turned off. This prevents conflicts (which otherwise do happen) and the switching automation is slick.

I never used Access Connections when I only used wired connections, and indeed, in that case, there is no need for it. But now I have wireless and wired combinations, I would not be without it.
... JD Hurst

[ivan]

Access Connections allows you to set up various profiles - wired and wireless. Once set up, switching is automatic and (importantly) if you are running wired, the wireless radio is turned off. This prevents conflicts (which otherwise do happen) and the switching automation is slick.

i get a sense that the connection, until it is 'operational', with IBM Access to wireless networks takes a bit longer than when i used the plain windows on my previous laptop. is it possible that with all the options also comes needless protocols that slow it down?

-ivan

[jdhurst]

<snip>
i get a sense that the connection, until it is 'operational', with IBM Access to wireless networks takes a bit longer than when i used the plain windows on my previous laptop. is it possible that with all the options also comes needless protocols that slow it down?

-ivan

I don't think it is needless protocols, rather I think it is just looking through the connections it has to find the right one. The time doesn't fuss me. ... JD Hurst

[hkhalil]

I too noticed the lag..

I would have Outlook open on startup and the network connection would never be up before it tried to send/receive.

The newest version of Access Connections is much better at doing this. Also; If you have auto switching enabled, it tries them in a top down order. My order was: With DHCP 1st, fixed IP 2nd. This switching, as mentioned by someone already, takes extra time too.

The way I move between networks means it's easy for me to disable the auto switching and just select what I need (DHCP or No). The next time you log on or reboot, the laptop will use the last connection almost immediatley.

hope this helps

[Leeper]

we had a bunch of issues with AC and our 802.1x stuff via wifi. Caused us to kill off AC on all Thinkpads.

The whole wifi world is much better under XP SP2 so unless you really want the profile stuff I would say leave AC off the machine.